The local community have expressed concern over the “bedlam” caused by bikers on Aberystwyth promenade last weekend.

Aberystwyth Councillor Mark Strong told the Cambrian News said he witnessed bikers descend on the promenade in their masses last weekend, 11 and 12 July.

Cllr Strong said: “Needless to say I was horrified with some of what I saw.

“A number of people were attempting to social distance, but this was made impossible by some who created a situation around 1pm on Saturday that me uncomfortable enough to return along the opposite pavement to the promenade.

“I have to say that some bikers were behaving in a perfectly appropriate way, however a large number were not.”

Richard Griffiths, who owns the Richmond Hotel on the promenade, also commented on the crowds: “As a business we are working, like so many others, to abide with all the rules and regulations with Covid-19.

“We’re jumping through hoops, we’re explaining to great lengths to customers are coming what is expected and that’s taking us a lot of effort to get right, because we want to protect our staff, guests, and the local.

“And then you have, arriving on the promenade, uncontrolled numbers of bikers not socially distancing. The local authority was caught out because they didn’t put out the chain.”

Richard reported, at one point, the bikers were parked in such a way that the walking area on the promenade was only six foot, preventing many pedestrians from socially distancing.

Both Richard and Cllr Strong told the Cambrian News that there have been ongoing community concerns regarding some bikers who arrive the promenade every year.

“Over the years, there’s been a free for all in Aberystwyth,” Cllr Strong said.

“Many of the bikers are really responsibly and are considerate of other people, but there is a certain element of rebelliousness and they are there to show off.

“I’ve got hoteliers who say that they’ve lost bookings because of the noise from the bikers.

“Is it fair that somebody that has a 1000cc motorbike can be revving it up and showing what it can do on the promenade at half past nine in the morning?”

Cllr Strong is urging people to continue to behave responsibly and maintain the two-metre social distance, despite the easing of lockdown restrictions: “Contrary to what some people may think, the emergency is not over, it could very easily worsen. I do not want our area to be hit like Leicester.”

Cllr Strong added: “I’m told that a number of measures will be put in place on the promenade by the next weekend to ensure our safety.

“This will include the reinstatement of the chain around the motorbike area, planters and hopefully the reopening of the public toilets.”