RESIDENTS living near the new Mill Street development are said to be waking up in the middle of night and thinking it is daytime.

And this is all because of powerful lighting on top of the new multi-storey car park, which is on 24 hours a day, according to an Aberystwyth woman who is petitioning the council to have the lights turned off.

Alexandra Büchi-Parr, who lives in Dinas Terrace, Trefechan, said the lights are on at all times, including during the night when people aren’t using the facility, and during the day when they aren’t required.

The petition, which gained 446 signatures within just three days, asks: “Why does a small town need to be illuminated day and night by a big new Tesco shop and car park in the town centre, very close to residential areas?”

Speaking to the Cambrian News this week, Mrs Büchi-Parr said she objects to the lights being on at all times because she has spoken to people living nearby who claim it is affecting their quality of life.

"One lady told me she wakes up in the middle of the night thinking it is daytime," she said.

A Ceredigion County Council spokesperson said: “The store has planning permission that allows the store to be open 24 hours a day and this complies with all planning conditions that were attached to the permission.

“The car parking element of the scheme is available to the public so it is necessary to having lighting for these areas.

“However, the council has been liaising with Tesco to see whether they are willing to address some of the issues being raised."

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