ABERYSTWYTH town councillors have postponed a plan that would have seen the authority become the “first local council in Wales” to pledge its support for remaining in the European Union.

The council discussed a motion by Cllr Kevin Price calling for members to pass a vote that “Aber­ystwyth Town Council recognises the benefits the EU brings to the Aberystwyth area and therefore supports a ‘remain’ vote in the referendum on 23 June” at a meeting last Tuesday.

Cllr Mererid Jones, who backed the plan, said that passing the motion would mean Aberystwyth would became the first town council in Wales to do so - but some councillors were uneasy about the plan, which was abandoned until next month over a technicality.

A handful of councillors argued that the motion was not written, as it was added late to the agenda, and expressed concerns over the political nature of the plan.

Mayor Cllr Endaf Edwards postponed the motion until the council’s meeting next month, where it is likely to pass.

Cllr Price told members: “A recent survey said Ceredigion is the most Europhile place in the UK.

“This council should support our residents and should take the stance that we stay in the EU.”

Cllr Jeff Smith, who seconded the motion, said: “I think it’s appropriate the council who represent the people insist we want to stay in the EU.

“The EU is important in this town and it’s right for us to make this statement."

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