Storm-hit Aberystwyth fighting back as clean-up under way

Hotels on the seafront which bore the full force of the worst winter storm for almost 40 years have reopened and the road along the front will reopen tomorrow.

Today workmen were clearing tonnes of shingle sand and stones, piled 18 inches deep, from the promenade, road and pavement between the beach and the Victorian seafront homes.

So high were the heaps of rubble that the wooden seats of many of the benches on the prom were only just visible. Others were destroyed in a weekend of storms that brought flood alerts along the Welsh coast, popular with Shropshire holidaymakers.

Ceredigion County Council chief buildings officer Mel Hopkins said the biggest problem was the damage to the grade II- listed Victorian seafront shelter, adding: "We have had talks today with the heritage organisation Cadw about how we can dismantle the shelter, which is a dangerous building at the moment. It will be restored and returned to the seafront."

"We are urging people to keep off the beach and the promenade until we can clear the area. The sea is still very rough and the debris is a hazard."

One of the worst affected was Tyrone Davies, 27, who runs the seafront cafe, Ty's Diner, and the Basement Gym, which was ruined. He said: "This would be the busiest time of year for me, just after Christmas, and I have had no option but to close the gym. I had no insurance on the equipment and can't afford to replace it.

"So, if any gyms have surplus equipment or machines they no longer use, I would love to hear from them."

The rain which has flooded parts of Britain will be made worse by freezing temperatures and snow this weekend.

Weather experts said the rain will continue as freezing temperatures set in with a high chance of snow in the north.

Today and tomorrow Wales and south-west England will endure more rain which will return again on Sunday, forecaster Laura Caldwell said.

More than 100 flood warnings and nearly 200 flood alerts remain in place, although none of them was deemed severe, which would carry a danger to life.

• Tomorrow we're carrying a special report on weather devastation on the Welsh coast. Any readers got holiday homes or own property there? Get in touch - email ketley.newsroom@shropshirestar.co.uk or call 01952 241420.