Street Light Turn Off - How it Will Affect Aber

Ceredigion Council have drawn up a draft list of street lights to be turned off in April in an effort to both save money and reduce energy usage.

The plans involve turning off most lights outside the very centre of Aberystwyth between midnight and 5am, although lights on main roads will be left on.

In Bronglais ward all streets will be switched off with the exception of Thespian Street, Northgate Street, Penglais Hill, Llanbadarn Road, Caradog Road and Plas Crug Avenue. On the other side of town, all streets to the west of Pier Street and Bridge Street will be switched off. Streets in the central section between Pier Street and North Road will be left on to create a fully lit area in the centre of town.

It is widely believed that street lighting helps to deter crime and certainly the general public report feeling safer with lights on. However there is strong evidence to suggest that it actually makes no difference to crime levels and even some evidence that turning lights off can reduce anti-social behaviour by helping to subtly subdue revellers (http://www.britastro.org/dark-skies/crime.html).

A meeting of Community Council representatives across Ceredigion was held last week which broadly endorsed the plans which will cover the whole county. The police will also be consulted before any final decision is made.

Ceredigion tenants say Yes to stock transfer

Council tenants in Ceredigion have voted by a substantial majority for their housing stock to be transferred to the new Tai Ceredigion housing association.

Y Canlyniad / The Result
Yes: 1,067 (58.3%)
No: 763 (41.7%)

Although the result was closer than many expected, the turnout of 69.93% - the highest in Wales - gives a clear mandate.

The transfer to the new organisation will be completed in a year's time after which more money will be available for the repair and maintenance necessary to bring the housing stock up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

Bronglais Plans On Hold

The planning application by Bronglais Hospital for a five-storey extension is on hold because the Trunk Road Agency is unhappy with plans for a major new entrance on Penglais Hill. The application was discussed in this week’s meeting of the County Council’s Development Control Committee during which the Committee heard a letter from the Trunk Road Agency explaining their views.

The Agency say,
"On the basis of the submitted plans to date and in the interests of highway safety, I would advise your authority to refuse the proposed development for the following reasons....”. It then goes on to explain how the sub-standard access, the speed of traffic and the slowing and turning of this traffic would, “...lead to conditions prejudicial to public safety and the free-flow of traffic on the trunk road”.

The application is unable go ahead without the agreement of the Trunk Road Agency.

The Committee agreed to defer the application pending the resolution of the traffic issues, with power given to the planning officer to approve it, “....subject to the agreement of measures to manage traffic during both the construction and operational period of the development". At the moment this is looking a long way off.

Below is my speech during the debate.

"A couple of years ago several hundred people marched around Aberystwyth against plans to downgrade Bronglais Hospital and in support of it’s retention as a District General Hospital for mid-Wales. Thanks in no small part to the work of Elin Jones as Assembly Member the Hospital has now received over £33 million in order to allow it to retain that status.

This application has taken a very long time to reach this committee. I’m told the hospital loses £18,000 for every week of delay.

There is, therefore, considerable weight behind this application.

At the same time the hospital is on a constrained site right in the middle of a residential area of Aberystwyth. The hospital themselves acknowledge that it’s outgrown it’s site. They’ve explored options like moving out to Lovesgrove but that would take so long that the hospital would have been downgraded by the time they got there.

So, it’s left with this site with all it’s problems.

Whilst I understand that most councillors will be most concerned about the broader strategic issue of providing a quality general hospital for the area, my job, as Bronglais Ward councillor, whilst being mindful of the broader issues, is to make sure the interests of local residents are heard.

Firstly I’d like to thank the hospital for involving local residents in the evolvement of the plans. They’ve had, I think now, four meetings with both immediate residents and those slightly further afield in the past 18 months. These have resulted in some significant changes to the plans

For example, in the original drawings the new extension looked like a huge grey monolith right up against the pavement in Caradog Road.

It’s now been moved back 4 metres, which doesn’t sound a lot but it will make quite a difference to the light that the road receives and especially for those living opposite. I understand the top two floors have now been stepped back which further breaks up the mass of it. There have also been reassurances given about more appropriate colours.

Other issues that have been raised that the planning department might consider are the need to break up the look of the end wall from the Llanbadarn Road end and to generally devise architectural detail that would prevent what one objector has described as "a monolithic and ugly continuum from the old to the new building". There’s a need to make the roof look reasonable from the many houses that will look down on it from the hill above and the need for high quality soundproofing for the machinery on the upper floor. There’s a need to specifically address in the plans the concerns residents have about overlooking windows. And, if the time comes for the detailed application, there’s a need for a detailed landscaping plan.

I know there’s a tendency for people from outside the immediate area to think that the importance of the development justifies overriding local residents concerns but I think what benefits local residents will ultimately benefit the whole development, although it might cost a little more. Local residents are the ones doing the scrutiny on everyone’s behalf.

So there have been a lot of improvements made to the plans. On the other hand, much more worryingly, the car parking situation is quite dramatically altered compared to the original ideas mooted for the site. Originally there was talk of the extra layer on the hospital’s main car park allowing an extra 70 cars compared to the numbers parking there now. That was an attractive idea to residents who are used to hospital workers parking outside their houses all day every day. That figure came down to 50 and then 40 and now it’s down to just 10 extra places 137 compared to the current 127. Caradog Road, the residential street the hospital’s in, has been documented by the Council’s own Highways Dept as being one of the most difficult streets to park in in the whole town. The other residential streets close by aren’t much different. It was hoped that extra parking places at the hospital might help this. To lose them in the plans is a major setback for many people.

One of the things that’s contributed to this is the National Assembly’s decision to stop hospital’s charging for car parking space. This has meant that no income can be derived from car parking and certainly doesn’t make it easy for hospitals to invest in more.

Of course, it’s argued that this development doesn’t represent an expansion of the hospital but would just maintain its current service to a more modern standard. However it’s hard to avoid the conclusion that, if anything, this application would generate more traffic. This is a serious concern, not just for the immediate area but for the north and east side of Aberystwyth as a whole because even the current situation is far from acceptable for everyone concerned – patients, staff and local residents.

In one way the development would assist the traffic situation in the residential streets around Caradoc Road, if not the parking. The plan is for the hospital to turn it’s entrance around completely and for the main entrance, including the blue light entrance, to become Penglais Hill – the trunk road. This is clearly much more appropriate than ambulances having to negotiate the crowded Caradoc Road. The applicant’s agent says this will result in a vast improvement for residents in that road, although it’s not clear that it will help the parking situation. On the other hand, I have to say that it’s raising major concerns amongst Penglais Hill residents living across from the hospital because anyone living to the north of Aberystwyth knows that Penglais Hill comes to a standstill every morning between 8.30 and 9am and at many other times during the tourist season.

But in many ways the hospital’s hands are tied. They can’t raise money from car parking anymore They can’t control where people choose to park off their premises. They’re dependent on the Council to take their share of the responsibility.

The sentence I like in the officer's report is this,
“Parking generated from the hospital does have a significant impact within the area and, although there may not be an increase, it’s reasonable to consider measures that address these issues in the context of an application. It is important that both staff and visitor’s needs are met (I would add residents to this). These cannot be met on site, so it is reasonable to negotiate off-site provision for parking and transport by another means that would alleviate issues in the surrounding area.”

This refers to the idea of building a park and ride for the north of the town which hospital staff would be expected to use, reserving the hospital car park for patients. I understand the Council and University are in talks about this. I fully support the idea. It’s needed even without this application. However, I understand any plans for this are some way behind the hospital’s timescale for commencement of building which is a real concern. The problem is that, without the Council’s assistance in pursuing decriminalisation and residents parking, it’s hard for the hospital to make its’ workers use any new park & ride. The Council has to play its part also. Will this be the catalyst? By the same token, whilst it’s about it, I’d also like the planning department to consider requesting more parking capacity on the hospital site and see if making this a condition can help them to provide this.

This, of course, is an outline application. The further details that I’ve asked for can be worked on before the next phase. The recommendation is to defer with powers to approve pending the resolution of traffic issues. I think that’s a reasonable recommendation in all the circumstances at this stage. However it also says “subject to conditions and subject to the applicant entering into an agreement … with regard to transportation matters relating to (both) the construction and (the) operational period of the development.”.

I believe the hospital support the spirit of this. They’re fully aware of the traffic problems around the site. But their control over the situation is limited and everything they spend is scrutinised by Cardiff. In fact, if they are to tackle them, they need the Planning Department to impose conditions because planning conditions are the only way they can justify spending the money to their bosses. Naturally they don’t want conditions so harsh that they simply can’t meet them but, if this is approved, the success or otherwise of it, in terms of how it works on the ground, depends on the planning officers working with them to find workable solutions to the traffic issues.

It’s also important that provision for the construction phase is built in. With most developments it’s accepted that some short-lived chaos will take place but this development will take 18 months so serious provision will have to be made.

I don’t have a vote on this. But if the Committee votes with the recommendation I would urge the planning officers to pursue this second part of the recommendation very seriously and ensure that adequate provision is built into these plans to cope with the future traffic to and from this site.

At the same time I’d also urge the Council’s Highways department to recognise the importance of the development and the opportunity it represents to improve the transport infrastructure to the north of the town and give the traffic issues their fullest attention and assistance within the necessary timescale.

Lastly, there is no better time to transfer parking control from the police to the Council and I would, once again, urge the Council to pursue this."

Anyone wishing to see the planning officer’s 12-page report or the Trunk Road Agency's full letter can get in touch with me.

Cynllunio Diweddaraf / Planning Latest

Y diweddaraf ar geisiadau cynllunio a thrwyddedu yn ward Bronglais a'r cyffiniau
The latest on planning and licensing applications in Bronglais ward and around

TRWYDDEDU / LICENSING

Siop Bwydydd Parod Marco, 19 Stryd y Dollborth
Marco's Takeaway, 19 Northgate Street
Mae'r siop uchod wedi gwneud cais i ymestyn eu horiau bwydydd hwyr o 11yh i 5yb o ddydd Llun i ddydd Sadwrn.
The above premises applied to extend their hours of late night opening from 11pm to 5am from Monday to Saturday.
Diweddaraf / Latest - APPLICATION REJECTED
The shop still retains permission for the following opening times:
University Term Time: Tuesday -Saturday 3am, Sunday & Monday 1am
University Holiday Period: Midnight on all days

CYNLLUNIO / PLANNING

Ysbyty Bronglais / Bronglais Hospital A080176
Erection of 5 storey extension and 2 storey car park
Outline application (i.e. for the principle of the development)
Diweddaraf / Latest – Discussed at the Development Control Committee on 12th November. The application was DEFERRED, pending agreement from the Trunk Road Agency on road traffic safety on the Penglais Hill side and also subject to the agreement of measures to manage traffic during both the construction and operational period of the development. If all these are put in place the Planning Officer can approve the application without going back to the Committee. If agreement cannot be reached it will have to go back to the Development Control Committee for a decision.

Tir rhwng 3 a 4 Rhes y Poplys / Land between 3 & 4 Poplar Row A080535
Codi ty ffordiadwy / Erection of affordable dwelling
Diweddaraf / Latest – APPLICATION WITHDRAWN

Carregwen, Ffordd Llanbadarn Road A080919
Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling
In the front garden of the above house

Carregwen, Ffordd Llanbadarn Road A080920
Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling
In the rear garden of the above house

Mae dau gais adeliadu wedi eu cyflwyno ar gyfer Carregwen ar Ffordd Llanbadarn, rhwng Ffordd Caradog a Ffordd Ddewi. Y llynedd, gwrthodwyd cais i adeiladu tri tŷ yng ngardd y tŷ gan Bwyllgor Rheoli Datblygiad y Cyngor Sir. Nawr mae dau gais arwahan wedi eu cyflwyno ar gyfer dau dŷ yn yr un ardd.

The above two planning applications have been submitted for the garden of Carregwen in Llanbadarn Road, between Caradoc Road and St David's Road. Last year an application to build three houses in the garden of the house was rejected by the County Council’s Development Control Committee. Now two separate applications have been submitted for two houses in the same garden.

Ysgol Plas Crug School, Coedlan Plas Crug Avenue A080848
Erection of Conservatory

Llyfygell Genedlaethol / National Library A080810LB
Listed Building Consent - New external wheelchair platform lift, 2 disabled parking bays, relay existing steps adjacent to new platform lift, new access ramp to main entrance, ramps to existing footway.

Mynwent Aberystwyth Cemetery, Ffordd Llanbadarn Road A080587
Erection of a garage and stores and ancilliary accommodation
Diweddaraf / Latest - Earliest possible date for decision is 10th December.

Plot 6, Llys Ardwyn, Ffordd Ddewi / St David's Road (Hen Safle Penweddig / Old Penweddig site) A080513
Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling
Darn o dir ar ochr yr ysbyty o'r safle yw Plot 6 ac mae modd ei gyrraedd o'rtracc ger brig Cae'r Gog
Plot 6 is the piece of land on the hospital side of the site, accessible via the track at the top of Cae'r Gog.
Diweddaraf / Latest – No objection from Highways Dept. The application is being dealt with by outside consultants brought in to help clear the Council’s backlog of planning applications.

Other applications so far approved at Llys Ardwyn are:
Phase 1 - 9 flats
Phase 2 - 18 flats
Phase 3 (the old school 'C' Block) - 17 flats (inc. 3 affordable)
4 apartments in the 'Undercroft' (3 as affordable housing)
Houses on plots 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

Llyfrgell Cenedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales A080401
Hewl un ffordd newyddyn cysylltu y Llyfrgell a Champws y Brifysgol
One-way link road between the National Library and the University Campus
Diweddaraf / Latest - No objection from Highways Dept. Awaiting decision.

Bryn Penglais / Penglais Hill A080067
Adeiladu meddygfa a creche
Erection of Doctor's Surgery and Creche
Diweddaraf / Latest – Full planning consent has now been APPROVED, subject to conditions.

Northgate House, Stryd y Dollborth / Northgate Street A070273
Gosod 2 uned tewychu wrth ymyl yr adeilad
Installation of 2 condensing units to side of building
Diweddaraf / Latest - Development Control Committee on 18th June decided that the application should be deferred to invite the applicant to relocate the condensing units or, failing the identification of an appropriate site, the carrying out of works to mitigate the sound from the units which is disturbing local residents. Officers were also told to consider imposing restrictions on the operating times of the units. A failure to agree to this will result in refusal of permission and enforcement action. No final decision as yet.


Gellir gweld y cynlluniau yn Swyddfa Cyngor y Dref yn Neuadd y Dref, Aberystwyth (Ffon 624761). Dylid danfon sylwadau at yr Adran Cynllunio, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0PA.

Plans for all applications can be viewed in the Town Council Office in Aberystwyth Town Hall (Tel 624761). Comments can be sent to the Planning Department, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0PA

Economic Crisis Marks the Death of Thatcherism

I couldn't resist re-producing the quote below from tonight's blog by Robert Peston, the BBC's Business Editor. As someone who believes that much of what is wrong with our society can be traced back to the economic policies of Margaret Thatcher, I find it heartening to see that the current world financial crisis may ultimately have its benefits.

Robert says,

"I've also been musing on the historic significance of tonight's events, and I think it can perhaps be seen as the death of Thatcherism, or at least of an important strand of the dominant ideology of the 1980s and 1990s.
It was Margaret Thatcher who in a series of bold reforms from 1979 onwards gave the City the freedom to trade in everything and anything.
She removed restrictive practices, she encouraged the free flow of capital to and from anywhere in the world, she created the notion of the City as the Great British Success.
For the liberalisation of the City to end with a quartet of our biggest and proudest banks being forced to put out the begging bowl to Government, well that is a moment in ecnomic history - which may well, ultimately, be as significant as the nationalisations of the 1940s and the privatisations of the 1980s."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/robertpeston/

Cynllunio Diweddaraf / Planning Latest

Y diweddaraf ar geisiadau cynllunio a thrwyddedu yn ward Bronglais a'r cyffiniau

The latest on planning and licensing applications in Bronglais ward and around

TRWYDDEDU / LICENSING

Siop Bwydydd Parod Marco, 19 Stryd y Dollborth
Marco's Takeaway, 19 Northgate Street
Mae'r siop uchod wedi gwneud cais i ymestyn eu horiau bwydydd hwyr o 11yh i 5yb o ddydd Llun i ddydd Sadwrn.
The above premises applied to extend their hours of late night opening from 11pm to 5am from Monday to Saturday.
Diwedaraf / Latest - APPLICATION REJECTED
The shop still retains permission for the following opening times:
University Term Time: Tuesday -Saturday 3am, Sunday & Monday 1am
University Holiday Period: Midnight on all days


CYNLLUNIO / PLANNING

Carregwen, Ffordd Llanbadarn Road A080919
Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling
In the front garden of the above house

Carregwen, Ffordd Llanbadarn Road A080920
Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling
In the rear garden of the above house

Mae dau gais adeliadu wedi eu cyflwyno ar gyfer Carregwen ar Ffordd Llanbadarn, rhwng Ffordd Caradog a Ffordd Ddewi. Y llynedd, gwrthodwyd cais i adeiladu tri tŷ yng ngardd y tŷ gan Bwyllgor Rheoli Datblygiad y Cyngor Sir. Nawr mae dau gais arwahan wedi eu cyflwyno ar gyfer dau dŷ yn yr un ardd.

The above two planning applications have been submitted for the garden of Carregwen in Llanbadarn Road, between Caradoc Road and St David's Road. Last year an application to build three houses in the garden of the house was rejected by the County Council’s Development Control Committee. Now two separate applications have been submitted for two houses in the same garden.

Ysgol Plas Crug School, Coedlan Plas Crug Avenue A080848
Erection of Conservatory
Diweddaraf / Latest - In the consultation period

Llyfygell Genedlaethol / National Library A080810LB
Listed Building Consent - New external wheelchair platform lift, 2 disabled parking bays, relay existing steps adjacent to new platform lift, new access ramp to main entrance, ramps to existing footway.

Mynwent Aberystwyth Cemetery, Ffordd Llanbadarn Road A080587
Erection of a garage and stores and ancilliary accommodation
Diweddaraf / Latest - Earliest possible date for decision is 12th November.

Tir rhwng 3 a 4 Rhes y Poplys / Land between 3 & 4 Poplar Row A080535
Codi ty ffordiadwy / Erection of affordable dwelling
Diweddaraf / Latest - Earliest possible date for decision is 12th November.

Plot 6, Llys Ardwyn, Ffordd Ddewi / St David's Road (Hen Safle Penweddig / Old Penweddig site) A080513
Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling
Darn o dir ar ochr yr ysbyty o'r safle yw Plot 6 ac mae modd ei gyrraedd o'rtracc ger brig Cae'r Gog
Plot 6 is the piece of land on the hospital side of the site, accessible via the track at the top of Cae'r Gog.
Diweddaraf / Latest – No objection from Highways Dept. Earliest possible date for decision is 12th November.
Other applications so far approved at Llys Ardwyn are:
Phase 1 - 9 flats
Phase 2 - 18 flats
Phase 3 (the old school 'C' Block) - 17 flats (inc. 3 affordable)
4 apartments in the 'Undercroft' (3 as affordable housing)
Houses on plots 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

Llyfrgell Cenedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales A080401
Hewl un ffordd newyddyn cysylltu y Llyfrgell a Champws y Brifysgol
One-way link road between the National Library and the University Campus
Diweddaraf / Latest - No objection from Highways Dept. Earliest possible date for decision is 12th November.

Ysbyty Bronglais / Bronglais Hospital A080176
Erection of 5 storey extension and 2 storey car park
Outline application (i.e. for the principle of the development)
Diweddaraf / Latest - Earliest possible date for decision is 12th November.
A briefing session and open forum for local residents will be held at on Wednesday 15th October at 2pm at the Lounge, Pantycelyn, Aberystwyth University.

Bryn Penglais / Penglais Hill A080067
Adeiladu meddygfa a creche
Erection of Doctor's Surgery and Creche
Diweddaraf / Latest – Full planning consent has now been approved, subject to conditions.

Northgate House, Stryd y Dollborth / Northgate Street A070273
Gosod 2 uned tewychu wrth ymyl yr adeilad
Installation of 2 condensing units to side of building
Diweddaraf / Latest - Development Control Committee on 18th June decided that the application should be deferred to invite the applicant to relocate the condensing units or, failing the identification of an appropriate site, the carrying out of works to mitigate the sound from the units which is disturbing local residents. Officers were also told to consider imposing restrictions on the operating times of the units. A failure to agree to this will result in refusal of permission and enforcement action. No final decision as yet.


Gellir gweld y cynlluniau yn Swyddfa Cyngor y Dref yn Neuadd y Dref, Aberystwyth (Ffon 624761). Dylid danfon sylwadau at yr Adran Cynllunio, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0PA.

Plans for all applications can be viewed in the Town Council Office in Aberystwyth Town Hall (Tel 624761). Comments can be sent to the Planning Department, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0PA

Ceredigion achieves Fair Trade status

Ceredigion has become the 12th Fair Trade County in Wales. The award has been given two years after a joint motion by Plaid Cymru and Lib Dems called for the Council to pursue Fair Trade status. The county-wide campaign was started by a group in Aberystwyth.

Fair Trade supports small farmers in the developing world who produce food we cannot produce at home and who are disadvantaged by international trading conditions that benefit big business. The Fairtrade Foundation awards Fairtrade status to Nations, Towns, Counties, Schools and Churches that meet five goals developed to raise awareness and support for Fairtrade goods. The movement is making a significant impact in helping the developing world and is strongly backed by churches and chapels.

In a letter to the Council, the Fair Trade foundation said,

"Congratulations on comfortably exceeding the targets given for both retailers and caterers supporting Fairtrade. There is clearly a broad base of support for Fairtrade products in Ceredigion and the sale of Fairtrade products is of course at the core of the Fairtrade campaign. Please pass on our thanks to all the businesses whose support has helped to make Ceredigion a Fairtrade County".

The letter went on,

"Congratulations on gaining the national Library of Wales as a Flagship Employer. We hope that they will use their position to promote Fairtrade to contacts, clients and staff and that their support will encourage other businesses to think about making their own commitment to Fairtrade.

"We would like to particularly highlight the excellent work in promoting support for Fairtrade among the County’s schools. "

Mwy gwybodaeth / More information:http://www.fairtradewales.com/

Plaid Win Another By-election

Plaid Cymru have won the Aberystwyth Town Council By-election in Penparcau, taking their total to ten out of nineteen members on the Council. Owain Jones won on his first attempt by 24 votes over Labour candidate Dylan Jones with the Lib Dems trailing in third place. Plaid's representation in the Penparcau ward is now at it's highest ever, with one County Councillor (Rob Gorman) and three out of five Town Councillors. The By-election was called following the death of longstanding Independent councillor Owen Jones.

In Rheidol ward, another Town Council by-election saw the Lib Dems retain the seat left open by the resignation of their former councillor Lorrae Jones-Southgate. Martin Shewring won by 76 votes over Plaid's Sandra Oliver who received a good vote but was unable to repeat the spectacular win by Plaid's Aled Davies in the same ward's County Council by-election in July.

IS-ETHOLIADAU CYNGOR TREF ABERYSTWYTH
ABERYSTWYTH TOWN COUNCIL BY-ELECTIONS

Penparcau
Owain Jones (Plaid Cymru) 141 (42%)
Dylan Jones (Llafur/Labour) 117 (34%)
John Thornton (Dem Rhyd/Lib Dem) 77 (22%)

Rheidol
Martin Shewring (Dem Rhyd/Lib Dems) 243 (59%)
Sandra Oliver (Plaid Cymru) 167 (40%)

New Cycle Path Welcomed

The new section of cycle path from Tanybwlch to Llanfarian via Rhydyfelin is a huge step forward for cyclists wanting to ride into Aberystwyth from the South and is already being used by both cyclists and walkers before it’s even been publicised. It allows cyclists to ride into town avoiding the main road and the large hill at Rhydyfelin. This greatly improves safety and so encourages people from that side of the town to cycle in.

However, further inland, the usefulness of the section from Trawsgoed to Tregaron is severely compromised by a major diversion off the old rail line near Tynygraig and the fact that the path stops two miles short of Tregaron. This is a lost economic opportunity for Tregaron as it’s well documented how cycle paths bring money into an area.

The County Council still has a tendency to see cycling as a tourist activity whereas scores of local people cycle around Aberystwyth every day. Now that Aberystwyth has the Ystwyth Trail coming in from the South and the Rheidol Cycleway from the East, I believe the next step is to make the town itself more cycle-friendly.

The photo shows Simon Leather of Llanbadarn Fawr trying out the new path

Penglais Surgery Gets Go-Ahead

The long-proposed medical surgery on Penglais Hill finally received planning permission this week. The application has been altered from the original in order to accommodate concerns of local residents who have been keen to protect the beautiful 'Dingle' lying between the site and Dan y Coed. Since the application was first put forward a public right of way has been declared running alongside the Dingle. The application site has therefore been narrowed and lengthened in order to place less pressure on the path.

As well as a doctors' surgery the new development will also include a students' medical centre, dentist surgery and nursery. A landscaping plan has been devised with the aim of protecting as many trees on the site as possible. When completed it is expected that Padarn Surgery will move to the new site.

Plaid Name Town By-Election Candidates

Plaid Cymru have named their candidates for the two Aberystwyth Town Council by-elections due to take place in Rheidol and Penparcau wards on September 18th.

Sandra Oliver will represent the party in Rheidol where she only narrowly failed to win a town council seat in May's local council elections. The Lib Dems are also fielding a candidate. Only last month Plaid Cymru's Aled Davies pulled off a stunning win in a County Council by-election there in what was, for many years, a safe Lib Dem seat.

In Penparcau, Owain Jones is Plaid's candidate. Labour and the Lib Dems are also in the contest here.

Plas Crug Avenue Re-surfacing

The resurfacing of the roadway section of Plas Crug Avenue will start next week commencing 18th August and should be completed by the 29th after which all the potholes will be a thing of the past. The work will involve reducing the severity of the sleeping policemen following complaints from the emergency services and cyclists.

After this, similar work is planned for the pedestrian /cycleway section of the Avenue from Plas Crug School to Alexandra Road.

Aber Police apply for Alcohol License 'Cumulative Impact Area'

Aberystwyth Police have applied for parts of the town centre to become a 'cumulative impact area' in assessing new alcohol license applications. This would mean that any applications would not only be decided on their own merits but on the effect they would have when added to other licenses in the area.

The submission by the police says,

"We consider the evidence to be persuasive and the areas to be considered as proportional to the problem presented. These streets contain a significant number, type and density of premises selling alcohol, all of whom, we contend, contribute, in a cumulative manner, to serious problems of nuisance and disorder both outside and some distance from the individual premises....."

"In these circumstances we ask that the Council consider the adoption of a special policy of refusing licenses....because the area is saturated with licensed premises and the granting of any more would undermine one or more of the licensing objectives."

Consultation on the idea has just begun and will end on 30th September. Anyone wanting to make comments should write to The Licensing Section, Cyngor Sir Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron, SA46 OPA or e-mail licensing@ceredigion.gov.uk.

Anyone wanting to see the full submission by the police can obtain a copy by e-mailing me.

Despite bordering on the town centre, in the past year Bronglais ward has experienced just 5% (18) of the recorded criminal damage offences in the town and only 3% (11) of offences involving violence.

Cynllunio Diweddaraf / Planning Latest

Y diweddaraf ar geisiadau cynllunio a thrwyddedu yn ward Bronglais a'r cyffiniau

The latest on planning and licensing applications in Bronglais ward and around

TRWYDDEDU / LICENSING

Siop Bwydydd Parod Marco, 19 Stryd y Dollborth

Marco's Takeaway, 19 Northgate Street

Mae'r siop uchod wedi gwneud cais i ymestyn eu horiau bwydydd hwyr o 11yh i 5yb o ddydd Llun i ddydd Sadwrn.
Mae'r cais ar gael i'w archwilio yn yr Dylid cyflwyno unrhyw sylwadau erbyn dydd Marwth 19 Awst i'r Adran Drwyddedu, Cyngor Sir Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron, SA46 0PA.
The above premises have applied to extend their hours of late night opening from 11pm to 5am from Monday to Saturday.

Any comments shouold be made by Tuesday 19th August to the Licensing Section, Cyngor Sir Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron, SA46 0PA

CYNLLUNIO / PLANNING

14 Coed y Buarth A080456

Codi estyniad ail lawr a lolfa haul
Erection of second floor extension and sun lounge.
Diweddaraf / Latest – Approved subject to conditions

Northgate House, Stryd y Dollborth / Northgate Street A070273

Gosod 2 uned tewychu wrth ymyl yr adeilad

Installation of 2 condensing units to side of building

Diweddaraf / Latest - Development Control Committee on 18th June decided that the application should be deferred to invite the applicant to relocate the condensing units or, failing the identification of an appropriate site, the carrying out of works to mitigate the sound from the units which is disturbing local residents. Officers were also told to consider imposing restrictions on the operating times of the units. A failure to agree to this will result in refusal of permission and enforcement action.

Mynwent Aberystwyth Cemetery, Ffordd Llanbadarn Road A080587

Erection of a garage and stores and ancilliary accommodation

Diweddaraf / Latest - in the consultation period

Tir rhwng 3 a 4 Rhes y Poplys / Land between 3 & 4 Poplar Row A080535

Codi ty ffordiadwy / Erection of affordable dwelling

Diweddaraf / Latest - Earliest likely date for decision is 10th September.

Llyfrgell Cenedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales A080401

Hewl un ffordd newyddyn cysylltu y Llyfrgell a Champws y Brifysgol

One-way link road between the National Library and the University Campus

Llyfrgell Cenedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales
Adeiladu ramp er mwyn creu mynedfai’r anabl ger y drws cefn.
Construction of ramp to create disabled access to rear door
Diweddaraf / Latest – Consent granted

Campws Penglais i Gampws IGER / Penglais Campus to IGER Campus A080373

Gosod ceblau ffibr optig tan ddaear ar gyfer cyswllt data

Installation of underground fibre optic data link

Diweddaraf / Latest - Approved subject to conditions

Ysbyty Bronglais / Bronglais Hospital A080176

Erection of 5 storey extension and 2 storey car park

Outline application (i.e. for the principle of the development)

Diweddaraf / Latest - Earliest likely date for decision is 8th October.

Bryn Penglais / Penglais Hill A080067

Erection of Doctor's Surgery and Creche

Diweddaraf / Latest - Outline planning approval has already been granted. This latest application is for the detail of what could go on the site. The consultation period has now ended but comments sent may still be considered. The developers have extended the length of the site in order to reduce pressure on the Dingle behind the site. Earliest likely date for decision is 10th September.

Plot 6, Llys Ardwyn, Ffordd Ddewi / St David's Road (Hen Safle Penweddig / Old Penweddig site) A080513

Codi ty datgysylltiedig / Erection of a detached dwelling

Darn o dir ar ochr yr ysbyty o'r safle yw Plot 6 ac mae modd ei gyrraedd o'rtracc ger brig Cae'r Gog

Plot 6 is the piece of land on the hospital side of the site, accessible via the track at the top of Cae'r Gog.

Diweddaraf / Latest – Earliest likely date for decision is 10th September.

Other applications so far approved at Llys Ardwyn are:

Phase 1 - 9 flats

Phase 2 - 18 flats

Phase 3 (the old school 'C' Block) - 17 flats (inc. 3 affordable)

4 apartments in the 'Undercroft' (3 as affordable housing)

Houses on plots 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

Gellir gweld y cynlluniau yn Swyddfa Cyngor y Dref yn Neuadd y Dref, Aberystwyth (Ffon 624761). Dylid danfon sylwadau at yr Adran Cynllunio, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0PA

Plans for all applications can be viewed in the Town Council Office in Aberystwyth Town Hall (Tel 624761). Comments can be sent to the Planning Department, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0PA

Lansio Arddangos Tai Ceredigion / Tai Ceredigion Showhome Launch

Tai Ceredigion, the planned new housing association for Ceredigion, has opened a series of show homes around the County. The homes are designed to demonstrate the quality of renovation that current council tenants can expect if council housing stock is transferred to the new organisation following the planned vote in November.

Government economic policies mean that housing associations can raise far greater amounts of money for upkeep and renovation than councils are able to. This is believed to be the only way that the current council housing stock will be able to meet the ambitious Welsh Housing Quality Standard which all Registered Social Landlords are expected to meet by 2012. The council housing stock in Ceredigion currently needs an investment of around £40 million to meet this standard.

Tai Ceredigion will be a not-for-profit Industrial & Provident Society with charitable objectives.

Click on one of the images below for details of the showhome opening times in Penparcau and Lampeter where staff will be available to discuss the whole process.

Council didn't give permission for full Tabernacle demolition

The decision to demolish all four walls of the Tabernacle Chapel in Aberystwyth was taken unilaterally by the owner and was not authorised by the Council, this blog has been informed. The decision, following the recent fire which destroyed the inside of the building (see below), has been greeted with widespread dismay in the town as it was believed the historic front wall on Powell Street was still capable of being preserved.

Following the fire, the building was issued with a Dangerous Structures Notice by the County Council's Department of Highways Property & Works on 7th July. This required the owner to make the building safe within two weeks. However, as a listed building, the owner still has a responsibility to maintain anything capable of being preserved. Demolition is to be used only as a last resort. The Dangerous Structures Notice does not obviate an owner from their responsibilities under this legislation.

A structural survey indicated that, although three walls were structurally unsound and required demolition, the Powell Street wall may have been capable of being preserved and less drastic measures, such as propping, could have been used to make the wall safe.

The County Council's Planning Department are understood to be unhappy at the pre-emptive action and are considering their options.

Town Council gives grants to local groups

Aberystwyth Town Council have donated money to sixteen different local organisations in its latest round of grant awards. This is a little-publicised aspect of the Town Council's work. Organisations applying for grants have to demonstrate that their work would benefit the people of Aberystwyth, that they are non-commercial and that the organisation is well-run. Town Council grants are a lifeline to many voluntary and independent groups locally. The list below shows the vitality of Aberystwyth as a town.

Those receiving money this time are:

Aberystwyth Ladies Choir
Aberystwyth Silver Band
Aberystwyth Surf Lifesaving Club
Cantorion Aberystwyth
Celtic Challenge
British Heart Foundation (Aberystwyth Branch)
Citizens Advice Bureau
Cruse Ceredigion Bereavement care
Do-Re-Mi (Castell Rock)
Grwp Aberystwyth Gwyddach / Greener Aberystwyth Group
Music Fest Aberystwyth
Penparcau Senior Citizens Club
Progressive Action Group
St John Ambulance (Aberystwyth Branch)
Y Gyngres Geltaidd Cangen Cymru
Yr Angor

Thanks to Jim Griffiths for the photo at the cheque-giving ceremony in the new Arad Goch building

By-election victory marks a sea-change in Aberystwyth politics

A historic sea-change has been taking place in Aberystwyth politics. And Aled Davies’s stunning by-election win for Plaid Cymru on Thursday (see below) has confirmed it.

At the County Council elections in May, Plaid won more votes in Aberystwyth than any other party. This was the first time that had happened. But that statistic was skewed by the fact that the party performed exceptionally well in Penparcau, the town’s most outlying ward, where electors had two votes and where the Lib Dems only put up one candidate. In the town’s other four wards, those immediately around the town centre, the perennially dominant Lib Dems still remained on top, albeit narrowly.

Thursday’s by-election victory in Rheidol ward has changed that. Looking at the most recent election in each of the four town centre wards (i.e. last Thursday in Rheidol and May 1st in the others), Plaid now hold 47.5% of the vote with the Lib Dems on 41%.

In electoral terms, Aberystwyth has, for the first time ever, become a Plaid Cymru town.

Shock Plaid Victory in Rheidol By-Election

Aled Davies has won the Rheidol Ward County Council By-election for Plaid Cymru. The shock victory by 19 votes over the Lib Dems in what was previously their third safest seat in Ceredigion will stun the Council's ruling Lib Dem/Independent Coalition who now only hold the Council by a narrow 22-20 margin. The full result is as follows:

Aled Davies (Plaid Cymru) 271

Alec Dauncey (Dem Rhyd/Lib Dem) 252

Carol Kolczac (Ann/Ind) 98

Richard Boudier (Llafur/Labour) 36

Luke Evetts (Ceid/Con) 17

The by-election was called after the forced resignation of the former Lib Dem councillor Eric Griffiths. The favourite to win the seat for the Lib Dems, town mayor Lorrae Jones-Southgate, then resigned both as mayor and town councillor after failing to win the nomination as Lib Dem candidate. Eric Griffiths had won the seat by a majority of 293 over Plaid at the County Council elections in May. Plaid Cymru now hold three of the six County Council seats in Aberystwyth with the Lib Dems holding two and the Independents one.

Aled is a Town Councillor and former town mayor who has twice narrowly failed to win a county council seat in North ward. He has a reputation as a hard and conscientious worker and will undoubtedly give a good service to the people of Rheidol ward.

Harpists demonstrate against Council cut

Over 30 young harpists and their parents demonstated this morning outside Ceredigion Council's headquarters in Aberaeron against the decision of the Council's Lib Dem Cabinet Member for Education to scrap peripatetic harp teaching throughout the County. If carried through, the decision has long-term implications for the tradition of the harp in Ceredigion, the county that produced Catrin Finch.

What is particularly concerning is that the decision seems to have been made entirely opportunistically. When it was discovered that the current harp teacher was having to leave a decision was simply taken not to replace her. The scrapping of the service had not been planned at all and there has been no consultation with the schools or parents affected. There has been no guidance for children currently using the service, nor for the schools who have bought harps at considerable expense. This is surely not a proper way to run an education service.

Many schools will be writing to the Council to protest, as will Ceredigion's Assembly Member Elin Jones.

Tabernacle severely damaged by fire

The Tabernacle Chapel in Mill Street was severely damaged by fire on Friday night. People living close by had to be evacuated whilst the fire was being fought. The picture shows fire fighters still pumping water into the building on Saturday afternoon.

The chapel, built in 1879 and at one time able to hold 1,500 people, has been disused since 2002 after its congregation dwindled. In 2003 the Mimosa Project was launched, aimed at turning the building into an exhibition centre about migration from and to Wales, but the project never got beyond the planning stage. However, last year, planning permission was granted to Merlin Homes to turn the building into flats, albeit with strict condition to preserve the historic features.

Fire Officers will be assessing the damage in the next few days.

Council acknowledges street rubbish problem

Ceredigion Council has acknowledged that litter from black bags has increased recently in Aberystwyth and says it is actively looking at solutions.

In response to concerns expressed by someone working in the Pier Street area, a senior Environmental Services Officer writes,

"Like you, I am concerned about the problems that appear to have escalated in Aberystwyth in recent weeks. The situation was particularly bad on Tuesday but we haven’t been able to identify the exact cause. It has been suggested that quantities of refuse had been placed out by some landlords cleaning properties earlier vacated by students, although this has not been substantiated.

"There are ongoing discussions with colleagues in the Housing Division and the Highways Property and Works Department to try to identify measures that the County Council can implement that will help to address the problems. However we do need the cooperation of local residents, landlords, property owners, businesses, etc. I’m not convinced that everyone in the town places a sufficiently high priority on civic and community pride. This is a challenge if the ambitions of the Aberystwyth Master Plan are to be realised.

"A programme of activity is being prepared by the County Council for the coming months to raise awareness and focus people’s minds on appropriate ways to store and present their refuse for collection. We are also engaging with various individuals and groups who have an interest in or could offer collaborative and sustainable solutions to a complex issue that does not have a single answer."

[Thanks to Harry James for the picture]

Call for Faster Progress on Fair Trade

Alun Williams has called for Ceredigion Council to speed up its work on becoming a Fair Trade County after Wales was last week declared the world’s first Fair Trade Nation.

“A motion to look at making Ceredigion a Fair Trade County was first agreed by the Council in October 2006 – 20 months ago. Although a Council committee has been working on it, progress has been extremely slow. It clearly hasn’t been prioritised by the Council and Ceredigion has been overtaken by many other counties in Wales.

Eleven Welsh Counties have already achieved Fair Trade status. All the others are working towards it. After all the work put in by local groups in places like Aberystwyth and Lampeter – both Fair Trade towns - we must make sure that Ceredigion doesn’t finish near the end of the list. Now that Wales has been declared the world’s first Fair Trade nation, due to all the support there is for Fair Trade around the country, I want to see Ceredigion catch up and do its bit.”

The qualify as a Fair Trade nation Wales has had to demonstrate to the Fair Trade Foundation that all its counties have achieve, or are working towards, Fair Trade status and that Fair Trade groups are established in 55% of its towns. The Fairtrade Foundation awards Fairtrade status to Nations, Towns, Counties, Schools and Churches that meet five goals developed to raise awareness and support for Fairtrade. Fair Trade supports small farmers in the developing world who produce food we cannot produce at home and who are disadvantaged by international trading conditions that benefit big business. The movement is making a significant impact in helping the developing world and is strongly backed by churches.

Mwy gwybodaeth / More information:
http://www.fairtradewales.com/

Sue Jones-Davies voted Mayor of Aberystwyth

Plaid Cymru's Sue Jones-Davies has been voted the new mayor of Aberystwyth for 2008/09. Sue is a highly respected personality in the town, a former actress who now teaches yoga amongst many other things. She represents the Bronglais area. She was elected unanimously by the Town Council following the recent resignation of Lorrae Jones-Southgate.

Meanwhile, the former Mayor's resignation letter has been released by the Council....

Mr Town Clerk and fellow councillors,

It is with great deliberation and sadness that in the light of the outcome of the unfortunate by-election in my Rheidol ward, where I have proudly stood as their Town Councillor these past four years and having served this Town of Aberystwyth with honour and pride. The dedication I have given to my position of Mayor and Deputy, before that as Mayoress goes without saying. I was immensely proud of having a second term of office as Mayor for 2008/2009. Sadly I now find that I do not have the full support of many of my fellow Liberal Democrat Councillors and the members of our Local and Executive branch to stand as their selected candidate for County Council in my ward being Rheidol ward; thus find myself in this impossible situation. Thus it leaves me with no other choice that after much thought and immense sadness I resign from Aberystwyth Town Council, thus relinquishing my Chains of Office.

I wish to express my gratitude to our excellent Town Clerk and Assistant, both Jim Griffiths and Carol Prime, for the great support and hard work during my affiliation with them. I pray you will continue to support and respect them as they very much deserve to be.

I had great vision for our new Town Council and for the future development and betterment of our beautiful Town and my name of Aberystwyth of which I had great pride and even greater pride in my self-respect and good name.

I wish you my fellow councillors well in the future and that my participation and contribution will be remembered with respect. One has to make great personal sacrifices when holding high office and when you stand as a Representative of the people who elect you to do so.

Therefore, I am now going to stand down in order to concentrate on my family life and my University degrees in politics and law, and ensuring that both my children succeed in their University years with my undivided love and support.

My best wishes to you all

and

it is with much regret.

Lorrae Jones-Southgate

Mayor of Aberystwyth Resigns

Lorrae Jones-Southgate has today resigned as both the Mayor of Aberystwyth and Town Councillor after failing in her bid to win the Lib Dem nomination to stand in the Rheidol ward County Council by-election. Lorrae was voted top of the poll in the ward in last month's Town Council elections and followed this by being voted Mayor for the second year running. The resignation will come as a further shock to residents of Rheidol ward who only two weeks ago saw the resignation of their Lib Dem County Councillor Eric Griffiths. The resignation will mean a further by-election in Rheidol ward which is due to elect a new County Councillor on July 10th.

Although Lorrae's style is not to everyone's liking, there is no doubt that her tremendous work-rate and commitment as Mayor in the past year has won her the respect of many in the town, including that of councillors from other political parties.

Aled Davies is Plaid candidate in Rheidol By-election

Aled Davies has been selected as Plaid Cymru's candidate in the forthcoming Rheidol ward County Council by-election. Aled is a former mayor of the town and only narrowly failed to win North ward in the recent Council elections, losing by just 23 votes.

The Rheidol ward by-election has been caused by the resignation of the sitting Lib Dem councillor Eric Griffiths who won the seat by a majority of 293 in May over Plaid Cymru candidate Sue Jones-Davies. However this majority was down by 105 compared to the previous election in 2004 and the momentum in Aberystwyth is with Plaid Cymru who gained 45% of the vote across the town at the recent elections compared to 31% for the Lib Dems.

The by-election will take place on July 10th. The polling station will be the Sea Cadet's Hall in Riverside Terrace from where the result will be announced at around 10.30pm.

Ysbyty Diweddaraf / Hospital Latest

Bronglais Hospital has revealed modifications to their plans for a major new extension. At a recent meeting with local residents, attended by 35 people, the scheme's architect explained that the new block would be set back five metres from Caradog Road compared to the current Biochem Lab and that a small garden would be created between the Ty Geraint palliative care centre and the road. They also intend stripping the white wall in front of the Biochem Lab to reveal the slate underneath.

These adjustments to the plans met with approval from the meeting. However there was dismay that, despite putting an extra layer on the bottom car park, the hospital now intends to provide just 22 extra car parking spaces compared to the present. This figure is a considerable reduction on the originally proposed 70 extra spaces. When questioned about this the hospital cited the contraints of the site and the need to provide large parking spaces for the disabled.

The meeting asked the architect to consider reducing the overhang of the building, painting it a light colour and providing a pathway for people to want to walk from Caradog Road to Penglais.

The latest announcement from the Health Minister is here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/7438377.stm

LLwyddiant Castell Rock Success

The Castell Rock festival in the castle grounds was once again a big success this year with a record attendance of all ages. The Castle is a fantastic venue for festivals of this kind and everyone involved deserves credit for putting on such a well-run event.

You can see my pictures of the day at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24136983@N07/
or
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/mid/sites/aberystwyth/pages/castellrock_2008_pics.shtml

Election Winners Denied Governing Role

Despite Plaid Cymru winning the County Council in Ceredigion elections with 19 seats against 12 for the Independents and 10 for the Lib Dems, the latter two have, once again, formed a coalition to deny the winners the opportunity to govern the County.

The decision was taken this morning at a meeting of the full Council in which the existing Council leader, Keith Evans, was voted back in by 23 votes to 19 against Plaid Cymru's Ellen ap Gwynn. Labour's lone councillor, Hag Harris, also joined the coalition, giving them a majority of four.

The coalition's previous majority was a much more comfortable 26 - 16. The next four years is likely to be tougher for the ruling group with the prospect of losing controversial votes unless all their members are present.

Election Reflections

The major shock of the County Council elections in the five Aberystwyth wards was the election of Plaid Cymru's Rob Gorman as County Councillor for Penparcau. Goronwy Edwards, last time's runaway winner, scraped into second place in the two-seat ward by just 14 votes over Plaid's other candidate Steve Davies, narrowly avoiding a double shock in a ward which was regarded as a safe seat for Independents. Owen Jones, the previous holder of the second Penparcau seat finished fourth.

The other four County Councillors in Aberystwyth were all re-elected, although, in North Ward, not without a struggle. Aled Davies, Plaid Cymru's widely-fancied candidate finished just 23 votes behind the sitting councillor and Cabinet Member Carl Williams. At the last election the margin between the same two candidates was 26 so little has changed and the ward remains on a political knife-edge.

In Bronglais ward I was delighted to win the largest majority in Aberystwyth in finishing 300 votes ahead of the Lib Dem candidate. The Bronglais turnout, at 46.22% was also the highest in the town.

In Central ward, Mark Strong pushed the Plaid Cymru vote up to 30% from the previous 22% but, despite working extraordinariliy hard, still finished 154 votes short of sitting councillor Ceredig Davies.

In Rheidol ward, Plaid Cymru's Sue Jones-Davies knocked 105 off the majority of Eric Griffiths, the sitting councillor, but still finished some way behind.

Aberystwyth now has two Plaid Cymru councillors, three Lib Dems and one Independent. However Plaid Cymru increased it's vote in all five wards of the town and missed two more seats by just 14 and 23 votes respectively. They won 45% of all votes cast across the town compared to 33% at the last local elections. By contrast the Lib Dem vote went down from 37% to 31%.

Similarly, in the Town Council elections, where 35 candidates stood for 19 seats, the Plaid Cymru vote went up from 40% to 46% whilst the Lib Dems went down from 36% to 32%. These figures may well have implications for the next general election where the Lib Dems will be defending a slim majority.

The Town Council now has nine Plaid Cymru councillors, six Lib Dems, two Independents, one Green and one Labour. The total turnout across the town went up from 3608 in 2004 to 3890 this time, showing that democracy is alive and well in Aberystywth.

See the full results below.

Canlyniad Etholiad Cyngor / Council Election Results

1 Mai 2008 / 1st May 2008

ABERYSTWYTH BRONGLAIS

CYNGOR SIR CEREDIGION COUNTY COUNCIL
(1 seat)
Alun Williams (Plaid Cymru) 376 (77.5% - up 6%)
Trevor Shaftoe (Lib Dem) 76 (15.6% - down by 12%)
Robert Schofield (Conservative) 33 (6.8%)

Majority of 300 (up by 73)
The turnout was 46.2% - up by 4.7%

CYNGOR TREF ABERYSTWYTH TOWN COUNCIL (4 seats)
Alun Williams (Plaid Cymru) 387
Sue Jones-Davies (Plaid Cymru) 347
Aled Davies (Plaid Cymru) 337
Ann-Marie Hinde (Plaid Cymru) 311
Michelle Shaftoe (Lib Dem) 104
Gerard Thompson (Lib Dem) 98
Matthew King (Lib Dem) 95
John Thornton (Lib Dem) 74

ABERYSTWYTH GOGLEDD / NORTH

CYNGOR SIR CEREDIGION COUNTY COUNCIL (1 seat)

Carl Williams (Lib Dem) 275
Aled Davies (Plaid Cymru) 252
Antony Pickles (Conservative) 40

CYNGOR TREF ABERYSTWYTH TOWN COUNCIL (3 seats)
Chris Simpson (Green) 292
Mark Strong (Plaid Cymru) 271
Wyn Thomas (Plaid Cymru) 236
Terry Lynch (Lib Dems) 176
Christopher Chaudhuri (Lib Dems) 175
Richard Morgan-Ash (Lib Dems) 159
Anthony Pickles (Conservative) 116

ABERYSTWYTH GANOL / CENTRAL

CYNGOR SIR CEREDIGION COUNTY COUNCIL (1 seat)

Ceredig Davies (Lib Dem) 296
Mark Strong (Plaid Cymru) 142
Emily Dale (Conservative) 24

CYNGOR TREF ABERYSTWYTH TOWN COUNCIL (3 seats)

Alec Dauncey (Lib Dems) 215
Lyn Lewis Dafis (Plaid Cymru) 193
Trevor Shaftoe (Lib Dems) 191
Michael Woods (Lib Dem) 184

Samantha Mackenzie-Grieve (Plaid Cymru) 179
Mark Mainwaring (Conservative) 80

ABERYSTWYTH RHEIDOL

CYNGOR SIR CEREDIGION COUNTY COUNCIL (1 seat)

Eric Griffiths (Lib Dem) 490
Sue Jones-Davies (Plaid Cymru) 197
Jason Edwards (Conservative) 38

CYNGOR TREF ABERYSTWYTH TOWN COUNCIL (4 seats)

Lorrae Jones-Southgate (Lib Dem) 412
Sam Hearne (Lib Dem) 378
Mair Benjamin (Lib Dem) 362
Ceri Meehan (Lib Dem) 273
Sandra Oliver (Plaid Cymru) 247
Catherine Trim (Plaid Cymru) 231
Oli Morys (Plaid Cymru) 230

ABERYSTWYTH PENPARCAU

CYNGOR SIR CEREDIGION COUNTY COUNCIL (2 seats)

Rob Gorman (Plaid Cymru) 419
Goronwy Edwards (Independent) 391
Steve Davies (Plaid Cymru) 377
Owen Jones (Independent) 195
Michael Jones (Lib Dem) 97
Richard Boudier (Labour) 95
David Cogdell (Conservative) 46
Graeme Smith (Conservative) 31

CYNGOR TREF ABERYSTWYTH TOWN COUNCIL (5 seats)
Rob Gorman (Plaid Cymru) 609
Goronwy Edwards (Independent) 557
Steve Davies (Plaid Cymru) 541
Owen Jones (Independent) 413
Richard Boudier (Labour) 224
David Cogdell (Conservative) 121
Graeme Smith (Conservative) 121

Full results for Ceredigion can be found here: http//www.ceredigion.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=4295&splashpage=false

Mae Etholiadau Yma / Elections are here

Mae'r etholiadau lleol ar 1 Mai bellach ar y gorwel ac mae'n siwr y bydd llu o barnffledi'n dechrau ymddangos drwy flwch y post. Yr etholiadau yma fydd yn penderfynu ar y hyn sy'n digwydd i wasanaethau yng Ngheredigion yn ystod y pedair blynedd nesaf.

It's time to batten down the hatches and prepare for all those leaflets through the door as we approach the County and Town Council elections on May 1st. The elections will shape public services in Ceredigion for the next four years.

Plaid Cymru's candidates in the elections across Aberystwyth's five wards are as follows:

Bronglais

Sir / County - Alun Williams

Tref / Town - Aled Davies, Ann-Marie-Hinde, Sue Jones-Davies, Alun Williams

Gogledd / North

Sir / County - Aled Davies
Tref / Town - Mark Strong, Wyn Thomas

Canol / Central

Sir / County - Mark Strong
Tref / Town - Lyn Lewis Dafis, Sam Mackenzie-Grieve

Rheidol

Sir / County - Sue Jones-Davies
Tref / Town - Oli Morys, Sandra Oliver, Catherine Trim

Penparcau

Sir / County - Steve Davies, Rob Gorman
Tref / Town - Steve Davies, Rob Gorman

Call for Environmental Audit of Council Building Materials

Alun Williams, has called for an environmental audit of all products and materials used in the renovation and maintenance of the Council's housing stock.

Commenting on the Council's Draft Local Housing Strategy at a meeting of the Ceredigion County Council's Environmental Services and Housing Committee, Cllr Alun Williams said:
"The section on sustainable development is far too woolly. It has good intentions but doesn ' t seem to know quite what to do about them. As a specific suggestion, I'd like the Council to conduct an environmental audit of all products and materials it uses in the maintenance of council housing stock and then look at what it can do to improve them.

"All materials, from windows to roofs, have an environmental impact but some are much better than others. I recognise that in most cases it's not possible for councils to afford the very best in environmental practices but there are many steps on the ladder.

"The Council needs to take a step up in its environmental practice. The best way to start is with the materials it uses on a large scale in its renovation and maintenance work. Because the Council works on a county-wide scale it can have a much bigger effect than individuals so it's important that the Council is seen to adopt the best practice it can".

Ceredigion Council's Draft Local Housing Strategy is now out for consultation.