Smashed parking meters fixed despite business boom

Parking meters in a Ceredigion town which were smashed by vandals are being fixed, despite traders claiming business had boomed in their absence.

The pay and display machines at different locations in Cardigan had been out of order since early June.

Cardigan Traders said shoppers have been spending more in the town since being able to park for free, with one business reporting a 30% rise.

Ceredigion council has been asked to comment.

Traders in the town said a rise in footfall coincided with the vandalism, and asked the council to cut parking charges.

Martin Radley, chairman of Cardigan Traders, said a meeting was held on Tuesday night and that "everybody feels it's busier".

Businesses say they hope the council will cut parking charges for a longer-term boost

But on Thursday workmen were seen fixing the broken meters, and told BBC Wales they expected them to be back in action by Monday, 20 July.

The traders said they did not condone the criminal damage, but Mr Radley said he hoped the council would see just how business has improved.

"We do understand the dilemma of Ceredigion county council but if you reduce car parking charges or have free parking it would bring people into the shopping areas," said Mr Radley, who runs Queens Bakeries.

"We have always said that high parking charges is not the answer for the high street.

"The only people who benefit are the big boys, the Tescos and the Aldis, who already have free parking.

"I hope that this shows that if they make parking more sensible and reasonable that it helps."

The meters were spotted being fixed by workmen on Thursday