Members of the public are to be barred from Ceredigion council office canteens unless they are accompanied by councillors or council staff and are in the building in a “formal capacity”.

The council’s decision, which it claims has been taken following a review of “security measures”, has been criticised by Lib Dem council leader Ceredig Davies. He said it makes it look as if the authority has “something to hide”.

Notices were put up in the Penmorfa office in Aberaeron warning people that they would not be able to access the canteen unless accompanied by a councillor or council staff member.

The council said that decision had been taken for security reasons and would be in place in both Penmorfa and Canolfan Rheidol in Aberystwyth.

The spokesperson said: “Following a review of security measures, only members of the public who are accompanied by council staff or councillors, and are in Penmorfa or Canolfan Rheidol in a formal capacity registered at reception, will be permitted to the canteen area.”

But the decision has been criticised by opposition leader Cllr Davies.

In a letter to council leader Ellen ap Gwynn, he said: “As an authority we must be inclusive, approachable and transparent in the manner in which we conduct our business.

“Denying the public access to a facility that they have enjoyed for years will be seen as a retrograde step and lead to suggestions that the authority has something to hide."

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