Madam,

I note the laminated sign affixed to the door of the canteen at Ceredigion County Council HQ to the effect that the canteens at Penmorfa and Canolfan Rheidol are no longer open to the public, except in specific circumstances.

The chief executive, Eifion Evans’ name appears at the bottom of the notice so I presume this is at his behest.

It apparently is down to a review of security procedures. Is the county council concerned that a member of the public will go berserk with a filled baguette? Or is it that the chief executive is more concerned about officers and members breaking their duty of confidentiality by taking business matters outside of the many offices and meeting rooms into spaces where they may be overheard?

Council meetings are generally public, also often lengthy. If someone has an interest in an issue or just wishes to see how the county council operates, are we now expected to bring sandwiches? Will there be places to meet if you wish to see your councillor informally?

What if you are diabetic and experience low blood sugars, do you pop into town for a cup of sweet tea?

There is another serious point to be made here. For those of us who feel that the county council should be more transparent in its workings, these new restrictions make county council offices just a little more distant and a little less welcoming.

Yours etc,

George Holloway, Waunfawr, Aberystwyth.

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