Owners of empty properties in Lampeter, Llandysul and Tregaron are being urged to apply for funding from a £1.5 million scheme to bring buildings back into use, as the deadline looms.

The Growing Mid Wales Partnership scheme, funded by Welsh Government to revitalise town centres across Mid Wales, closes on 14 September – and there is almost £200,000 left in the pot.

The Town Centre Property Investment Fund is designed to bring vacant commercial, residential and retail space back into use.

Six towns across Powys and Ceredigion are eligible for the money, including Lampeter, Llandysul and Tregaron.

The support includes loans, private investment and grants.

Cllr James Evans, Powys council Cabinet member for economy, said: “This is a brilliant funding opportunity to restore empty properties and attract more people to our town centres.

“The damaging effects of coronavirus on the economy means it’s more crucial than ever to seize funding opportunities and revive our town centres.”

And there are hopes of more property development grants in the next financial year.

Cllr Rhodri Evans, Ceredigion council Cabinet member for economy and regeneration, added: “We understand that there will be Welsh Government regeneration money coming to the region next financial year for the region to administer as a property development grant scheme across all towns in the region.

“Details of this are not yet available and the Growing Mid Wales Partnership will need to decide on the amount of money directed into this sort of scheme compared with more specific strategic investments in the six regeneration towns, which we still see as being in particular need of attention.”

Powys council is managing the administration of the programme and anyone interested can visit www.growinpowys.com/gmw or www.ceredigion.gov.uk/business/funding-grants/town-centre-property­-investment-fund/ for more information