03/29/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales


A pilot scheme to set up trading zones on Aberystwyth promenade could  be in “danger of creating a Welsh Blackpool” a councillor said.

While welcoming the proposal for a pilot this summer to set up six zones on the popular prom, Cllr Lyndon Lloyd warned it also needed “management”.

Other councillors at Thursday’s (May 30) thriving communities scrutiny committee said that the plan would require high quality traders as well as sufficient monitoring.

A trial period will start this July, running until after October half term, to generate income from the promenade area by leasing out sections of council land.

A proposal to charge £2,000 for a 50 square metre space and £1,000 for a 25 metre square space will be decided by cabinet next week.

Two spaces, one at the north and one at the south end of the promenade, will be for small vehicles with “quirky” ideas (no burger vans wanted), the committee heard.

Four larger spaces on the promenade will be available for seating areas for existing businesses on the other side of the roads.

Conditions to the leases will include no single use plastic, branded cups and other items, as well as a responsibility to keep the area clean and rubbish free.

Aberystwyth Town Council said that a focus on Welsh produce would be desirable, and this was greed by county councillors on Thursday.

Cllr Elizabeth Evans added that there was a need “to retain the integrity of the prom” as well as ensuring it is still possible to enjoy it without too much obstruction.

She also highlighted the need for future policy to be rolled out across the county with businesses in all areas subject to similar conditions and charges.

A review of the pilot scheme will be used to inform a future strategy for use of space, currently being discussed by a task and finish group.

%d bloggers like this: