A volunteer group is proposing a new location for a Christmas market as part of their plan to make Aberystwyth a vibrant community for visitors and locals.

Community group Caru Aber has submitted four proposals to Ceredigion County Council for consideration, but Covid-19 has delayed progress.

One of the proposals is for the council to lift, or alter, the bylaw that prevents businesses from trading in Plascrug Avenue, to allow for a potential Christmas fair.

Co-founder of Caru Aber, Jeff Jones said: “We have applied to CCC to lift or alter the bylaw that prevents businesses from trading. We thought it would be a lovely location for a Christmas fair or summer fetes to be held.

“I’m awaiting for a virtual meeting to discuss this but due to the pandemic it has been delayed.”Aberystwyh town councillor Kerry Ferguson responded the proposal by saying that the traditional market held during the annual Christmas lights switching on ceremony, organised by Menter Aberystwyth, will remain at its current location on Baker Street.Reacting to the Cambrian News story, Cllr Ferguson said: "To confirm, Menter Aberystwyth are not thinking about moving our current location from Baker Street. "This sounds like a different market proposed by Caru Aber rather than Menter Aberystwyth changing our plans".

Away from the Christmas Market proposal, Caru Aber have suggested a few sites for a new splash park or water park, but “due to complex requirements of such a facility we are struggling to find the correct location”.

They have also have ideas for a castle shelter: “The council invited us to send them through some ideas. We put it to a vote with our followers and they voted for the following: top part for a seating area to take in the views with electrical points for either live music and/or craft stalls.

“The lower part would be to invite local street food vendors selling local produce.

“I’m awaiting a virtual meeting to discuss this but due to the pandemic it has been delayed.”

Lastly, Jeff said users of the skatepark have requested a drinks fountain and shelter.

“Currently the nearest place to get a drink of water and to shelter from the rain is outside the Starling Cloud. The establishment isn’t happy for the kids to shelter there and move them on," he said.

“A member of the town council mentioned that a shelter would invite unsocial behaviour and possible drug abuse! I’m awaiting for a virtual meeting to discuss this further but due to the pandemic it has been delayed.”