CEREDIGION County Council chiefs have introduced changes to the Cardigan Safe Zone - but with Morgan Street and The Strand to remain as a one-way system for the time being.

Daily road closures, which will affect High Street, will commence ahead of the May Bank holiday weekend at the end of the month, between the times of 12pm and 4pm.

"As more people are expected to visit Ceredigion’s towns over the coming weeks and summer months, changes are required to ensure our streets are safe for everyone, by allowing people to maintain a 2 metre social distance at all times," said a spokesperson.

"Introducing changes over the Easter period has meant that some amendments will be now made over the coming weeks.

"Following a review, the initial phase of the Safe Zone (Phase 2) for Cardigan will be amended to Phase 2a, with Morgan Street and The Strand remaining as a one way system.

"Road closures affecting the High Street in Cardigan will commence ahead of the May Bank holiday weekend."

Town councillors had voiced opposition to County Hall's proposal to introduce two-way traffic along Morgan Street and The Strand as part of a plan to direct vehicles away from the town centre.

Members feared such a move would endanger pedestrian and driver safety and lead to the loss of essential parking adjacent to Cardigan Castle.

To further reduce the traffic through Quay Street and allow an alternative route towards Pendre, however, the plan would still be to make Morgan Street and The Strand two-way, if Phase 2b is introduced.

As part of Phase 2a, the following work is being undertaken:

• Placing road markings for all disabled bays along High St & Pendre

• Placing loading bay road markings opposite Dewi James Butchers

• Introducing new reflective bollards to replace the red/white baulks. This will allow traders to operate in the road as per their licence.

• The widened footpaths within the trading areas in the road will be raised to the same level as the adjacent footpaths to create a flat accessible area for pedestrians.

• Placing a chicane outside the Black Lion Hotel to slow traffic flow

• Implement a one way system along College Row to improve pedestrian safety

• Reversal of one way along St Mary St to allow access to Chancery

• Close the top of Pwllhai for licenced trading and pedestrian safety.

A map of Cardigan and all the latest information on the Safe Zones is available on Ceredigion County Council’s website: www.ceredigion.gov.uk/safezones