CARDIGAN Castle is set to finally come into public ownership after Ceredigion County Council's Cabinet yesterday (Tuesday) backed moves to instigate a compulsory purchase order.

This they did on the recommendation of their assistant director of planning Tim Ball.

Prior to opting to secure the castle through a CPO, the council had instructed the district valuer to undertake a valuation of the property on their behalf and to negotiate for it to be purchased by the authority.

Mr Ball stated that his reasons for making the recommendations were to safeguard the authority's position in the interests of Cardigan's economic regeneration and in the interests of buildings of special architectural and historic interest.

The report went on to brief Cabinet members in regard to discussions which have taken place in recent months between the county council and businessman Brian Rees, the official representative of the owner of the castle, Miss Barbara Wood, with a view to bringing the site and buildings into public ownership for archaeological, architectural and historic reasons.

Mr Ball told the meeting that there were "compelling reasons" now as to why the council should consider making a CPO.

Welsh ancients building body CADW had, he said, intimated willingness to give tangible assistance both in terms of advice and a financial contribution. "Much will still depend on the outcome of negotiations between the owner's agent and the council," he said.

When council leader Cllr Dai Lloyd Evans asked of the CPO process would hinder the steps presently being taken, Mr Ball replied: "I think it's a safeguard."

Cllr Evans commented: "In light of the promises we have made to the people of Cardigan in regard to the castle we must safeguard this now,"

Chief executive Owen Watkin explained that the district valuer had been meeting with the agent handling the property and an offer will be made in the usual way. Stressing that the council wanted to be seen to be acting right and fairly, Mr Watkin added: "The fact that you are now using statutory powers is only right and proper to safeguard the council's interests."