Enid Jones loses home demolition fight over Aberystwyth stores

Enid Jones made a lone stand against the development while 11 others moved out

A grandmother has lost her fight to save her home from demolition to make way for two superstores.

Twelve homes in Aberystwyth face demolition to make way for Tesco and Marks and Spencer stores.

Enid Jones, 58, was the only resident refusing to sell and took her battle to a public hearing earlier this year.

The Welsh government has now published the decision of the planning inspector backing the compulsory purchase order against the properties.

The stores are planned for the Ceredigion council-owned Mill Street car park near Mrs Jones's home.

The local authority issued a compulsory purchase order (CPO) for her home in May last year.

In March, a planning inspector oversaw a two-day hearing in Aberystwyth and considered evidence from the council and objectors.

As part of the plans a number of buildings will have to be knocked down, including a day centre, drill hall and a disused garage.

The inspector found that the development was in the public interest even though it infringed Mrs Jones's human rights.

The Welsh government's department for housing and regeneration has backed the inspector's recommendation.

The council has said the two stores, which could open by December 2016, would boost town centre trade by between £1.6m and £3.5m a year and create 295 jobs.