Cardigan Castle staff get redundancy notices

Work on the castle is due to finish at the end of the year

Five staff working at the medieval Cardigan Castle could lose their jobs as part of restructuring as an £11m restoration project comes to an end.

The workers have been issued with notices of possible redundancy but have been "encouraged to apply" for new roles.

The two year castle revamp includes a new heritage interpretation centre, restaurant and holiday accommodation.

The aim is to increase visitor numbers from 3,000 to 30,000.

Castle management, the Cadwgan Trust, aims to have the new staffing structure in place by January, ahead of a spring re-launch.

Chair Jann Tucker said: "In order to prepare for the spring opening next year a new operational staffing structure has been put in place."

The castle dates from the 12th Century

She added: "All current staff have been encouraged to apply for the new roles. This handover from project to operational phase was part of the original business plan and has been agreed by all our funders."

The renovation is being supported by Heritage Lottery Fund and the Welsh European Funding Office.

The 12th Century monument is regarded as the first stone castle built by the Welsh princes and was the stronghold of Rhys ap Gruffydd, prince of the medieval kingdom of Deheubarth.

It is also said to have hosted what is regarded to be Wales' first eisteddfod, but for years it has stood crumbling at the riverside gateway to the town centre.