DEMONSTRATORS took to the streets of Cardigan in a candlelit march to highlight their demands for free parking in the town.

Almost 40 traders, residents and shoppers took part in the vigil on May 11, marching from Cardigan Castle to the Guildhall.

Signs were carried, candles lit and songs including Sosban Fach were sang as the marchers took their demands for free parking on to the streets.

In summer 2015, ticket machines at the town's car parks were vandalised, ensuring drivers benefitted from free parking for a n8umber of months - traders have claimed that the move saw sales and visitors numbers rise by as much as 20 per cent.

Ceredigion County Council has sought to improve car parking throughout the county after a #freecardigan social media campaign drew national attention.

However, local authority bosses decided that no free parking would be allowed anywhere in the county.

Chairman of the Cardigan Traders Martin Radley said: “We are doing this on behalf of the shoppers.

"We noticed there were a lot more people in the centre of town when there was free parking.

"It was disappointing that the council chose to turn it down the option for two hours free parking, not even giving it a six-month trial to see how it went.

"We have asked shoppers to come along and support to show that they want free parking, not only the Cardigan Traders, but also the people who want to support the businesses."

Cardigan Traders has now been campaigning for free parking for almost a year.

The group have urged Ceredigion County Council to implement a two-hours-free scheme as a compromise in the the hope the move would draw in shoppers and allow those already visiting more time to browse at their leisure.

"The turnout is lovely and we are very happy," said Martin of the march.

"We would have been happy if it was just one man and his dog.

"It is great that the shoppers of Cardigan have come out to show their support for our campaign."