BUSINESSES are urging people to ‘embrace’ the new pedestrian zone in Aberystwyth.

Polly Leonard, owner of Polly’s in Aberystwyth, said she understands concerns about the scheme, but is urging people not to punish the “amazing independents” in the town centre.

She said: “I really understand this is extremely difficult for the less able among us, and the people who live in the town, but as traders we have had no choice but to accept and indeed embrace this situation and no prior warning.

“We hope you continue to support us and give this new town a try. This situation allows us to safely share our streets with our much-needed visitors.”

And the owners of a garage in the centre of the ‘safe zone’, who were left effectively unable to open say they are ‘relieved’ at a council U-turn allowing them access for business use.

On 17 July, Modurdy’r Talbot Garage owners David and Amy Rowlands were informed by Rhodri Llwyd, council head of highways, they would now be allowed to drive in the safe zone, via Portland Street and New Street.

While the changes are a “relief” for the couple, they said the “stress and strain” from the past two weeks is the worst they have suffered since they inherited the garage from David’s parents in 2005.

Amy said: “We should not have officially learned that our business was threatened by an online press release late on a Friday afternoon with no chance to do anything about it before implementation on Monday morning.

“This should not have happened to any business or resident in the town.”

The council said: “We are grateful for the co-operation shown by businesses and residents within our town centres as we implement these measures to safeguard and protect people’s health and wellbeing.

“Equally, we have listened to the concerns raised by the owners of Modurdy’r Talbot Garage, and responded to them by introducing adjustments to allow them to continue to trade with minimum disruptions. The adjustments are for strictly outlined business related reasons only.”

Cafés and restaurants in the town, such as The Carlton, have now been able to put tables and chairs outside in the safe zone.

The Carlton co-owner Antonia Jones said: “It’s nice seeing people outside, when the weather’s nice, it’s a nice atmosphere. People seem to be quite chatty when they order.

“It benefits us because people would normally have to come upstairs but now I’ve put everything outside. But the council need to clean the streets.”