A LLANBADARN Fawr council candidate has urged residents to back a 180-name petition calling on Ceredigion council to sell or rent land at the former Cwmpadarn School at a knockdown rate so it can be used as a play area.

Juliet Price, a Welsh Liberal Democrat candidate standing in the ward, launched the petition after fearing that the sale of the school would lead to the loss of a play area at the site used by local children.

She is calling on the council to agree to the local community taking over the play area land and agreeing to sell or rent it at a reduced price for community use.

She said: “While I do not want to take away from the hard work that the previous community council has done in setting up the park near Park Lodge Hotel, times have changed and the roads to get there are more dangerous and heavily used.

“Cwmpadarn School site offers a safe, established and environmental friendly area for children to play and adults to relax.

“When I started the petition it was to secure a play area, but having spoken to local residents I have been surprised and delighted by the ideas and suggestions that have been forthcoming regarding the school itself.

“This has included allotments, renting out rooms for children’s parties, cinema, games room and many, many more.

“I am hoping that the community council with the help of local residents can come to an agreeable arrangement.”

The petition is available at www.ceredigionlibdems.org.uk/cwmpadarn or hard copies are at H20 hairdressers, the Black Lion and Gogerddan Arms and Padarn Petrol Station.