Safe zones are to return in Cardigan in an attempt to tackle a surge in Covid-19 cases in the town.

Ceredigion County Council confirmed today that the car ban scheme, which was scrapped earlier this month, will be reintroduced this Thursday in order to allow for greater social distancing in Cardigan.

A spokesperson for Ceredigion County Council said: “As the number of coronavirus cases in Cardigan and surrounding areas continue to rise, the council is taking every step to help stop the virus from spreading further in our communities.

“One of these steps includes reintroducing road closures in Cardigan’s safe zone temporarily in order to ensure people can keep the required social distance when roaming the streets. Protecting people’s health and wellbeing in challenging times like these remains our main priority.

“The safe zone will come into effect from Thursday, 26 November until further notice. Roads will then be closed everyday between 11am and 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday. Roads will remain open on Sundays. During this time, buses will be allowed to travel through High Street and Pendre.”

It was also revealed today that two Cardigan businesses were handed improvement notices last week.

On Wednesday, 18 November, T Samways High Class Butchers, Pendre and Cardigan Fried Chicken, Pendre were both served with an improvement notice after officers from Ceredigion County Council’s Public Protection Team visited the premises.

Following reports from members of the public, officers found that improvements were needed in both premises to ensure compliance with the regulations.

The improvements require persons responsible for the premises to ensure that staff wear face coverings within the main shop and or public areas of the premises to maintain hygiene.

These businesses were granted 48 hours to correct the issues that had been highlighted or further enforcement action would be considered, including the option to issue closure notices.

On Friday, 20 November, officers returned to T Samways High Class Butchers and Cardigan Fried Chicken and were satisfied that the reasonable measures were now in place and the improvement notices were subsequently terminated.

The Premises Improvement Notices, served under the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No 4)(Wales) Regulations 2020, were issued at both premises on Wednesday, 18 November.