Editor

Re: the proposed zip wire from Constitution Hill to the pier.

I am only too aware how difficult it must be to reconcile the need to promote the local tourist industry with the inevitably diverse interests of the rest of the town’s population who are not involved with the kinds of businesses which might benefit from this sort of proposal.

My personal view is that this is a grotesque idea, which would catastrophically disfigure the promenade, the jewel in Aberystwyth’s crown. But that is only one view, and no doubt others would feel very differently.

I also note from your report that Advancing Aberystwyth, the organisation behind this plan, intends to embark on a consultation exercise with the wider community before proceeding with the proposal any further. This is only right and proper.

However I also read in your report that this is only one among many “major improvement projects “ planned by this organisation if it gets a further five-year mandate from the ballot of local businesses.

So what will happen to the appearance of the town over the next five years will be seriously influenced by a ballot of the Business Improvement District members. What about the rest of us? What about the residents of Aberystwyth who might well have a very different definition of “improvement” from the businessmen and women who are voting for or against this organisation and its schemes?

And even if the businessman opposed to renewing the mandate for this organisation, Gary Pemberthy, achieves his aim and Advancing Aberystwyth as it is at present constituted is no more, then what? Will it be replaced by another body whose remit once again is to “develop” the town with perceived business interests prioritised while the interests and views of the non-business majority are neglected?

Resuscitating the hideous zip wire proposal is emblematic of the problem I am trying to identify: at the moment, business centred thinking is being imposed on the rest of us.

Name and address withheld

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