A REQUEST for money to stop a glut of empty properties in Aberystwyth following the opening of the new university student accommodation block at the top of Penglais Hill has been rejected.

Ceredigion County Council had asked for the Welsh Government to consider providing an additional 12 months of funding under the Aberystwyth Regeneration Area scheme to provide either a grant or loan scheme to enable property owners to carry out works to ensure their premises do not lie empty.

However, the council has said the request has now been rejected by the Welsh Government.

Councillors fear that the significant increase in university accommodation could lead to a flood of properties in Aberystwyth being left empty and possibly deteriorating in condition because of a lack of demand.

Cllr Paul James said he was worried that Aberystwyth could see dozens of properties left empty, with students instead preferring to live in university accommodation and landlords unable to afford to carry out work.

He said: “We could be left with loads of empty properties across Aber­ystwyth.”

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