“IT SEEMS as if Ceredigion County Council are doing everything in their power to try and kill our town off.”

That is the reaction of a leading Cardigan businessman after the town’s high street was closed off on Friday as part of the controversial Covid safe zone.

Julian Beynon-Lewis, acting chair of Cardigan Traders, maintains town businesses have already been badly hit.

He also questioned the effectiveness of the safe zone in ensuring social distancing and claimed Cardigan was actually less safe for pedestrians than it was before.

“This has been an absolute disaster for our town,” Mt Beynon-Lewis told the Tivy-Side. “We took a poll of traders last September and around 66 per cent were against it.

“This year is even worse – one long-established business has reported a 30 per cent drop in takings and a 40 per cent reduction in footfall.

“All we can do is try and ensure the safe zone does not continue beyond this summer.

“Last year Ceredigion County Council introduced free parking – this time they have not only brought back charges but actually increased them while at the same time bringing in cashless machines few seem able to operate.

“What worries me is the long-term effect all this is going to have on Cardigan – we are going to lose out to places like Newcastle Emlyn and Narberth.

“I don’t see how the measures brought in make the town safer in any shape or form.

“Any benefit from getting traffic out of town is surely outweighed by the damage created to the local economy and difficulties posed to pedestrians.”