Digital connectivity, Brexit and transport infrastructure are all a concern as a business growth plan is developed for the mid Wales region.

As Ceredigion County Council progresses its involvement with the Growing Mid Wales plan, the thriving communities overview and scrutiny committee called for more detail.

At its meeting on Wednesday, 20 February, an update on the project was provided along with a report on the strategic economic priorities for the region.

Corporate lead officer for economy and regeneration Russell Hughes-Pickering told members that there are eight programmes or themes outlining opportunities with business cases being developed.

He reminded the committee that this was a long-term plan of 15 years and focused on larger proposals and interventions rather than small projects.

Transforming the county’s harbours was the first in the pipeline for improving the economy of the area.

Supporting agricultural business was highlighted by Cllr Marc Davies who warned that a no-deal Brexit would have a “decimating” impact on the industry in Ceredigion.

The scrapping of direct payments to farmers and changes to stock tariffs meant farmers were “looking at a nightmare scenario”.

Cllr Keith Evans said: “We need to be careful that it’s not just a lot of talk, it’s important that the money comes from London and that we look at our region and the whole county, not just one place.

“This county is more than just Aberystwyth.”

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition on Wednesday