PARKS in Aberystwyth and Penparcau will re-open from mid-September ‘if possible’ according to councillors.

Aberystwyth Town Council held an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday evening to discuss the reopening of playgrounds in and around Aberystwyth, which have remained closed since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

The council says it is committed to re-opening the playgrounds from mid September if at all possible.

This is subject to all necessary safety works being carried out, as well as taking into consideration feedback from the four local primary schools, a phased approach is likely to be adopted beginning with the park that presents the least risk.

They Mayor, Cllr Charlie Kingsbury explained: “At a time when many restrictions are being eased, I can understand why people want the playgrounds to re-open and the council will do everything it can to make this happen, however, this process will take time in order to ensure the safety of users.

“The ROSPA playground inspections are took place on the 2 September and the reports, when received, will give the council a clearer picture of what needs to be done to ensure children’s safety.

“Also, as Ceredigion County Council are no longer providing an inspection and repair service within playgrounds, another contractor will need to be found to carry out day to day repairs and maintenance.

“Due to the Covid-19 crisis, the planned improvement works at Penparcau playground were delayed until the beginning of October and as residents in Penparcau know, this work is essential for users to enjoy the playground safely.”

The Mayor added: “Crucially, as schools are implementing strict social distancing strategies they should be consulted before any action is taken in terms of reopening the playgrounds. People are naturally concerned about disease transfer and we want to take appropriate steps especially as there has been a rise in the ‘R’ rate.

“Welsh Government requirements for reopening playgrounds will involve signage, sanitisation and monitoring – all of which we need to put in place.

“We need to make sure that we have the capacity to deliver the safety measures needed as well as monitor the situation during periods like half-term when visitors from areas with higher levels of the disease might be in the area again.

"We may see a situation whereby we have to close the parks again. Issues such as littering from discarded masks, gloves and wipes for example would be a serious concern.”