Ceredigion councillors have passed a motion saying they have no faith or confidence in Hywel Dda health board and are sending it to health minister Mark Drakeford and First Minister Carwyn Jones.

In a heated and passionate 90 minute debate at this week's full council - held in Tabernacl vestry in Cardigan - councillors slated the health board for being underhand, insincere and treating people "disgracefully" with their decision to close inpatient beds at Cardigan Hospital.

"There is a lack of faith in Hywel Dda, they are not sincere to us or our electors," said Cllr Lyndon Lloyd.

"We are very annoyed about it in the south of the county. There is a feeling that the health board have not followed guidelines and there has been no consultation. We have to voice our protest against this decision."

Council leader Ellen ap Gwynn said: "The way they are treating the community in terms of health provision is disgraceful. We need to put pressure on them as to what's happening in Cardigan."

Cllr Alun Lloyd Jones said there was "a total lack of confidence" in Hywel Dda.

"You can't get any answers. There is a total lack of confidence in the board to serve the health needs of Ceredigion. We deserve better."

Cllr Mark Strong added: "Every community is affected by the way Hywel Dda are acting. it is underhand and we need to object to what they are trying to do."

And Cllr Towyn Evans criticised how services had been run down at Cardigan Hospital.

"There is a feeling in the south of the county that managers of the hospital haven't struggled to keep beds available until the new provision comes."

Cllr Elizabeth Evans said protests had to go to the top.

"FIne, we can protest but I don't think it will make a blind bit of difference to Hywel Dda. We have to take it to the Assembly - it's the minister's health board."