A company set up to manage a business fund in Aberystwyth shouldn’t be expected to contribute toward the town’s coastal protection scheme as it “isn’t their role”, according to councillors.

But members of Ceredigion County Council’s Cabinet have insisted that the Welsh Government should be responsible for funding all coastal protection work.

Council leader Ellen ap Gwynn said the Welsh coastline is “for the whole nation” and that putting the burden on authorities adds an extra funding issue for them.

Options are currently being considered for a coastal protection scheme for Aberystwyth, while work is already underway in Aberaeron.

Members of the council’s Thriving Communities Scrutiny Committee had urged council Cabinet members to consider asking Advancing Aberystwyth, the company formed as part of the town’s Business Improvement District, for a contribution toward the Aberystwyth scheme.

However, Cllr ap Gwynn and other councillors said the company should not be expected to provide funding for a coastal protection scheme, especially as the scrutiny committee had already said the Welsh Government should be responsible for all costs of coast protection schemes.

Cllr ap Gwynn said: “I don’t think it’s the Business Improvement District’s place to contribute at all.

“It might be possible to grow business and there might be opportunities to develop things for businesses when work is done on the prom and at the harbour.”

Cllr Elizabeth Evans said: “I don’t think it’s actually the BID’s place to contribute to the sea defences of Aberystwyth. Their priority should be, as it is, on the town centre of Aberystwyth."

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