A councillor is calling on Aberystwyth Town Council to contact their counterparts in Llandudno to see how to “regenerate the town”, after a visit there showed it was “open and thriving” compared to Aberystwyth.

Cllr Mair Benjamin, in a letter to fellow councillors, said she was “amazed” after a visit to Llandudno to see the difference between the two towns.

“All the shops that have closed here in Aberystwyth are open and thriving, along with so many smaller independent shops, also their large out-of-town shopping areas are open and busy,” she said.

“The promenade was so clean, all the signs painted, prom planted up and also around the town, and none of these maze-like obstacle placed around the town.

“We all know the massive impact lockdowns and the coronavirus has had on our communities but surely now is the time more than ever to be proactive and show Aberystwyth Town Council can lead the way in encouraging growth and regeneration.”

Cllr Benjamin called for councillors to meet with Llandudno council and the town’s chamber of trade, and to hold a “full debate” on the issues affecting Aberystwyth town centre, including shop closures and safe zone restrictions.

Cllr Benjamin told the Cambrian News: “I am as concerned as residents are about the general state of the town and its lack of vision to attract locals and visitors into the town centre.

“Accepting there are Covid restrictions in place does not mean the town should be neglected or accept second best.”