Madam,

Regarding your story headlined ‘Veterinary training programme plans at Aberystwyth’ (Cambrian News, 16 June).

In our recent manifesto we supported the creation of a specialist centre for animal health in Aberystwyth as the first step towards a Veterinary College.

Plaid Cymru has long campaigned for a veterinary school for Wales, and I am pleased that the creation of a vet school in Aberystwyth is a step closer. Establishing a Welsh vet school is important in meeting the specific demands of Wales’ predominantly livestock-based farming industry, and addressing the current shortage of vets with these specialisms.

This has been a long-running campaign and I am pleased that Aberystwyth University and the Royal Veterinary College have taken the initiative to establish the school. Congratulations to them – they have Plaid Cymru’s full support.

Yours etc

Simon Thomas

Mid and West AM

Plaid Cymru Shadow Minister for Energy, Climate Change and Rural Affairs.