ABERAERON was named crowned the best place in Wales at a special ceremony held in the town yesterday, October 31.

Aberaeron, beat off some stiff competition to win the top spot of the Wales’ Best Places competition, organised by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Cymru, which celebrates the places protected, carefully planned or improved by the planning system for communities.

Nearly 5,500 people voted on a shortlist of 10 places, with Aberaeron emerging as the most popular place, beating off Tenby, and Gower to second and third respectively.

Presenting the award to mayor of Aberaeron Rhys Davies yesterday, October 31, RTPI president Phil Williams said: “Aberaeron is a truly deserving winner of the title – ‘Wales’ Best Place’. The impact of planning is obvious here as you walk through the town, which has been carefully planned in the Georgian style around the harbour.

“Planners have been important guardians of this town’s character as it has changed over the last 200 years – from small fishing village, to a thriving trading port and ship-building town, to today’s bustling business centre and tourist hotspot.

“As a Welshman, I’m proud to have shone a spotlight on the outstanding range of places in Wales that have been protected, carefully planned or improved by planners.”

Cllr Davies, said: “I am so pleased that Aberaeron has won this very special award by the RTPI. It is something the residents of Aberaeron can be proud of, a place we all care deeply about.

“Aberaeron is a gem of a town, its beauty cannot fail to capture the hearts of visitors. It is one of the most-photographed towns in the UK. Yet maintaining Aberaeron as a popular visitor destination takes hard work and I would like to thank the business community and all our residents who maintain their properties so well, and which greatly benefits our tourist trade.

“We of course will make full use of the recognition we have been given by all who voted for us and by further promoting our town on a national and international stage, which not only benefits Aberaeron but Ceredigion as a whole.”

Aberaeron Ward County Councillor Elizabeth Evans said: “I am delighted that Aberaeron has won the RTPI Wales’ Best Places award.

“We were in a very tough shortlist of great places, which makes the winning all the more special.

“I would like to thank everyone who voted for our beautiful town and I know that the residents of Aberaeron will be as proud as I am, that our town has received this award.

“We of course have to thank the Rev Alban Gwynne, the man who made it all possible back in 1807, for having the vision to plan such a lovely place. Today, we are merely custodians of his legacy; this great town, Aberaeron.”