EXPECTANCY is high in Cardigan where shopkeepers are hoping for a second successive bumper summer season.

But while business owners are anticipating rich pickings again the Cardigan Traders group is planning a demonstration in the town calling for two hours free parking on a daily basis.

A few years ago Cardigan was becoming seen as a ghost town with increasing numbers of empty premises.

But the situation has been turned around and there are now few vacant buildings in the town centre where last summer soaring trade was in part credited to vandals smashing parking machines in the four Ceredigion Council car parks.

Traders chairman Martyn Radley of Queen’s Bakery appealed to shopkeepers to make every effort to spruce up the town further with floral displays.

Enthusing over the forthcoming season, Mr Radley said: “A lot of people are declining to go abroad and although they are not guaranteed the weather here at least visitors know they are safe.

“The opening of the castle has given the whole town a lift and free parking from 9am until 11am would make a huge difference – we are intent on holding a demonstration calling on the council to change its stance on this,” he said.

A Ceredigion scrutiny committee with local member and town mayor Cllr. John Adams-Lewis putting forward a strong case, recommended free parking for two hours every morning, but the council rejected the suggestion.

Cllr John Adams-Lewis said “After such a brilliant summer season last year it looks like the town is set for another and the traders are to be praised for their efforts.

“We must continue to push the case for free parking and hope that action is taken over our pleas,” he said.