FREE parking for shoppers in Aberystwyth being offered at the Tesco and Marks and Spencer development is unfair on residents and businesses in Lampeter and Aberaeron, it was claimed this week.

Cllr Hag Harris, who represents Lampeter, and Aberaeron councillor Elizabeth Evans have insisted the opening of the Mill Street car park, which provides free parking for three hours, is benefiting Aberystwyth at the cost of other areas, including their own wards.

That could spark a push by councillors in other areas of Ceredigion to call for changes to parking charges across the county as a way of helping businesses in those towns to attract visitors.

Cllr Harris said: “In the past no charges at all and no time limit meant the Cwmins car park in Lampeter, particularly during school terms, was full by 9.15am with few cars moving on until late in the afternoon. Not much use for shoppers.

“Since the opening of the free parking for three hours car park in Aberystwyth this creates an unfair situation where no such free parking is available in car parks elsewhere in Ceredigion.

“Not a fair situation at all.

“Also the charges in Ceredigion are very high in relation to the charges in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Powys for similar-sized towns, for example Narberth, Llandeilo, Llandovery, Newcastle Emlyn and others.

“I have had conversations with Liz with a view to bringing something before the council to try to address the problem.

“There are a number of approaches which could be of help to shoppers and business.”

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