Editor

I am a resident of Aberystwyth, and also enjoy campervanning with my wife. We have travelled all over Europe and enjoyed our local surroundings in Ceredigion on many occasions, sometimes staying overnight. The quotes you have reported are passionate exaggerations.

If you actually look at the demographic of the campervan and motorhome users you will note that the majority are 50 years plus, and eligible for all things ‘Saga’. At no time in my many years of walking and sometimes parking on the promenade have I observed a campervan or motorhome, “using the prom as a toilet”. Nor am I aware of any, “awful stench”. I do though see, on occasions, drunken patrons using the promenade as a toilet. I also note from their expert opinion that Cllr Edwards must have extensive knowledge and substantive qualifications in mains sewerage and chemical formulas.

If we think about this objectively and accept that there is a protective feeling from being a local resident; yes, we want to preserve our beautiful Aberystwyth. But preservation is the wrong thing - we need to adapt and develop as society changes. Touring in a vehicle with overnight facilities is extremely popular and sometimes tourers do not want to be restricted to campsites. As a town we should be finding ways of inviting these visitors to our town. Ultimately while they are here, they invest in the local shops and infrastructure, helping support valuable jobs. Ways should be found to accommodate all visitors and not just those on camping sites, in hotels or staying for the longer term such as students.

Yes, there is a need for enforcement of the parking laws. The town has parking officers and police officers to stop these very issues. Where were they? We do currently have free council parking, but parking on a pavement is unlawful and a ticket should have been issued. Likewise, if an obstruction was caused then there are powers to remove the vehicle.

But why is it that all campervans are identified as an issue when during term-time town is gridlocked by students parking their vehicles in the streets, including South Road and South Marine Terrace. No one mentions that.

I also agree that yes, there is also a need for better signage, the RNLI area being one such example. I totally agree that some people can be selfish and place tables next to their vehicles in a public place. There are businesses all over Aberystwyth doing that daily in the improvised pedestrian areas in the name of social distancing. I cannot see how having a picnic on a seat in public is such a huge issue. People sit on the benches provided along the prom all day eating and drinking. The only difference is that some people brought their own. It is a public place; people have rights to use it in any lawful way.

On my travels in Europe many towns have areas set aside for campervan and motorhome parking with built-in facilities. For a fee they offer fresh water, electric and sewerage disposal. There are a number of locations close to the town where such facilities can be offered. The park and ride car park across from the police station or the unused car park by the fire station.

A little investment from the council could generate revenue for the town and encourage more people to come and spend time in our lovely town.

Just enforcement is not the answer. If we just ban everyone from the town who annoy us, then we need to accept responsibility for killing our own town.

We all need to embrace society as it evolves and change with it. We need to be forward-thinking and encourage people to come here.

It would be great to see the elected councillors coming up with some inspirational ideas to develop the town, to make it better rather than holding it back. Now that, would be newsworthy.

Mr L J Dunn

Have your say on the local issues affecting you - email [email protected] or join in the conversation on our Facebook page