NEW ‘Safe Zones’ are due to be reintroduced in Cardigan, New Quay and Aberaeron this week, Ceredigion County Council has confirmed.

The Council say that the key purpose of the zones – first implemented last July - is to help protect the health of communities by reducing the risk of Covid infections.

The arrangements will see parking bays in Cardigan closed off in the High Street to allow more space for pedestrians. More extensive measures are planned for the summer that involves new road layouts.

Closures will also be reintroduced in New Quay - between 12 noon and 5pm every day - while in Aberaeron the existing layout will be retained with some changes to parking provision in the town, including additional Blue Badge provision.

“Measures are still needed to reduce risks as Wales-wide restrictions are relaxed, soon to be followed by the easing of UK restrictions,” said a county council spokesperson.

“With more people expected to holiday in Wales and Ceredigion we need to have measures in place that help people visit shops and services in our towns safely.

“Feedback was sought on the Safe Zones that were introduced in Aberaeron, Aberystwyth, Cardigan and New Quay. The feedback has been taken into account when putting plans in place for Easter.

“New measures will be introduced for the Easter holiday period from week beginning March 29.

“The changes reflect the feedback received. These changes will be monitored and reviewed for the summer.”

Daily road closures will also resume in Aberystwyth, with some changes, while more pedestrian passing places will be created in Borth.