THE decision to axe Cardigan’s Tourist Information Centre has been condemned by the town council.

The decision to close the service at Theatr Mwldan has been made by Ceredigion County Council to save £20,000 but town councillors hit out at the move and did not feel the proposal to train volunteers at the castle to offer a reduced service was adequate.

Cardigan mayor Cllr John Adams-Lewis said: “I am very disappointed at the decision to close the TIC and not to establish another one. It’s very sad.

“On the one hand you have Cllr Clive Davies trying his best to attract tourists to the town and then the county council goes and does this.

“But what is the difference between us and Aberaeron, which they are keeping open? Why are they treating us differently? I am not happy at all with being treated like this and I don’t think it’s fair. We are the second largest town in the county and tourism is so important.

“I feel strongly as well that any service should also be at the Guildhall or at the Markethall when the work there is done and not move everything to the castle.”

That idea was supported by Cllr Richard Jones, who added: “When the Markethall is done and people are coming through there from the car park it makes more sense for it to be there.

“You have to be fair to everyone rather than pick on us when we are further away.”

County councillor and cabinet member Cllr Catrin Miles opposed the decision to cut the service and described it as “unfortunate”.

“In a strange way we are being punished for doing so much for ourselves,” said Cllr Miles.

“We have the town app and WiFi and are often asked how we are doing these things. We should not be punished for being innovative and finding ways of doing things.

“One of the county’s priorities is tourism and then they cut back on the service in the south of the county which is a key area.”