Editor

During these difficult times government financial support is paramount, which is why it is on offer to genuine businesses, including shops.

Unfortunately, the traders in the Aberystwyth Market Hall fall outside of the current regulations for Grant 2, £10,000.

Ceredigion County Council tell us they are sympathetic to our needs and are in discussion with the Welsh Government. The Welsh Government tell us that councils have an element of discretion but Ceredigion claim they have none that can help us but are still looking at ways they can assist.

I have contacted the council, Ben Lake MP, Elin Jones AM and our local councillor Endaf Edwards who have all offered to help.

It comes down to us not having a Business Rates Reference. All traders within the market hall inherently pay business rates within their individual and accumulated rent to the council and the council pays business rates on the building, which has a rateable value of £3,000.

Councils are barred from receiving a grant from the fund, but other landlords may do so.

To date the council has not formally offered any assistance on rent, unlike other councils, although they tell us they are looking at how they can help.

Well, time is running out.

It is now four weeks since I first wrote to the council about rent and no formal reply has been received at the time of writing.

It is simply unfair that the traders in the market hall should be put at a disadvantage to other shops in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion and beyond.

I have recently heard via Facebook of a new business that quickly closed due to lack of trade, and it has received the £10,000 grant and will reopen.

How can that be fair and equitable to Aberystwyth Market Hall traders, some of whom have been trading there for over 10 years?

Readers can help us by signing the petition https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/305024.

David Gilbert, David Gilbert Jewellery, Aberystwyth Market Hall

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