ON-STREET advertising by businesses in Aberystwyth is “getting worse” and the “softly, softly” approach by Ceredigion council is “not working”, an Aberystwyth councillor has said.

Aberystwyth councillors met with Gerwyn Jones of Ceredigion County Council at a meeting last Monday to discuss the new authority initiative Caru Ceredigion.

Among the issues the campaign is dealing with is on-street advertising.

Cllr Wendy Morris told members: “Even for able-bodied people it’s very difficult navigating the town sometimes.

“It’s getting worse and the softly, softly approach isn’t working.

“Disabled people have a tough time, these A-boards cause a lot of problems but we don’t want to impact on traders’ profits.”

Mr Jones told members that despite the council having a “no obstructions at all” rule, little enforcement is carried out, with priority given to education and changing behaviour of businesses.

“We don’t have an enforcement led approach on this issue,” he said.

“We have to be careful about the use of resources and the backlash from traders were we to take a heavy-handed approach.

“Instead we talk to people.

“We go out and visit when we are made aware of any issues through complaints received.”

He said that it is hoped a more positive approach will “help modify businesses’ behaviour.”

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