A PUBLIC meeting to discuss the future of Llandysul attracted a big turn-out as more than 150 people attended to listen to ideas to boost the town.

Llandysul, like a number of rural towns across Ceredigion, has faced significant challenges over recent years.

During a five-year period, three banks have closed and Barclays, the town's only remaining bank, will close its doors in later this month.

The post office recently moved from the high street to CK’s supermarket in Pont Tyweli and local residents believe that the parking fees in the council-owned car park deter customers from shopping in the town.

Plaid Cymru’s Ceredigion MP Ben Lake and Elin Jones AM called the meeting with the aim of hearing creative, practical and innovative ideas from the community for the town.

Mr Lake said: "Reaching out and listening to people's concerns and aspirations is one of my priorities as a member of Parliament. The local people are the experts in their communities and as elected representatives we should be asking them for guidance on how we can work together to achieve a better future for our villages and towns."

Many ambitious ideas were raised by business owners, organisations, volunteers and local residents for the town's short and long-term future.

There was considerable discussion about the importance of promoting the identity and history of the town alongside the already thriving leisure industry and the recent growth in interest in the arts and creative sector.

Elin Jones said: "Our high streets are changing. They are changing in every town in the county, in Wales and beyond but our rural towns can take advantage of this change.

“By using the community’s imaginative and creative ideas, we can adapt and develop our towns into centres that provide a unique service or experience for visitors and local people."

Gareth Lloyd, cabinet member for Ceredigion County Council responsible for economic and community development, added: “Despite the challenges facing Llandysul, it’s important to remember all the positives the town has to offer.

“There are businesses in the leisure industry and businesses in the creative sector that make a significant contribution to the local economy and I am eager for us as a county council to look at how we can give further support the town’s businesses in the short and long term."