THERE are no plans to scrap safe zones in Ceredigion towns for the foreseeable future, the local authority has maintained.

Ceredigion County Council were responding to reports that daily road closures launched as part of Covid-19 restrictions had been suspended in New Quay and Aberystwyth.

The safe zones were reintroduced by County Hall for the Easter break having been lifted during lockdown.

But on Saturday residents of both towns were told they had been suspended again ‘for the time being’ while the council ‘reviewed’ the situation.

Speaking on Wednesday, a spokesperson denied the zones had been scrapped.

“A number of other changes were made to reflect the feedback received from the surveys undertaken,” she added.

“Ceredigion County Council is currently reviewing the situation, including how the last three weeks have gone, the future national relaxation measures, and the numbers who will be travelling in and around the county.

“Consideration will also be given as to whether closures are necessary for Saturdays and/or the bank holiday weekends in May, and a decision will be reached soon.”

Meanwhile, following a meeting with highways officers has failed to convince Cardigan councillors of the merits of a proposed introduction of a two-way traffic system at Morgan Street and The Strand as part of the town’s revised safe zone.

Town mayor Cllr Clive Davies reported a slight drop in tourist footfall following the Easter increase.

“Local population footfall increased and then levelled off after the re-opening of retail,” he added. “We’ll see what happens next week when pubs and cafes are allowed outdoors opening.”