AN Aberystwyth councillor who criticised “irresponsible” cyclists for blocking pavements has denied any wrongdoing after a photo emerged of his van partially parked on a pavement.

Cllr Martin Shewring, who represents Rheidol ward on Aberystwyth Town Council, has denied causing an obstruction to pedestrians after his red MWS Electronics van was photographed parked with two wheels on a pavement at Plascrug Avenue, near the leisure centre.

This comes just a month after Cllr Shewring called on the county council to take action against cyclists who obstructed pavements by locking their bicycles to posts on Aberystwyth’s streets.

Speaking to the Cambrian News this week, Cllr Shewring, a self-employed aerial installer, said: “I am always vigilant in regard to carrying out works on properties in Ceredigion.

“It has been my stock and trade and I am not in the habit of causing situations which are totally unnecessary.

“Some properties in Ceredigion are difficult to work on and I always assess the situation to the best of my abilities when carrying out installations.

“I was not causing an obstruction. There are no restrictions and there was no breaking of the law.

“It is a narrow street and I was parked like that to create a safe situation for both pedestrians and traffic.”

Cllr Shewring added: “I have 34 years of experience installing aerials and I am not in the habit of causing an obstruction when it is totally unnecessary.”