THE PEOPLE of Cardigan are speaking out loud and clear about the future of the towns historic castle it is a national treasure that must be saved and the time to act is now.

After years of neglect the ancient structure is crumbling and the Georgian house within the walls is in a poor state of repair. The castles owner since 1940, Miss Barbara Wood, no longer lives within the walls.

The campaign to save the castle was kicked off just over four months ago when Cadw stated the two-and-a-half acre town centre site was not of significant importance to justify it coming into state care. The organisations comments left councillors, historians and thousands of ordinary local people seething.

The campaign now seems unstoppable. An impromptu exhibition was set up in an empty shop in High Street, and this sparked massive local interest.

More than 3,500 people have now signed the Tivy-Side petition.

Cardigan Town Council has set up a working group and invited many experts to assist the campaign.

Many others have pledged support. The National Trust has said every effort must be made to save the site and promised help. Cadw has since pledged grant aid and technical support.

Ceredigion MP Simon Thomas supports the campaign as does West Wales AM Nick Bourne. Town mayor, Cllr John Adams Lewis made a statement to the Welsh Assembly regional committee. Historian Dr Geraint Jenkins highlighted the national historic and cultural importance of the castle

The bards of the Gorsedd supported the campaign to save the site, venue of the first national eisteddfod in 1176. Recorder of the Gorsedd Jams Nicholas emphasised the cultural importance of the castle and pledged one hundred per cent support.

Unless something is done soon the task of restoration will become impossible.

There is no doubt Cardigan Castle is has the potential to be a cultural showpiece for the whole of Wales and to draw millions of visitors from all the over the world.