Editor

Initially I would like to thank all those who dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic in Ceredigion. It is of course easier to dismantle than it is to rebuild.

Shops were already closing in Aberystwyth following the rates and rent hikes of previous years, then e-shopping and Brexit. If Debenhams had been built that too would have closed and left Great Darkgate Street pretty sparse of shops.

Reopening now is difficult with several shops closed in the street, then across the road building societies and banks with nowhere for the public to spend.

The pedestrianisation of the centre of Aberystwyth must have been planned on the back of a stamp with no thought of the repercussions to residents, locals, businesses and disabled/elderly people but this is milk and honey to those who want everyone to walk or cycle.

The plan is supposed to assist visitors to safely distance themselves as they walk, however, the problem of distancing isn’t on the pavement and road, but narrow doorways to shops and narrow shop spaces to move about in.

Many older people reach the shops by taxi. Residents have to park in the parking grounds and leave their cars until 6pm, building tradesmen can’t work in town because of the difficulty of access to buildings with many jobs having to be cancelled. Builders have scaffolding on buildings, are these street clutter which have to be removed? What is the difference between street clutter and tables and chairs on the pavement?

It does look as if the plan is all about visitors with no thought about those who live in town, or who work in town.

It is all well and good saying that consultations have taken place with traders, but does consultation mean asking people their views but not listening to their concerns?

Cllr John Roberts

Faenor Ward