FOI18520 Excerpt of Gold Command Minutes 09.07.20 Re Safe Zones

FOI18520 Excerpt of Gold Command Minutes 09.07.20 re Safe Zones

Item/ Decision/ New Officer Discussion Rationale Actions • Disabled parking has been queried and discussed. • The Integrated Impact assessment (attached) was considered by the LG. • A ‘user friendly note’ has been drafted for the public for information. . • A specific area on the website has been made to upload all the relevant documents so that the public can be signposted to the area. • There is a flexibility here (+5 days) on emergency orders. Discussion

were had about phasing and if there was a real problem then we

would concentrate on a few towns first. th • highlighted the urgency of implementing these plans on the 13 of June as has reported a substantial increase in the

occupancy rate for holiday homes and caravans for the next fortnight. • highlighted that the press release needs to be solely factual and it

was decided that will send the amended version to and for sign off.

• The safe towns report was endorsed provided that the amendments

highlighted in today’s discussion were made and that any changes to

the documents were brought back to Gold Command for information.

• queried whether the CLIC Team could have site of these plans

as soon as possible due to the increased enquiries coming through.

agreed to this in addition to share the user friendly note which

will answer many of the questions.

• Plans for pubs, restaurants and cafes re-opening outdoors

- noted that the letter to hospitality businesses (attached) has

been revised and translated since it was discussed in a Gold

Command meeting last week. highlighted that the ‘user friendly note’ informs businesses to contact the council if they wish to trade outdoors. highlighted the need for bilingual headers and a final proof-read. - The questionnaire for hospitality businesses was noted and this was supported. - raised concerns regarding businesses assuming that they can trade outside etc., however, it is uncertain what WG will do about the relaxation of licencing laws. - stated that during the LRF meeting a WG representative Letter to Hospitality st noted that legislation will be passed on the 21 of July which will businesses (bilingual). allow the licences outside to be extended to cover the whole of 3

REPORT TO LEADERSHIP GROUP

Report (Officer’s name)

Date: 09/07/2020

Subject of the Report: The creation of safe zones for pedestrians in Aberaeron, Aberystwyth, Cardigan and New Quay.

Purpose of the Report: To seek Gold Command approval for the creation of safe zones for pedestrians in the four town centre locations mentioned for public safety and revitalising the local economy, by making town centres safe and inviting areas for people to shop/enjoy.

Proposals have been developed to create safe zones for pedestrians in four town centres in order to provide inviting towns for people to go shopping and to enjoy.

With the slow easing nationally of the lockdown restrictions, social distancing requirements are still important if the spread of coronavirus is to be supressed, and it is therefore necessary to make adjustments to the towns for public safety and health reasons, as well as revitalising the local economy.

Given the likely increase in the numbers of people in the County during the summer, these can only be accommodated and done safely if more space is created for people rather than for cars.

The alternative would be that some streets would be deemed unsafe for pedestrian access as social distancing would not be achievable, which would require the Council to consider preventing pedestrian access resulting in businesses soon becoming unsustainable.

Within Ceredigion, Aberaeron, Aberystwyth, Cardigan and New Quay will be the first towns to see these zones implemented, with further works proposed to provide similar solutions for Aberporth, Borth, Lampeter, Llandysul and Tregaron in the coming weeks.

Historic street layouts mean that there are narrow streets and pavements with traffic running through them which are not conducive to social distancing, and the modification and repurposing of some of the road space within the town centres needs to take place to ensure that businesses can trade, whilst at the same time ensuring the areas remain a safe environment for residents, workers, visitors and businesses.

The reallocation of road space and removal of street clutter will create a safer environment which will encourage and facilitate greater patronage and footfall whilst maintaining space for social distancing without compromising safety.

Initial discussions have been held with stakeholders such as the Town Councils and where possible, officers have sought to incorporate any reasonable suggestions put forward into the final plans without compromising the overall objective of the proposals which are now being put forward for consideration at Aberaeron, Aberystwyth, Cardigan and New Quay.

C1 Aberaeron Town - ERC Public Notice • Aberaeron – Vehicular Routes v4.0.TTRNs Aberaeron.doc

C1 Aberystwyth - C1 Aberystwyth - Emergency Public • Aberystwyth - Core Town Restricted Northern Prom Full ReNotice English Covid1

C1 New Quay Core ERC Public Notice • New Quay - Town Restricted Zone TTRNs New Quay.doc

C1 Cardigan - Core • Cardigan – Town Restricted Zone

Safe zones will be created by closing the roads shown in the attached plans during certain times of the day, by removing on street parking, and by de-cluttering and relocating street signage and furniture. Free parking will be provided in Council owned car parks during the initial period in order to encourage workers, visitors and shoppers to make the most of the space provided.

The road closures are being implemented under Section 1(1) 2(1) Section 14(1b) and (3) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, as amended by the Road Traffic Act (Temporary Restriction Act 1991) for public health reasons and the need to create space in order to facilitate social distancing by easing the free unfettered movements of pedestrians, due to Covid-19.

These safe zones will be introduced from Monday 13 July 2020 and will be subject to ongoing review to ensure that they remain fit for purpose and are aligned to the overall objective of the proposal, and if there are any changes needed that these can be made as quickly possible.

The Council has acted quickly to put these arrangements in place in order to safeguard the health and safety of all its citizens and visitors, and it is intended that these initial arrangements will be continually reviewed.

Once the proposals have been agreed, information will be shared with residents, traders and business owners within the ‘safe zone’ and we will look to work with these traders and businesses to ensure that deliveries of supplies can be facilitated.

However, business and residents are requested to make arrangements for access and deliveries outside the closure period. The Council will only seek to facilitate access within the closure period for emergencies or in urgent/unforeseen circumstances.

Issues and decisions needed It is recommended that Gold Command agree to from Leadership Group: the creation of safe zones within the town centres of Aberaeron, Aberystwyth, Cardigan and New Quay as shown in the attached plans and notices, and to authorise the use of emergency road closure powers to achieve this in order to facilitate safe pedestrian and retail areas within the town centres in response to the risks posed by the COVID19 virus.

Background papers and / or Plans and Notices decisions:

Policy implication:

Equality and Language implication:

Budgetary issues:

Further Report to Cabinet and/or Further report to Cabinet will be required to extend Council: the road closure periods by means of a temporary order

Scrutiny Involvement:

Proposed timeline for reporting:

Leadership Group decision and proposed action:

Ceredigion County Council Emergency Traffic Restrictions Public Notice Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, Section 1(1) 2(1) Section 14(1b), (2b) and (3) As amended by the Road Traffic Act (Temporary Restriction Act 1991) Temporary Prohibition of Use and Temporary Alteration to Traffic Flow

CARDIGAN

Ceredigion County Council hereby gives notice that with effect from 00.01 hours on Monday the 13th day of July 2020, no vehicle shall proceed along the lengths of road in Cardigan as mentioned in Schedule 1 of this Notice. No vehicle shall park, load or wait along the lengths of road as mentioned in Schedule 1 and 2 of this Notice. Vehicles shall only travel along roads in the direction as mentioned in Schedule 3 of this Notice. Vehicles will only be able to park or wait as mentioned in Schedule 4 of this Notice. This Temporary Prohibition of Use will remain in force for the duration of this Notice.

Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

Restrictions will not apply between 18:01and 09.59 hours.

Schedule 1. Temporary Prohibition of Traffic between 08:00 and 18:00 hours daily: High Street: from the Shire Hall to the junction with College Row. Pendre: from the junction with College Row to the junction with Bathhouse Road. Market Lane: from the junction with High Street to junction with Middle Mwldan. St. Mary Street: from the junction with High Street to the junction with Morgan Street. Ebens Lane: from the junction with High Street to the junction with Middle Mwldan. Chancery Lane: from the junction with High Street to the junction with St. Mary Street. Pwllhai: from the junction with High Street to ‘Beauty in Motion’. College Row: from the junction with High Street/Pendre to the junction with Middle Mwldan. Priory Street: from Priory Court to the junction with Pendre. Upper Mwldan: whole length of access road running from the back of the Guild Hall, College Row junction, to the footway on Bathhouse Road. William Street: from the junction with Feidrfair to the junction with Pendre. Bathhouse Road: from the Theatre junction of Bathhouse Road to the junction with Llys Owen.

Schedule 2. Temporary Prohibition of Parking, Waiting and Loading between 08:00 and 18:00 hours daily: All parking bays, street parking and loading along the roads mentioned in Schedule 1 of this Notice will be prohibited during the periods of road closure.

Schedule 3. Temporary Alteration to Traffic Flow between 08:00 and 18:00 hours daily: Greenfield one-way traffic flow travelling in a north-easterly direction, from the Square: junction with Middle Mwldan/College Row to junction with Greenfield Row. Priory Street: two-way traffic flow travelling between the junction with Morgan Street and the point of road closure at Priory Court.

Schedule 4. Change of Use between 08:00 and 18:00 hours daily: Bridge Street: left of carriageway; Disabled Parking Bay adjacent to Branwen Centre, to become a temporary Bus Stop. Bridge Street: Bus Stop adjacent to the Cellar Bar and Hairdressing Salon to become Blue Badge, Disabled Parking Bridge Street: right of carriageway parking bay; from the point of road closure to the Castle access road, to become Blue Badge, Disabled Parking Old Health Centre Blue Badge Disabled, Parking Only. Car Park, Feidrfair: Pendre Permit Blue Badge Disabled, Parking Only. Holders Only Car Park:

Schedule 5. Exemptions to this Notice: Emergency Services(including RNLI and Doctors), Care Providers, Statutory Undertakers(for emergency repairs only).

The alternative route for vehicles to travel around the restricted area from Bridge Street will be to travel the one-way system along Quay Street, Lower Mwldan, Middle Mwldan and Greenfield Square to the junction with Bathhouse Road. From this point vehicles will be able to turn left to access the Medical Centre and the Gwbert Road junction, or turn right to access Pendre, Aberystwyth Road and Feidrfair.

The restrictions are necessary because of likelihood of danger to the public and the need to create ‘space’ in order to facilitate social distancing by easing the free unfettered movements of pedestrians, due to Covid-19.

This Notice shall continue in force for a period not exceeding twenty one days, after which time its provision may be extended for a further 21 days and/or a temporary Order under Section 14(1) of the same Act.

Dated the 13th Day of July 2020 For: Highways and Environmental Services, Ceredigion County Council DRAFT DECISION NOTICE 9/7/20

COVID 19 Safe zones in place in Ceredigion

STATUTORY POWERS

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, Section 1(1) 2(1) Section 14(1b), (2b) and (3) As amended by the Road Traffic Act (Temporary Restriction Act 1991)

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 part II Traffic Regulation in Special Cases: S14 Temporary prohibition or restriction on roads. (1)If the traffic authority for a road are satisfied that traffic on the road should be restricted or prohibited— (b) because of the likelihood of danger to the public, or of serious damage to the road, which is not attributable to such works; the authority may by order restrict or prohibit temporarily the use of that road, or of any part of it, by vehicles, or vehicles of any class, or by pedestrians, to such extent and subject to such conditions or exceptions as they may consider necessary 2) The traffic authority for a road may at any time by notice restrict or prohibit temporarily the use of the road, or of any part of it, by vehicles, or vehicles of any class, or by pedestrians, where it appears to them that it is— (b) necessary for the reason mentioned in paragraph (b) of that subsection, that the restriction or prohibition should come into force without delay.

Gold Command Decision 9/7/20:

GOLD COMMAND In light of the national emergency and urgent situation arising as a result of COVID- 19, and in order to protect the Council and the public’s interests, these measures are considered necessary, because of the likelihood of danger to the public, in circumstances where the decision is deemed urgent such that any delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s or the public’s interests

Gold Command agreed that Public Notices relating to Emergency Traffic Restrictions for the Temporary Prohibition of Use and Temporary Alteration to Traffic Flow pursuant to:

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, Section 1(1) 2(1) Section 14(1b), (2b) and (3) as amended by the Road Traffic Act (Temporary Restriction Act 1991)

should be issued by the Council for the following towns: • Aberaeron • Aberystwyth • Cardigan • New Quay

Effective from 13/7/20 Duration: 21 days: 13/7/20-2/8/20

It is noted that application has been made to Welsh Government for: • closure of the A487 trunk road through Aberystwyth town • revocation of the on street parking order to prohibit parking in the bay opposite to the Bus Stop on Bridge Street/Alban Square, Aberaeron.

Reasons for decision: The Council’s Traffic Authority are satisfied that traffic on the roads should be restricted or prohibited because of the likelihood of danger to the public, and that that the restrictions or prohibitions should come into force without delay. The decision is deemed urgent such that any delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s or the public’s interests

9/7/20

Dear Sir / Madam

RE; Temporary measures being proposed by Ceredigion County Council to help the hospitality sector adjust - Expressions of Interest

Hospitality businesses and licensed premises are a very important part of the local economy and businesses like yours are the lifeblood of our high streets. Socially distancing rules have affected all businesses in some ways but they have significantly affected pubs, restaurants and cafes etc., and will no doubt continue to have an impact on the capacity to accommodate customers on your premises in the short and long term.

We recognise the massive and unprecedented challenges coronavirus is having on hospitality businesses and acknowledge the fact that there has been very little change to the restrictions placed upon businesses operating as pubs, restaurants and cafes.

Pubs, cafes and restaurants can already be open to provide takeaway services. However, from the 13th July 2020, businesses such as yours will be allowed to re-open outdoor spaces that you own and have licences for provided you can manage the social distancing rules (and provided there is a continued reduction in the spread of coronavirus).

While we wait to hear how Welsh Government will ease the restrictions for businesses based in Wales, as responsible businesses, many of you no doubt will have already considered when you are permitted to re-open, how you are going to manage the re-opening and how you will do so safely and compliantly.

To assist you in providing additional outdoor spaces for tables and chairs outside your premises, Ceredigion County Council is looking at ways to provide and facilitate the use of pavement space and other public spaces. With this in mind, we would like to hear from you to understand what your needs and requirements are to enable you to trade safely during this pandemic.

Economic recovery is dependent on balancing the confidence and safety of local communities as well as being able to safely welcome visitors back to the county. Ensuring that your business has the necessary social distancing and hygiene measures, etc., in place prior to re-opening will also help to reassure your staff, your existing customers as well as potential new customers.

The overwhelming majority of Ceredigion businesses have complied with the restriction rules so far. The new laws are part of the new, yet temporary, way of life necessary to protect those in our society who are most vulnerable to the effects of coronavirus and it is in all our interests, as a responsible tourism destination, to work together.

The current minimum social distancing rules in Wales is still 2 metres (this may change in the future), and you should base your risk assessments on these distances. We would encourage you to take some time to consider setting up plans to ensuring a safe, and managed re-opening of your business.

Current Welsh Government guidance for businesses on how to take reasonable measures to maintain physical distancing in the workplace and advice regarding the coronavirus regulations is available at: https://gov.wales/taking-all-reasonable-measures-maintain-physical-distancing-workplace https://gov.wales/coronavirus-regulations-guidance#section-39241

Holiadur

Enw Busnes: …………………………………………………………………………………………

Cyfeiriad yr Adeilad: …………………………………………………………………………………… ..

……………………………………………………………………………………………

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Noder os gwelwch yn dda, os na fyddwch yn cynnwys Enw a chyfeiriad eich busnes, efallai na fydd y cyngor yn gallu mynd i'r afael â'ch ymholiadau yn ddigonol.

1. Faint o fyrddau a chadeiriau y byddai eu hangen arnoch yn yr awyr agored i'w gwneud yn economaidd hyfyw i chi ailagor?

2. A oes gennych eisoes unrhyw fannau awyr agored y gallwch eu defnyddio ac a yw eisoes wedi'i drwyddedu? e.e. Trwydded Safle o dan Ddeddf Trwyddedu 2003 i alluogi gwerthu alcohol?

______

3. Beth yw eich gallu i fasnachu yn yr awyr agored ar hyn o bryd - a beth fyddai eich gallu i wneud hynny nawr gyda'r rheolau pellhau cymdeithasol yn cael eu gweithredu?

______4. Pe byddech chi'n gymwys i gael “trwydded palmant” a fyddai gennych ddiddordeb?

5. Pa mor hir y bydd yn ei gymryd i chi ailagor?

______

6. Pa arwyddion / marciau llawr / sgriniau / offer amddiffyn personol (PPE) ydych chi'n bwriadu eu defnyddio?

______

7. Ydych chi'n rhagweld unrhyw broblemau cysylltiedig ag ailagor e.e. danfon / archebu staff stoc / ail-hyfforddi ar reolau Covid19?

______8. Pa weithdrefnau glanhau / glanweithdra y byddwch chi'n eu mabwysiadu?

______9. Oes gennych chi gyfleusterau golchi dwylo digonol yn eich adeilad?

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10. Os oes gennych gyfleusterau toiled yn eich adeilad, os caniateir hynny, a fyddwch chi'n caniatáu i gwsmeriaid eu defnyddio?

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11. A fyddwch chi'n darparu gwasanaeth wrth y bwrdd, ac archebu ymlaen llaw?

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12. A fyddwch chi'n cynnig dewis mwy cyfyng ar y fwydlen? A fyddai angen lle palmant ychwanegol arnoch i osod byrddau-A i hysbysebu'ch bwydlenni ac ati?

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13. Pa fesurau allech chi eu mabwysiadu i reoli lleihau sŵn?

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14. A ydych chi'n darparu gwasanaeth cludfwyd ar hyn o bryd?

______

15. Ydych chi wedi prynu dodrefn ychwanegol e.e. adlenni, canopi, gwresogyddion, ac ati?

______

16. Beth yw eich pryderon cyffredinol ynghylch ailagor, os o gwbl?

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Rhowch gymaint o adborth ag y teimlwch yn angenrheidiol ac e-bostiwch neu bostiwch yr holiadur i [email protected] neu Canolfan Rheidol, Rhodfa Padarn, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth, SY23 3UE.

__ Questionaire

Business Name: …………………………………………………………………………………………

Premises Address: ……………………………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………..

Please note, if you don’t include your business Name and address the council may not be able to address your queries adequately.

1. How many tables & chairs would you need outdoors to make it economically viable for you to reopen?

- ______

2. Do you already have any outdoor areas that you can use and is it already licenced? e.g. Premises Licence under Licensing Act 2003 to enable sale of alcohol?

______

3. What is your current outdoor capacity – and what would your existing outdoor capacity be with social distancing rules applied?

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4. If you were eligible for a “pavement licence” would you be interested? 4

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5. How long will it take you to re-open?

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6. What signage / floor markings / screens / personal protective equipment (PPE) do you intend to use?

______

7. Do you foresee any associated problems with reopening e.g. deliveries / ordering of stock / re-training staffing on Covid19 rules?

______8. What procedures for cleansing/sanitation will you adopt?

______

9. Do you have adequate hand washing facilities on your premises?

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10. If you have toilet facilities in your premises, if permitted, will you be allowing customers to use them?

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11. Will you be providing service at the table and pre-booking?

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12. Will you be offering a reduced menu selection? Would you need additional pavement space to place A-boards to advertise your menus etc?

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13. What measures could you adopt to manage noise reduction?

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14. Do you currently provide a takeaway service?

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15. Have you purchased extra furniture e.g. awnings, canopy, heaters, etc?

______

16. What are your general concerns about re-opening, if any?

______

Please provide as much feedback as you feel necessary and email or post the questionnaire to [email protected] or Canolfan Rheidol, Rhodfa Padarn, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth, SY23 3UE.

Ceredigion County Council Emergency Road Closure Public Notice

Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, Section 1(1) 2(1) Section 14(1b) and (3) As amended by the Road Traffic Act (Temporary Restriction Act 1991) Temporary Prohibition of Use and Temporary Alteration to Traffic Flow

Ceredigion County Council hereby gives notice that with effect from 00.01 hours on Sunday the 12th day of July 2020, no vehicle shall proceed along the lengths of road in Aberystwyth as mentioned in Schedule 1a and 1b of this Notice. No vehicle shall park along the lengths of road as mentioned in Schedule 1a, 1b and 2 of this Notice. Vehicles shall only travel along roads in the direction as mentioned in Schedule 3 of this Notice. This Temporary Prohibition of Use will remain in force for the duration of this Notice. Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

Schedule 1a. Temporary Prohibition of Traffic between the hours of 10:00 and 18:00 daily:

1. Powell Street: from Bridge Street eastwards for approx. 2 metres 2. Gray’s Inn Road: from Bridge Street eastwards for approx. 5 metres 3. Queen Street: from Bridge Street to Chalybeate Street 4. Princess Street: from St James Square to Bridge Street 5. St. James’ Square: from High Street to Great Darkgate Street 6. Great Darkgate Street: from Castle Street to Bridge Street 7. Lower Great Darkgate Street: from Castle Street to Laura Place 8. Castle Street: from Vulcan Street to King Street 9. New Street: from Laura Place to Pier Street 10. King Street: from Laura Place to Pier Street 11. Pier Street: from Great Darkgate Street to Marine Terrace 12. Eastgate from Pier Street to Baker Street 13. Baker Street: from Great Darkgate Street to Alfred Place 14. Portland Street: from Baker Street to Terrace Road 15. Alfred Place: from Baker Street to Corporation Street 16. Corporation Street: from Terrace Road to Alfred Place 17. Terrace Road: from Marine Terrace to Owain Glyndwr Square 18. Bath Street: from Terrace Road eastwards for approx. 5 metres 19. Portland Street: from Terrace Road eastwards for approx. 5 metres 20. Portland Road: from Terrace Road eastwards for approx.10 metres 21. Cambrian Place: from Terrace Road to Chalybeate Street 22. Union Street: from Alexandra Road to Cambrian Place 23. Chalybeate Street: from Great Darkgate Street to Alexandra Road

Schedule 1b. Temporary Prohibition of Traffic 24 hours

24. Victoria Terrace: from Albert Place northwards to end of road 25. Police Station Road: from Victoria Terrace to Queen’s Road

Schedule 2. Temporary Prohibition of Parking and Loading between 24 hours

N.B. All parking bays, street parking and loading along the above mentioned roads will be prohibited during the periods of road closure as mentioned in Schedule 1a and 1b. Marine Terrace: All parking bays Promenade side, between the Pier and zebra crossing at Baravin. All parking bays outside property numbers 3 to 8 Marine Terrace. Bath Street: Street parking from crossing point at Terrace Road junction to Arad Goch Theatre. Portland Street Street parking from the crossing point at the junction with Terrace Road to first buildouts. Portland Road Loading bay.

Schedule 3. Temporary Alteration to Traffic Flow 24 hours

Gray’s Inn Road: Two-way between closed section at Bridge Street to George Street Powell Street: Two-way between closed section at Bridge Street to George Street Portland Road: Two-way between closed section at Bridge Street to Queen’s Road

Schedule 4. Exemptions to this Notice: Emergency Services(including RNLI and Doctors), Care Providers, Statutory Undertakers(for emergency repairs only).

The restriction are necessary for public health reasons, the need to create ‘space’ in order to facilitate social distancing by easing the free unfettered movements of pedestrians, due to Covid-19.

The alternative route for north-east bound traffic from a point south of Bridge Street is to travel along the A487, Mill Street, to the roundabout. Take the first exit onto Alexandra Road to Terrace Road. Turn left onto Terrace Road and right onto North Parade.

Dated the 12th Day of July 2020

For: Highways and Environmental Services, Ceredigion County Council