Lampeter, Tregaron and Llandysul are among six mid Wales towns all set to benefit from new Welsh Government investment which aims to bring vacant commercial, residential and retail space back into use.

Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister, Hannah Blythyn announced £1.5m of Welsh Government funding for a new £2.14m Town Centre Property Investment Fund across Powys and Ceredigion councils.

“We want to support local businesses, grow our fantastic town centres and create job opportunities in mid Wales,” said Ms Blythyn.

“Creating more good quality commercial and retail space will help with this, as will creating homes in the centre of our towns, so people can live and work centrally and contribute to the local economy.

“This fund will help to create opportunities out of empty properties and attract more people to our town centres.

“I look forward to seeing some exciting refurbishments, and businesses growing and prospering across towns in Ceredigion and Powys as a result.”

The fund will be a package of support including loans, private investment and grants, and people applying will have to demonstrate that existing grant and loan finance options have been properly considered and exhausted before they seek funding via this route.

Giving her reaction, Tregaron councillor Catherine Hughes said: “This is excellent news.

"I welcome any investment and hope that this will be of benefit to many so that our towns can once again be vibrant."

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