A FULL consultation is to be carried out by Ceredigion County Council into the pedestrianised safe zone introduced in Cardigan.

The zone was imposed by Ceredigion back in July in a response to the coronavirus and an attempt to enforce social distancing as Cardigan greeted an influx of summer visitors.

But the scheme, which is set to continue throughout this month albeit not on a Sunday and with reduced hours from 11am-4.30pm, has been met with an outcry from some traders and residents

At October’s meeting of Cardigan Town Council, Cllr Catrin Miles said: “Residents on the diverted traffic route are still anxious for an early and total re-opening of the town centre to traffic.

“On the one hand, we have seen a marked reduction in visitor numbers but also an increase in Covid-19 numbers in neighbuoring areas, so there is still a great need to keep safe and secure.

“Ceredigion County Council will soon be launching a comprehensive survey into safe Zones, seeking the views of residents, businesses and visitors to the town. The results will determine what aspects of Safe Zone arrangements can be re-visited in future - or not - as the case may be.

“I would encourage everyone to give their ideas to this and we will make sure everyone is informed of when it takes place and that paper copies are available if people cannot access on line.”

Cllr John Adams-Lewis welcomed news of the survey and said: “I have had several complaints about the safe zone, including one from a taxi driver who has had problems taking elderly people into town.

“It needs to be looked at again and properly – not the shambles we have had for the past few months.”

Cllr Debra Griffiths said she had received many complaints about the yellow ramps installed in town to help disabled access.

“I have had complaints about the sandbags holding them down breaking and that wheelchairs cannot get up the ramps,” she said.

“Are these ramps going to stay or be improved? It’s an accident waiting to happen. Kids have been using them for skateboards and it’s just a hazard.”

Wheelchair user Cllr Morvenna Richards said she would not risk using the ramps.

“The sandbags make them look unsafe and I don’t think they are a good idea but it is the

first time I have felt heart-warmed that people with wheelchairs have been taken into considerations,

“Thanks for thinking of us but it needs improvement,” she added.