Meals on Wheels to continue for most

Only 18 out of 130 elderly people in North Ceredigion receiving Meals on Wheels have been assessed as capable of managing the Council's controversial new frozen meals service.

That shock finding has demonstrated just how mistaken the whole idea of abandoning the popular Meals on Wheels service was in the first place.

After a heated debate when the issue was discussed by the full Council last year, the opposition Plaid Cymru group of councillors, along with sympathetic others from the ruling Lib Dem/Independent group, succeeded in forcing a compromise that those not capable of storing and cooking the frozen foods would be allowed to continue with their daily delivery of hot Meals on Wheels. That will now be the case for the vast majority.

Bowling Green Plans

Aberystwyth Town Council recently held a consultation meeting with residents living around North Road Bowling Club to decide how they would like spare land on the site used. The Bowling Club have decided not to continue with a second green on the site and to allow it to be leased to the Town Council who are hoping to find a sympathetic use.

The majority of people at the meeting wanted the land to be mainly used as a simple grassy play area for children. However other ideas, like the Celtic maze proposed by councillor Aled Davies, and the placing of sculptures around the site also had support. It was recognised that these ideas weren't mutually exclusive so the Town Council agreed to draw up plans incorporating options for all of them and to bring them back to a future meeting.

Achub Coed y Fynwent

SCROLL DOWN FOR ENGLISH

Mae cynllun i dorri coed ar hyd y llwybr ger mynedfa Mynwent Aberystwyth ar Ffordd Llanbadarn wedi cael ei rwystro. Roeddwn yn digwydd cerdded heibio wrth i’r goeden gyntaf cael ei thorri ac fe lwyddais i atal unrhyw waith pellach ar y coed sy’n creu effaith twnnel wrth gerdded ar hyd y llwybr.

Nid oedd y mwyafrif o’r trigolion lleol a ymgynghorwyd am weld y coed yn cael eu diddymu ac, yn dilyn trafodaethau pellach, fe gytunwyd i atal y gwaith am y tro ac i docio’r coed ychydig yn y dyfodol.

Yn y misoedd nesaf bydd y Cyngor yn adnewyddu’r gatiau, waliau a llwybrau o amgylch y fynwent er mwyn gwella ei golwg a chynnig mynediad haws i’r nifer o bobl sy’n cerdded trwyddi.

Mae’r Cyngor yn awr wedi cytuno i gydweithio â Grŵp Aberystwyth Gwyrddach (GAG) i gynhyrchu cynllun rheoli hirdymor ar gyfer y fynwent. Gall trigolion gysylltu â GAG naill ai drwy e-bostio post@lauriewright.plus.com

Cemetery Trees Saved

A plan to drastically cut back trees along the pathway at the Llanbadarn Road entrance to Aberystwyth Cemetery has been halted. I happened to be walking by as the first tree was being cut down and succeeded in stopping any further work on the trees which create a tunnel effect along the pathway.

The majority of local residents consulted did not want to see the trees removed and, after further discussions, it was agreed not to continue with the work for the time being and to trim the trees much less drastically at a future date.

In the next few months the Council will be renewing gates, walls and pathways around the cemetery to enhance its appearance and improve access for the many people who walk through it.

The Council is now working with the Greener Aberystwyth Group (GAG) to produce a management plan for the long-term future of the cemetery. GAG can be contacted by e-mail at post@lauriewright.plus.com

New Money for Bronglais

Plaid Cymru's AM for Ceredigion, Elin Jones recently joined the One Wales Government's Minister for Health and Social Services, Edwina Hart AM, on a visit to Aberystwyth's Bronglais Hospital . During the visit, the Minister announced immediate funding totalling nearly £33 million to be divided among hospitals in Wales in order to buy new hospital equipment and carry out minor alterations to existing hospital buildings in order to improve facilities for patients. Ceredigion and Mid Wales NHS Trust will be receiving a share of over £626,000 of this announced funding.
Following the visit to Bronglais Hospital with the Minister for Health and Social Services, Ceredigion's Elin Jones AM said:

"I was very glad to have been invited by the Minister to join her during her visit to Bronglais Hospital . During our visit we were shown the benefits of using the latest developments in telemedicine to provide links between hospitals. This is a very welcome innovation -especially for a rural area like Ceredigion because it can help to reduce the distance a patient must travel in order to be seen by a specialist - and the funding will partly be used to develop this service further. The nature of this funding announced by the Minister also means that Ceredigion residents will start to see its benefit in the immediate future".

Following their visit to Bronglais Hospital , Elin Jones AM and the Minister for Health and Social Services met with representatives from Ceredigion's Beacon of Hope, including its founder Elizabeth Murphy. Elin Jones AM later added:

"This is the Minister's second visit to Ceredigion in as many months. During her previous visit where she met with representatives from local organisations to discuss the future of healthcare in Ceredigion, the Minister showed a great interest in the work of the Beacon of Hope and therefore took the opportunity to visit the charity's Aberystwyth office today. The Beacon of Hope provides an invaluable service to local residents, and I was especially pleased that the Minister recognised the importance of the work carried out by Elizabeth Murphy and her staff".

Cynllunio Diweddaraf / Planning Latest

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 application is now in the consultation period which ends on March 6th although comments arriving after that time may still be considered. Will go to Development Control Committee but not before May 14th at the earliest.

Tanybryn, Ffordd Llanbadarn / Llanbadarn Road A071386

Newidiadau ac estyniad

Alterations and extensions

Diweddaraf / Latest - Approved subject to conditions

Geryllan, Ffordd y Drindod / Trinity Road A071305

Newidiadau er mwyn trosi ystafelloedd gwely a chysgu HMO i 3 fflat

Alteration to turn HMO bedsit into 3 flats

(Reduces the current 9 bedrooms down to 5)

Diweddaraf / Latest – Approved

Llys Ardwyn, Ffordd Ddewi / St David's Road

(Hen Safle Penweddig / Old Penweddig site) A071351

Conversion of former school building (the old school ‘C Block’) to accommodate 17 apartments, including 3 affordable units.This represents an increase of six units compared to the existing permission for Phase 3 (see below).

Diweddaraf / Latest – In the consultation period. Likely to go to the Development Control Committee. Will not be decided before 12th March 2008 at the earliest.

A070866

Variation of Condition No 2 attached to planning permission A050289 to allow the development of 17 units within Phase 3.

Diweddaraf / Latest – Withdrawn in favour of the application above

Other applications so far approved at Llys Ardwyn are:

Phase 1 - 9 flats

Phase 2 - 18 flats

Phase 3 - 11 flats

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

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

Glanaber, Heol y Buarth / Buarth Road A071120

Erection of wall & alteration to access

Diweddaraf / Latest – Approved

Havelock Villa, Ffordd Penglais / Penglais Road A071037

Dymchwel rhan o'r adeilad cyn codi estyniad newydd yn y cefn

Demolition of part of building before erecting a new extension to the rear

Diweddaraf / Latest – Approved

Hergest, Cae'r Gog A071023

Codi llawr cyntaf dros y byngalo a newidiadau

Erection of first floor over bungalow & alterations

Diweddaraf / Latest – Approved

Infirmary Road (Hen Safle Ysbyty Ffordd y Gogledd / Old North Road Hospital site) A070617

Demolition of dwelling (Garn Wen), road widening & provision of public footpaths

Diweddaraf / Latest – Approved

Arfron, Cae'r Gog A070631

Alterations & extension

Diweddaraf / Latest – Approved subject to conditions

Pencarreg, Ffordd Llanbadarn / Llanbadarn Road A070476

Codi 3 annedd / Erection of 3 dwellings

Diweddaraf / Latest – Refused

Dylid danfon sylwadau at yr Adran Cynllunio, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0PA

Comments can be sent to the Planning Department, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa Aberaeron, Ceredigion, SA46 0PA

Double Glazing for Maes Gogerddan

Maes Gogerddan, the council-run sheltered accommodation on Penglais Hill, is being fitted with double glazing. Work on windows in the 36 flats began at the beginning of January and will be completed by March. The work will save on heating costs for residents and reduce noise from the street.

Minister Commits to Rural Healthcare

Plaid Cymru's AM for Ceredigion, Elin Jones, has welcomed confirmation from the One Wales Government's Minister for Health and Social Services, Edwina Hart AM, that she is committed to securing Bronglais Hospital's future as a district general hospital to serve the rural population of Mid and West Wales.
Edwina Hart AM's reassurances came during a meeting held in Tregaron where representatives from local organisations were invited to raise their concerns directly with the Health Minister. She also confirmed that she remained committed to current plans to improve facilities and services at Cardigan and Tregaron community hospitals during a visit to the latter before the meeting.

Commenting on the Health Minister's desire to ensure that rural populations have equal access to healthcare services, Ceredigion AM Elin Jones said:

"I was very reassured to hear during the meeting in Tregaron that the Health Minister is aware of local concerns regarding the future of rural healthcare services now that she has agreed to a merger of NHS trusts in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. People in this area care passionately about the future of their health and social services and I'm glad that the Minister is committed to ensuring that Ceredigion doesn't lose out following the merger. The Minister also confirmed that she is eager to ensure that the merged trust's headquarters is located outside Carmarthen and I hope that she will consider locations in Ceredigion.

Elin Jones AM also welcomed Edwina Hart's announcement during the meeting at Tregaron that she had appointed Lord Elystan Morgan of Aberteifi to chair the committee which will advise on the implementation of the Rural Health Plan which was promised in the One Wales coalition agreement. Elin Jones AM further commented:

"During the protests to safeguard Bronglais Hospital 18 months ago I called for a Rural Health Plan to be developed and I'm glad that this will now become a reality. Today's announcement shows that the One Wales Government recognises the different needs of providing healthcare services in rural areas and I welcome Lord Elystan Morgan's appointment to chair the group which will advise on the development of rural health services".

County Councillor Alun Williams, who was also at the meeting added,
"Edwina Hart was more positive about the future of Bronglais and rural services in general than almost anyone expected. It's clear that Bronglais Hospital and the Assembly are both actively working towards putting in place the funding for the new hospital extension that was announced a few months ago".

Prif Gynllun Aberystwyth yn Cefnogi Preswylwyr

SCROLL DOWN FOR ENGLISH

Mae’r drafft diweddara o Brif Gynllun Aberystwyth yn gadael llonydd i ardaloedd Bronglais a’r Buarth o’r dref o ran y cynlluniau ar gyfer y datblygiadau sy’n cael eu cynnig ar gyfer rhannau eraill o’r dref. Yn yr ardal hon, dywed y Cynllun, “Dylid sicrhau a gwella ansawdd bywyd y trigolion”. Fodd bynnag, mae yn gwneud argymelliadau ar gyfer rheoli traffig yn yr ardal nad ydynt wedi cael eu crybwyll yn y wasg leol:
Rhwystro mynediad i bob stryd yn ardal y Buarth ar gyfer trigolion lleol ac er mwyn darparu gwasanaethau yno;
* Cau Lle’r Ffald ar ochr Stryd y Dollborth er mwyn symleiddio’r gyffordd ger Cornel y Cŵps;
* Estyn y llwybr cerdded a beicio o Blascrug i Lanbadarn;
* Diddymu statws Ffordd Llanbadarn a Rhiw Penglais fel Priffyrdd er mwyn galluogi traffig i gael eu cyfeirio o gwmpas yn hytrach na thrwy’r dref a lleihau tagfeydd o ganlyniad;
* Gwasanaeth Parcio a Theithio ychwanegol ar frig Rhiw Penglais;
* Un syniad (awgrym ydyw yn hytrach nag argymhelliad) yw dymchwel y pum tŷ ar ochr y dref o Stryd Thespis rhwng Rhodfa’r Gogledd a Stryd Cambria er mwyn i Stryd Thespis fod yn stryd ddwyffordd. Byddai hyn yn cael ei gyplysu gyda chyffordd newydd ar ddiwedd Stryd y Dollborth, Rhodfa’r Gogledd a Morfa Mawr er mwyn galluogi teithwyr i gyrraedd glan y môr yn haws.

Yn ychwanegol, mae Plascrug, caeau chwarae’r Ficerdy a Mynwent Ffordd Llanbadarn yn cael eu rhestru fel mannau gwyrdd sydd angen cael eu gwarchod.

Argymhellion eraill yn y Cynllun a fyddai’n cael effaith cadarnhaol ar ardaloedd Bronglais a’ r Buarth yw:
* Adnabod ardaloedd ar gyfer parcio i breswylwyr a sicrhau bod y defnydd o’r ardaloedd rhain yn cael eu monitro gan yr heddlu;
* Trosglwyddo rheolaeth dros barcio o’r heddlu i’r Cyngor Sir. Fe fyddai hyn yn galluogi i’r arian sy’n cael ei godi o ddirwyon parcio gael ei wario’n lleol er mwyn cyflogi digon o wardeiniaid traffig er mwyn monitro rheolau parcio yn hytrach na mynd i Drysorlys y DU.

Dylid cofio mai syniadau hir-dymor yw’r rhain a bod gan y Cyngor Sir hanes o beidio â gweithredu ar argymhellion sy’n cael eu gwneud mewn adroddiadau o’r fath. Fodd bynnag, mae’n bwysig bod preswylwyr yn cael gwybod beth mae’r arbenigwyr allanol a gomisiynwyd gan y Cyngor yn ei ddweud. Fe fydd yr holl argymhellion yn cael eu hystyried.

Gallwch dderbyn copi o Brif Gynllun Aberystwyth, naill ai yn y Gymraeg neu’r Saesneg, drwy ddanfon neges at alunw@ceredigion.gov.uk.

Masterplan Supports Residents

The latest draft of the much-publicised Aberystwyth Masterplan leaves the Bronglais and Buarth areas alone in terms of the kind of major developments planned for other areas of town. In this area, the plan says, “The quality of life for residents should be maintained and enhanced”. It does, however, make traffic recommendations for the area which have not been mentioned in local press coverage:
* All streets on the Buarth becoming a restricted access area for residents and services only.
* The closure of Pound Place at the Northgate Street end in order to simplify the Cŵps Corner junction.
* Extending the Plas Crug Avenue pedestrian and cycle path through to Llanbadarn
* The de-trunking of Llanbadarn Road and Penglais Hill – this would allow through-traffic to be signposted around, rather than through, the town and so reduce congestion.
* An additional Park & Ride at the top of Penglais Hill
* One idea (a suggestion rather than a recommendation) is the demolition of the five houses on the town side of Thespian Street between North Parade and Cambrian Street to allow Thespian Street to become a two-way street. This would be coupled with a re-vamped junction with Northgate Street, North Parade and Queens Road to allow more direct access to the sea front.

In addition, Plas Crug Avenue, Vicarage Fields and Llanbadarn Road Cemetery are listed as important green spaces that must be maintained.

Other recommendations in the plan which would positively affect the Bronglais and Buarth areas are:
* Residents parking areas to be identified and policed
* De-criminalisation of parking, i.e. the transfer of parking control from the police to the County Council. This would enable the money from parking fines, which currently goes to the UK Treasury, to be used locally to employ enough traffic wardens to enforce parking controls.

It must be remembered that these are long-terms ideas and that the County Council has a history of not acting on recommendations made in reports such as this. However it is important that people know what these outside experts commissioned by the Council are saying. All their suggestions will be given consideration.

You can receive an e-mail copy of the Aberystwyth Masterplan, in either Welsh or English, by sending a message to alunw@ceredigion.gov.uk

Prif Gynllun Aberystwyth - Argymhellion Diweddaraf

Oes gyda chi ddiddordeb yn y modd y bydd y dref yn datblygu?

Dewch i un o chwech sesiwn agored i weld yr argymhellion, siarad â chynrychiolwyr a darparu eich syniadau a’ch sylwadau fel rhan o’r ymgynghoriaeth sy’n mynd ymlaen.

Yn swyddfeydd Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru, Y Lanfa,Trefechan, Aberystwyth

Dydd Iau 6ed o Ragfyr 2007 10yb – 1yp 4yh – 7yh
Dydd Gwener 7fed o Ragfyr 2007 10yb – 1yp
Dydd Sadwrn 8fed o Ragfyr 2007 10yb – 1yp
Dydd Llun 10fed o Ragfyr 2007 10yb – 1yp 4yh – 7yh

Cynhelir mewn partneriaeth rhwng Llywodraeth Cymru a Chyngor Sir Ceredigion.

Aberystwyth Masterplan - Latest Proposals

Interested in the future development of Aberystwyth?

Come to one of six open sessions to view the proposals, talk to representatives and provide your thoughts and comments as part of the ongoing consultation.

At the Welsh Government offices, Y Lanfa,Trefechan

Thursday 6th December 2007 10am – 1pm 4pm – 7pm
Friday 7th December 2007 10am – 1pm
Saturday 8th December 2007 10am – 1pm
Monday 10th December 2007 10am – 1pm 4pm – 7pm

Undertaken in partnership by the Welsh Assembly Government and Ceredigion County Council.

Cytuno ar Reolau Traffig

SCROLL DOWN FOR ENGLISH

Mae’r llinellau melyn a argymhellwyd ar gyfer nifer o strydoedd o gwmpas Ysbyty Bronglais wedi eu cymeradwyo gan Gabinet y Cyngor Sir erbyn hyn. Roedd yna dri gwrthwynebiad, er bod un o’r rhain oddi wrth rhywun y tu allan i’r Sir. Mae’n debyg y gosodir y llinellau cyn y Nadolig fel y caniateir o dan bwysau’r Adran Briffyrdd.

Gwnaed y cynlluniau yn dilyn nifer o gwynion ynglŷn â gor-barcio sy’n achosi problemau mynediad a phasio dybryd yn yr ardal a’r cyfan yn gysylltiedig â cheisiadau penodol oddi wrth y trigolion.

I grynhoi dyma’r cynlluniau:
Ffordd Caradog: Llinellau melyn dwbwl ar gornel y groesffordd gyda Choedlan Iorwerth - i atal cerddwyr rhag cael eu rhwystro, i ddarparu lle i geir basio ac i ganiatau moduron i droi’r gornel.
Cae’r Gog: Llinellau melyn dwbwl ar y corneli i Ffordd Caradog – er mwyn galluogi cerbydau i droi y gornel.
Ffordd Ddewi: Llinellau melyn dwbwl ar bob pen ar yr ochr chwith (yn mynd tuag at yr ysbyty) – i alluogi cerbydau mwy o faint i fynd trwyddo. Cafodd y llinellau yn y cynigiad drafft gwreiddiol ar yr ochr dde ar y pen yng Nghoedlan Iorwerth eu dileu yn dilyn sylwadau pryderus am golli llefydd parcio.
Ffordd y Buarth: Llinell felen sengl ar ochr fewnol y tro yn arwain i fyny o Ffordd Llanbadarn – i alluogi moduron i basio ei gilydd ar y rhiw yn ystod y dydd. Dim cyfyngiadau ar ôl 6y.h.

Cytunwyd hefyd ar linellau melyn i Dan y Coed ac Elysian Grove/Cae Melyn.

Yn dilyn yr ymgynghoriad, gwnaed y pwynt gan llawer o drigolion, er nad yn gwrthwynebu’r cynllun, yr angen am barcio i drigolion. Daeth yn glir mewn trafodaeth ddiweddar y Pwyllgor Rheolaeth Traffig nad oes gan Swyddogion yr Adran Briffyrdd unrhyw wrthwynebiad i hyn a’u bod yn deall y problemau sy’n wynebu’r trigolion. Nid dyma oedd yr achos ond rai blynyddoedd yn ôl. I’r graddau hyn, gellir dweud bod cynnydd wedi ei wneud. Fodd bynnag mae’r swyddogion cydymdeimladol yma wedi cael eu goruwchreoli’n barhaus gan aelodau olynol o Gyngor Cabinet i’r Priffyrdd – h.y. y cynghorydd yng ngofal adran Priffyrdd.

Ray Quant sy’n dal y swydd ar hyn o bryd, sydd fel ei ragflaenydd Keith Evans (Arweinydd y Cyngor nawr), wedi gwneud yn glir ei fod yn gwrthwynebu trigolion yn parcio mewn egwyddor nad yw er budd pobl o rannau eraill o’r Sir. Yn anffodus mae ei benderfyniad yn derfynol. Fodd bynnag mae’r ffaith bod swyddogion proffesiynol y Cyngor yn ystyried bod parcio i drigolion yn ymarferol, o gael y cyllid, yn rhoi gobaith i’r dyfodol. Mae’n anodd diystyru’r casgliad mai’r hyn sydd ei angen ar gynllun parcio trigolion i Aberystwyth yw newid arweinyddiaeth gwleidyddol yn y Cyngor.

Gellir ysgrifennu at Aelod Cabinet y Cyngor ar gyfer Priffyrdd o dan ofal Swyddfeydd y Cyngor, Penmorfa, Aberaeron, SA46 0PA

Traffic Orders Agreed

Yellow lines proposed for a number of streets in the Bronglais Hospital area have now been approved by the County Council Cabinet. There were three objections, although one of these was from someone outside the County. The laying down of the lines is likely to take place before Christmas, as pressures on the Highways department allow.

The plans were drawn up following numerous complaints about over-parking causing serious access and passing problems in the area and all related to specific requests from residents.

To summarise, the plans are:
Caradog Road: Double yellow lines on the corner of the junction with Iorwerth Avenue - to prevent pedestrians being obstructed, to provide a refuge for passing cars and to allow cars to turn the corner.
Cae'r Gog: Double yellow lines around the corners of the spur to Caradog Road - to enable vehicles to turn the corner
St David's Road: Double yellow lines at both ends on the left side (going towards the hospital) - to enable larger vehicles to get through. The lines in the original draft proposals on the right side at the Iorwerth Avenue end have been deleted following comments of concern about loss of parking.
Buarth Road: Single yellow line on the inside of the bend leading up from Llanbadarn Road - to enable cars to pass each other on the hill during the day. No restriction after 6pm

Yellow lines have also been agreed for Dan y Coed and Elysian Grove / Car Melyn

During the consultation, many residents, whilst not opposing the scheme, made the point about the need for residents parking. At a recent debate in the Traffic Management Committee it became clear that Council Highways Officers now have no objection to this and understand the problems faced by residents. This was not the case just a few years ago. To this extent, it can be said that progress has been made. However these sympathetic officers have been continuously overruled by successive Council Cabinet Members for Highways – i.e. the councillor in charge of the Highways department.

The current holder of the post is Ray Quant who, like his predecessor Keith Evans (now the Council Leader), made it clear during the debate that he opposes residents parking in principle on the grounds that it is not in the interests of people from the rest of the County. Unfortunately his decision is final. However the fact that the Council's professional officers regard residents parking as workable, given the funding, does give hope for the future. It is hard to escape the conclusion that a change of political leadership in the Council is what is required to bring about a residents parking scheme for Aberystwyth.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways can be written to c/o Council Offices, Penmorfa, Aberaeron, SA46 0PA

UCAC yn Prynu Havelock Villa / UCAC Buy Havelock Villa

Mae Undeb Cenedlaethol Athrawon Cymru (UCAC) wedi prynu Havelock Villa ar Riw Penglais. Mae’r Undeb yn bwriadu symud ei bencadlys cenedlaethol o’r lleoliad presennol gyferbyn â’r pier i’r safle newydd fydd ag adnoddau mwy priodol erbyn yr haf 2008. Bydd hyn yn gorffen y blynyddoedd o ansicrwydd am ddyfodol yr hen gartref preswyl a oedd wedi mynd a’i ben iddo.


UCAC - The Welsh Teaching Union - have bought Havelock Villa on Penglais Hill. The Union intends to move its national headquarters from the current site opposite the Pier to the new site with improved facilities by next summer. This looks set to end many years of uncertainty about the building which was formerly a residential home but has been allowed to become dilapidated.

Patagonia Twinning Backed

Alun Williams has strongly backed Aberystwyth’s proposed town twinning with Esquel in Patagonia. Speaking at a meeting in Aberystwyth on Thursday (1st Nov) he said,

“Although distance and cost could be a problem, these obstacles are worth overcoming to link with the only recognized Welsh-speaking community in the world outside Wales . It’s absolutely natural that Aberystwyth should do this.

“Cardigan is already twinned with the Patagonian town of Trevelin . Esquel and Trevelin are just 14 miles apart so Aberystwyth now has the opportunity to complete a very solid link between Ceredigion and this area of Patagonia and shared travel arrangements can easily be made.

“It’s mistakenly thought by some people that town twinnings are an opportunity for councillors to enjoy free holidays. In fact, trips are normally self-funded and the main beneficiaries are often schoolchildren and young people as the hundreds of people who have visited our other twin towns of St Brieuc and Kronberg over the years can testify. Town twinnings give an opportunity for them to enjoy new cultural and linguistic experiences with plenty of support. This will be our first twinning with a Spanish-speaking country so will give opportunities not available at the moment.

“Links between Aberystwyth and Patagonia already exist. Cymdeithas Cymru-Ariannin (the Wales–Argentina Society) is based in Penrhyncoch. For years they’ve been sponsoring exchanges of teachers, students and religious ministers between Wales and Patagonia . The Welsh Books Council has established links. The National Library also has an extensive collection of publications about Patagonia . Dozens of Welsh speakers from Aberystwyth have already visited the area to promote Welsh in Patagonia . One of our Town Councillors, Jaci Taylor, is there doing just that right now.

“I applaud the initiative shown by Esquel in asking to twin with us and I’d like Aberystwyth to warmly accept.”

The idea of the twinning was first raised when the mayor of Esquel wrote to Aberystwyth Town Council. The meeting agreed unanimously to pursue the link and a further meeting will be held to form a committee.

House demolished without Planning Permission

The developers of the old North Road Hospital site have pre-empted a planning application to demolish a house by demolishing it anyway. The application to demolish Garn Wen in Infirmary Road was submitted in June. The intention is to widen the road to allow further building. The application has received objections from local residents and is likely to be discussed in Ceredigion Council's Development Control Committee in December. Theoretically, if the planning application is rejected the developer could be made to re-build the house. However Ceredigion has a record of taking no action in cases such as this.

Getting the right balance between flats and houses

Alun Williams has called for a halt to family houses being converted into flats in Aberystwyth. On Wednesday, Ceredigion County Council's Development Control Committee decided to allow the conversion of 'Preseli' in North Road into three flats despite objections from several local residents and the Town Council.
Speaking during the debate, Alun Williams said:

"There's nothing wrong with flats but we have hundreds of them now and every healthy town needs the right balance between flats and traditional houses. In Aberystwyth, that balance is in danger of being lost as we lose more and more family homes to flat conversions.

"Contrary to what the planning officer's report says, there's nothing 'inevitable' about this. Traditional houses are what gives a town its roots. The planning department should now be exercising control in order to maintain the kind of community people rather than abandoning its responsibility like this.

"Following strong lobbying from Aberystwyth Town Council, the Unitary Development Plan quite rightly stopped the development of any further HMOs in the town. When its successor – the Local Development Plan – is being formulated, I will be arguing that the time has come to do the same with the conversion of traditional homes to flats".

Drill Hall Summit Requested

Plaid Cymru councillor Alun Williams has called for those campaigning for a community centre in Aberystwyth to meet as a matter of urgency with the council officers and developers currently making plans for the future use of the Drill Hall in Glyndwr Road.
A meeting in the Buarth Hall organised by former county councillor Hywel Jones was told by Cllr Williams that the Council was planning to move the Day Centre in Park Avenue to the Drill Hall if consultation with the users of the centre proves favourable. As part of the development of Mill Street car park the Day Centre would be replaced with shops and an extra layer would be put on the car park.
Cllr Williams warned,
“Whilst Social Services, who run the Day Centre, would undoubtedly allow community meetings to take place in the Drill Hall from time to time, the current plans would not allow the place to function as the kind of community centre envisaged by campaigners.”
“With plans rapidly being developed, now is the time for a delegation of those concerned to request a meeting with the County Council’s Estates department, Social Services and the developers to thrash out the possibilities for full community usage of the Drill Hall so that these can be incorporated into the plans. If its left much longer it’ll be too late”.
He told the meeting,
“The delegation should include the Community Association, Hywel Jones, who has campaigned so passionately on the issue, and a representative of Glyndwr Road residents.”
The meeting accepted his proposal and agreed to approach the Council.

Heritage Scheme for Aberystwyth

Alun Williams has called for a Heritage Scheme for Aberystwyth similar to those that have operated successfully in Aberaeron, Tregaron and Cardigan. Speaking at a Town Council meeting he said,
“Heritage schemes have operated extremely successfully in Aberaeron, Tregaron and Cardigan. They’ve benefited the economy of those towns and they’ve raised the town pride and self-esteem of everyone who lives in them.
“Aberystwyth has a marvelous architectural heritage that is not being looked after and is being allowed to deteriorate. Other towns in Ceredigion have been transformed by these schemes. The expertise exists in the Council and its clear that the Assembly are supportive. Surely Aberystwyth, the flagship town of not only Ceredigion but the whole of mid-Wales, should now have it’s turn.
“I’m asking the Town Council to write to the Director of Environmental Services and Housing to ask Ceredigion to set aside the resources to make this possible.”