SCRAP Covid safe zones as well as Ceredigion County Council’s Gold Command!

That is the view of Cardigan councillor Elaine Evans who says feelings in town are running high over the power held by the local authority’s decision-making body.

Back in March 2020 temporary delegated powers were granted to chief executive Eifion Evans and Gold Command enabling them to make ‘urgent decisions’ relating to the authority’s Covid response.

But with safe zones set to remain all summer - despite the easing of Welsh Government restrictions - Cllr Evans believes the group should be disbanded and decision-making returned to elected members.

“The impact of this lack of democracy on the reputation of the council is now negative when it was once so positive in its response to Covid, and that’s such a shame,” she told the Tivy-Side.

“It is time for Ceredigion Council to be restored to full democratic control.

“People in Cardigan feel Cabinet are hiding behind the decisions taken by the Gold Command on issues like the establishment of the safe zones, and the hostility is plain to see.”

A county council spokesperson said Gold Command would continue to operate ‘for the time being’.

“Covid-19 rates remain high where there are a large number of tourists,” she added.

“The Leader and Deputy Leader will review the decision to delegate powers to senior officers by the end of August.

“The Cabinet does not feel that there is a democratic deficit as weekly meetings (with) senior officers have continued throughout the pandemic.”

Read the full story in this week's edition of the Tivyside.