THE MAN behind a petition to save the post of Aberaeron harbourmaster has welcomed Ceredigion County Council’s pledge to retain the county’s harbour service.

Nick Sawyer decided to act following fears that the historic role was at risk in the face of council cuts.

But County Hall confirmed last week that the number of harbourmasters would not be reduced.

Mr Sawyer, whose online petition drew 1,010 signatures, said: “It was a terrific response and shows a lot of solidarity and support for Peter Evans, the Aberaeron harbourmaster, in particular. But I will be keeping the petition open as Ceredigion council is compelled by law to carry out a review of the harbour service ever three years – and the next one is due in 2017.”

Boat users in Aberaeron had stressed their reliance on harbourmaster Evans, saying their harbour was particularly vulnerable to hostile weather conditions.

A written petition also drew around 200 signatures.

Council consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers have previously recommended cutting the number of harbourmasters by one-and-a-half.

But county councillor Elizabeth Evans had warned of “a great sense of disbelief and anger” in the community that the harbourmaster service was even being considered for cuts.

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