POLITICIANS have welcomed plans to explore developing a veterinary training programme based at Aberystwyth University.

The creation of a ‘Centre of Veterinary Excellence’ is a step closer as the Welsh Government, Aberystwyth University and the Royal Veterinary College (University of London) have agreed to explore developing veterinary medical training and research at Aberystwyth.

Elin Jones AM has long campaigned for the establishment of a veterinary training school, and in April met with vets in Llanbadarn Fawr to discuss proposals.

Miss Jones said: “I welcome today’s announcement, and I am pleased that the Welsh Government is backing the next steps towards establishing a fully-fledged veterinary training programme in Wales.

“There’s a shortage of vets who specialise in farm livestock, and so a vet school and a centre focusing on livestock science would be a major boost to both the university and the agricultural industry.

“I welcome the decision to explore locating the proposed Centre of Veterinary Excellence in Aberystwyth, and I have no doubt that if established here it will be a major success.

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