Madam,

I would like to make comment on the current state of some of the buildings in Aberystwyth, such as the old library and other premises in the town centre that have fallen into disuse, some of which are now glaring eyesores.

It has been the case for many years that some shop premises, particularly, which may look relatively attractive at ground floor level are in a dire state of repair from there up. I sometimes sit at cafe windows and look at some which can only be described as decrepit, with rotting and flaking windows, and with masonry that has plants growing in it.

The Welsh Assembly has attempted to stem some of this with grants to aid the “poor” landlords.

One of the worst, if not the worst, is Lampeter House in Terrace Road, formerly a very fine gents’ outfitters. It is now in the most parlous state, dark, dingy and extremely ugly. It is offered for rent by the leaseholders, Ceredigion County Council, at £25,000 per annum. Sometimes homeless people are found sleeping in the doorway. On one occasion I saw a sleeping bag and some other dross left there by a homeless person for several days.

Were these premises let at a more reasonable price then there may be people who could and would be willing to having a go at running a business from there. The place needs a good clean for a start, outside and inside.

I have already complained about the state of the exterior of our police station, yet nothing seems to have changed there. The holiday season is about to begin in earnest. What impression does this give to visitors here?

I travel extensively abroad and I dread to think what people from some countries that I’ve visited in Europe would make of it.

I recently met some visitors from Antwerp, a very fine city which I have visited. They told me that they specifically came to see all the places used in the filming of Hinterland and this TV series seems to have gone viral as it has been dubbed in 52 languages. Maybe they’re fascinated with some of Aberystwyth’s seediness, in keeping with “Scandinavian Detective Noir”. Not my cup of tea, though. I was a cop here for decades and know every bit of it, dark secrets and all. The reality is far more interesting.

Yours etc,

Bob Morris, Primrose Hill, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth.

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