Safe zones in four Ceredigion towns are to remain for up to 18 months, following positive feedback during a recent survey.

Ceredigion County Council announced this afternoon that a traffic order will be in place from 24 August allowing road closures for up to 18 months in Aberystwyth, Aberaeron, New Quay and Cardigan.

Council officials do concede however that more work needs to be done to develop the 'safe zone' schemes to allow greater access.

A statement released by Ceredigion County Council this afternoon says: “The zones were introduced on 13 July.

“Following feedback from those who got in touch with their views and comments, we have made some changes where appropriate including barriers removed outside Victoria Terrace, Aberystwyth and along a part of the prom. There is now parking available in this area; the removal of through traffic restrictions in the vicinity of Castle Street and St James’ Square, Aberystwyth; provision of additional disabled parking spaces in the locations identified on the maps, in particular in Aberystwyth and Cardigan; construction works to widen footways at Aberaeron.

“In addition to the consultation outcomes, a continued review all relevant data, including public health, actual and projected visitor numbers, suggests that there is a continued need for the safe zones.

“A new traffic order is being put in place, enabling road closures to be implemented for up to an 18-month period from 24 August.

“The current view is that the safe zones will need to be in place until at least October, but this will be continually reviewed and amended if needed and in line with the number of coronavirus cases in the county.

“Many aspects of the zones are being looked into as to how they can be developed and improved, including access.”

Between 31 July and 10 August Ceredigion council consulted on the Safe Zones, and a total of 2,065 responses were received.

Overall, 64 per cent either agreed or strongly agreed with the principle of creating safe zones.

Other findings were that: 51 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that the safe zones enable people to visit towns safely (38 per cent disagreed or strongly disagreed); 37 per cent think the safe zones have a good or very good impact on businesses (26 per cent said bad or very bad); 52 per cent think they have a good or very good impact on atmosphere in towns (27 per cent said bad or very bad); and 52 per cent think the impact on disabled people, Blue Badge holders and the elderly is bad or very bad (9 per cent said good or very good).

A spokesperson for the council added: “The results of the survey are encouraging however it has highlighted some areas that the council will need to concentrate on improving.

“52 per cent think the impact on disabled people, Blue Badge holders and the elderly is bad or very bad (9 per cent said good or very good).

“We have created more disabled parking spaces and are looking to make further improvements where possible. We are meeting frequently with Ceredigion Disability Forum to identify and solve disabled access and car parking issues.

“Further engagement will be held in the near future to see whether these zones should be repeated in future years and what the council needs to do to make them work better.”