Editor

The local authority deems that our town’s street closures are a success which allow them to continue for another 18 months.

I responded to the questionnaire and from the first question realised that this exercise was going the same way as all questionnaires, in that they are designed to favour those who conduct the survey.

The first question asked is, do we think that open space is a good idea in Aberystwyth? Most would agree, but it is only a good idea if we have ample shops to visit. How does opening up the town help the Welsh language? It doesn’t, especially when one respondent in a Birmingham accent tells you that Wales belongs to England. Every answer without qualification puts it into the designer’s 51 per cent bracket.

Just when one thought the questions were over, we were asked to state what age we were, what sex, what religion, sexuality etc, which has nothing to do with whether we agree or disagree with the open spaces. Those questions made a farce of the exercise.

A professor from the university stated on the radio that residents were driving away visitors. The residents of Ceredigion have put up with months of adhering to the rules, but as soon as lockdown was lifted the visitors piled into the county, with the majority having no regard for social distancing or masks.

A cause for concern is campervans by South Beach emptying effluent into drains which run onto the beach, causing a strong odour and health hazard. It is no good an individual complaining that he or she behaved, they are the minority.

Several shouts for the lifeboat were called but could not attend immediately because of traffic obstruction. And visitors wonder why residents are angry?

The local authority used executive powers to create open space in town. Most councillors were not party to this, even though some of the general public believe that as county councillors are part of the local authority they must be responsible. Councillors are just as concerned that closing down the centre of town by this means is a short step to dictatorship.

Disabled people are having their vehicles booked, even though it is the only means of transport available to them. There are also difficulties with regard to collecting prescriptions.

Some tradesmen lost work in town because of street closures.

There was poor communication with businesses before the street closures.

If the exercise was for visitors, then only shut down the centre of town in the visitor period, which is not 18 months.

It is obvious that the residents who keep the town moving through the remainder of the year are secondary in importance and that 18 months is nothing to do with Covid-19.

We have no idea if test and trace works.

What happened to the facilities that were set up for the Covid-19 outbreak? Equipment was kept in case of a secondary outbreak such as ventilators, beds, however, the rest have gone i.e. flooring, lighting, sinks, copper piping etc, so if there is an upsurge this winter these will have to be bought again.

Food boxes, which were an excellent idea, did not reach everyone.

Childcare for parents who had to work was not available to all. Home-schooling was difficult for parents with no experience of teaching or who had their own work to do from home.

There is a lack of clarity in how to access one’s doctor.

There were many failings, but what was done was done well.

All are to be congratulated, especially those who helped others despite putting themselves at risk.

These points may be irritating but they are something to think about for next time.

Cllr John Roberts Faenor ward

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