A PAIR of disgruntled visitors to Cardigan have explained why Ceredigion County Council’s parking policies persuaded them to leave town and spend their money elsewhere.

In an email forwarded to town councillors, “Colin and Janet” suggested the local authority’s parking policy needed to be revised in order for Cardi businesses to survive.

The couple said they had recently visited Wales in their camper van and one of their planned stops was to visit Cardigan.

“Sadly, your council’s parking policies made us go elsewhere,” they said. “We arrived at a Cardigan car park, (Mwldan) where only a handful of vehicles were parked, only to find that we would have to pay £9.

“We managed to speak to two traffic wardens, who confirmed that any vehicle that could be slept in had to pay £9, even if only staying a few hours.

“Weirdly, for that £9 we could park for up to 24 hours, but could not sleep in our vehicle!

“Our camper van is no longer or wider than many family vehicles and would fit in a normal parking space without overhanging.

“It is possible to sleep in it, but we only ever use it as a ‘day van’.

“We went elsewhere and Cardigan businesses lost out on two breakfasts, two coffees and pastries, approximately £50 in gift purchases, £80 in beach wear clothing purchases and possibly dinner for two at a restaurant totalling approximately £60, not to forget a visit to your market and the tempting purchases we would have made there.

“Plus other purchases/entrance fees we could have been tempted to make.”

Town clerk Eleri Maskell told councillors she received complaints of the same nature ‘all the time’.

“As far as camper vans are concerned there’s only a 24-hour fee at that car park,” she added.

However, Mrs Maskell revealed Ceredigion County Council were looking into amending both charges and the paying structure in their car parks.

Members agreed to forward the email to County Hall as it was a county council matter.