HUNDREDS of local residents have signed a petition against plans to reintroduce charges at Ceredigion Council car parks.

Ceredigion Liberal Democrats started the campaign on Friday, which attracted over 400 signatures in less than 24 hours and has now topped 1,000 signatures, in response to an outcry from businesses and residents across the county.

Ceredigion County Council announced plans this week to move immediately to a cashless charge system from December 1 at 13 car parks in Cardigan, Aberaeron, Aberystwyth and Lampeter. Cashless charging will follow in March for another 3 car parks, including at New Quay.

The petition can be signed at www.ceredigionlibdems.org.uk/parking.

Cllr Elaine Evans, Liberal Democrat councillor for Cardigan Rhyd-y-fuwch, said: "I am absolutely gutted that the charges are being reinstated in Cardigan, especially so close to Christmas.

"This year more than any other, times have been extremely difficult for traders and residents in Cardigan. So many of us are worried about the detrimental effect parking charges will have on a town that already has a safe zone implemented.

"We need to keep parking free throughout the pandemic. If we don't, I worry how much of our town will survive."

Cadan ap Tomos, Welsh Liberal Democrat Senedd candidate for Ceredigion, added: "So many local businesses are struggling to keep afloat during this pandemic, and need all the help they can get. That's what makes this decision by the Plaid Cymru/Independent Council so baffling.

"I'm particularly worried that by going cashless, a great many people who have no bank card to pay with will be shut out of visiting our town centres.

"The fact that hundreds of people have backed our campaign in less than a day should show just what a bad decision this is for our communities."