CARDIGAN is all set for a bumper summer following the success of the town’s castle in the Channel 4 programme ‘Great British Buildings Restoration of the Year’.

Cardigan Castle came out on top in the eyes of the judges from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors following its stunning £12m restoration.

It was an incredible success for the castle from an original list of more than 20 historic buildings throughout the country, including the likes of Hampton Court Palace and Lews Castle.

Now town leaders are predicting a knock-on economic effect that will benefit the whole area.

Mayor of Cardigan, Cllr Clive Davies: “My feeling is that we had a great summer last year but we will have a better one this time.

“The success and high profile of the castle has brought more footfall to the town and taken us to another level. It has put us well and truly on the national map and given us massive exposure.

“The success of the castle is absolutely wonderful and will have a knock-on effect.

“People will go round the town and stay in the area and it is so well timed as we move into the summer break.”

Cllr Davies, who is also a trustee at the castle, added: “We had a good feeling we would do well as we spanned several different ages – the Georgian house, medieval castle and modern restaurant. All three blend and work together so well.

“Then add in the great story on how the entire town came together and fought to restore it. It was so much more than just about bricks and mortar.

“I think the fact we had that story to tell and the building spans three different eras may just have won it for us.”

Martin Radley, chairman of Cardigan Traders and who runs Queens Bakery, said: “We have always been staunch supporters of the castle, along with other business owners in the town.

“We are delighted that all the hard work on the project has received its just rewards and are proud to have participated in it.

“Its win and the publicity it has generated nationwide is bound to have an effect. Traders at that end of town have already seen an upturn in trade, while visitors are now coming in to town to see what we have to offer.

“The opportunity is there for all the business owners to reap the reward of all the hard work in getting the castle to where it is now.”

Mr Radley can remember walking past the castle when it was in disrepair.

“It was so overgrown you could have had Lord Lucan riding Shergar hidden away from view in there,” he added.

“It is a fantastic thing for Cardigan that it has now realised its true potential.”