A council car park is to be opened up to parents in Aberaeron after a child was hit by a vehicle near the primary school this week.

Ceredigion County Council is to open up the Penmorfa car park for parents of children attending Ysgol Gynradd Aberaeron according to local county councillor, Elizabeth Evans.

On Tuesday morning, 15 September, just before 9am, a pupil from Ysgol Gynradd Aberaeron was involved in a collision with a motor vehicle whilst crossing the road to go to school.

Dyfed-Powys Police and the Welsh Ambulance Service attended the scene just before 9am, and found the child had sustained “minor injuries” and did not require hospital treatment.

Congestion outside Ysgol Gynradd Aberaeron, at Wellington Gardens has been an “ongoing issue”, according to local Cllr Elizabeth Evans.

Cllr Evans, acting head teachers, parents and resident have been pushing Ceredigion Council to find an alternative for “quite a few years”.

“It has been an issue for some years because of the large number of pupils attending Ysgol Gynradd Aberaeron. It causes issues with drop offs, collections and traffic congestion on that street,” Cllr Evans explained.

“We are in continued discussions with Ceredigion County Council to find an alternative and we do need to find an urgent solution quickly, in fairness to teachers, parents, the residents, and it’s also the access road to our residential home and our sheltered accommodation in Aberaeron. There’s a lot going on on that street.”

Cllr Evans said it is not “as simple as implementing traffic calming measures”, and that she is pushing for the removal of traffic from that area completely.

As an immediate, but temporary, alternative, Cllr Evans told the Cambrian News the council has decided to allow school attendees to use the car park next to the Penmorfa council building.

Cllr Evans said: “Because the council offices aren’t open at the moment, that to me sounds ultimately sensible; to allow parents to park and walk their kids the short distance to the school.

“Let’s take advantage; if the car park is empty we should be using it. Long term we can’t because the offices will be back in function. But for now let’s use it.

“They are working with highways to find a long term, permanent solution. There is an issue and they understand that.

“But in the meantime parents can park in Penmorfa which is just alongside the school.”

A spokesperson for Ceredigion County Council said: “The council is aware of an incident outside Ysgol Gynradd Aberaeron on 15 September 2020 which necessitated the attendance of an ambulance.

“We are aware that the child in question is at home and recovering well.

“The council is working with the school to ensure the safety and well-being of pupils and procedures are being followed, and we will be investigating the particulars of the incident further.”