PUBLICANS in Aberystwyth have endured tough trading conditions in January as regulars tried to cut costs and get fit after Christmas.

They are looking forward to February, when students return and people flock to the pubs to watch the Six Nations rugby competition.

“Terrible,” replied Ian Blair, owner and licensee of the Ship and Castle, when asked how trade was in January.

“People get to Christmas and then in January they really feel the pinch.

“The problem is always that people get paid before Christmas and then don’t get paid again until the end of January.

“It is the same everywhere — people don’t have much money and also want to get rid of the festive bulge.

“With the students, who keep us going the rest of the year, term is starting later this year, and it is also the exam period so they are studying.

“I expect it to pick up in the next two weeks. Everyone is waiting for February when the Six Nations starts.”

And Iestyn Evans, licensee of Yr Hen Llew Du on Bridge Street, added: “It is the perfect storm — people are trying to be healthy, their credit cards are maxed out and the Six Nations are just around the corner.

“Students go home at Christmas and in January they used to keep you going. But this year seems especially tough — I think most students have stayed home to revise."

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online on Wednesday