THE new-look Ceredigion Museum reception area and tourist information centre has been officially opened by Ceredigion County Council’s retiring chief executive, Bronwen Morgan.

Attendees were welcomed to the evening by the chairman of the council, Cllr Lynford Thomas, before the leader of the council, Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn, and Sally Edwards of the Heritage Lottery Fund addressed them.

Ms Morgan then cut the ribbon and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the opening.

She said: “It was a great privilege to officially open this excellent development before my retirement. I have no doubt that this development will be a great asset to the town to attract visitors from across the country, and beyond.”

The Cabinet member responsible for economic development and community development, Cllr Gareth Lloyd, thanked everyone for attending.

Cllr ap Gwynn said: “I am very pleased to see the first phase of this exciting plan to ensure improved public access to the historical treasures of Ceredigion County Council’s museum coming to fruition.

“It took many years to realise the original vision of combining our museum service with our tourist services in order to bring a collection described as ‘a jewel in the crown’ to wider attention and to attract more people to use the facilities of the old Coliseum that had been a centre of entertainment for visitors and local residents alike in years past. I would like to thank everyone who has supported us in this work.”

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online on Wednesday