Madam,

I would like to alert readers to the serious consequences to our community of a proposal to reduce the weight limit of Rhiwarthen Bridge in Capel Bangor.

The proposed weight limit will have a devastating and detrimental impact on a superb and thriving riding centre and on the centre’s wide community of customers in Ceredigion and beyond, including many tourists. All who take part in this vital sporting and leisure activity and contribute to the local and regional economy.

As I am sure you know, Rheidol Riding Centre has been a major part of the riding community for many many years and an important local employer. The centre has introduced countless children and adults to riding and has developed a truly outstanding reputation for teaching, learning and enjoyment, including for disabled children, and in a bilingual setting.

The centre’s importance to children and families can not be overestimated, especially as it is the only riding centre within 30 miles.

As a regular family user of the centre, I have seen hundreds of children and young people develop skills and confidence through riding and taking part in Pony Club activity and volunteering. Such outdoor healthy, social and inter-generational activity is hard to find nowadays and of huge benefit to child health and to mental health especially.

I simply can’t understand why there can’t be another solution to the bridge, given the importance of full access to the centre for trailers, horse boxes and lorries and for emergency access.

There is no practical alternative route as the only other option is the back road to Glanyrafon and this is too narrow for such vehicles and would be very dangerous as it is also a cycle route.

I do hope readers will lobby the county council to seek alternative solutions for the bridge issue and ensure the centre, as a vital facility and business, is supported for the communities in Ceredigion and west Wales.

Yours etc,

Louise Jagger, Brynymôr Road, Aberystwyth.

Have your say on the local issues affecting you - email [email protected] or join in the conversation on our Facebook page