It’s vital to have a clear vision to make effective use of a £55m investment in mid Wales announced earlier this month.

That was the view of two councillors, after the UK government pledged £55m for the Mid Wales Growth Deal.

Welsh secretary Alun Cairns met with the leaders of Powys and Ceredigion county councils and members of the region’s private sector to discuss the deal.

And the Growing Mid Wales Partnership has now announced the nomination process for the leadership of the region’s private sector board – the Economic Strategy Group.

The £55m will be used to generate further investment from the private sector to deliver local projects which will increase opportunity and prosperity in communities across mid Wales.

Following the meeting with the leaders of the Growing Mid Wales Partnership, Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn of Ceredigion and Cllr Rosemarie Harris of Powys said: “The Growing Mid Wales Partnership welcomes an announcement from the Welsh secretary Alun Cairns MP that £55m of funding will be offered for a growth deal in the region.

“The partnership has been working with both the UK and Welsh Governments, businesses and public and third sector partners to provide strong cross-sector leadership and vision to drive regional growth and prosperity across mid Wales.

"We welcome the recently-announced funding and look forward to developing detailed proposals as part of a broader vision for growing the economy of mid Wales.

“This helps recognise the particular needs and challenges of growing the mid Wales economy – but we have to play to our strengths and ensure we strive for meaningful and sustainable growth.

"It is vital that we have a clear vision to make the most effective use of this initial investment; to unlock and attract a broader package of investment that will be required to fully realise our ambition."

See this week’s south papers for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition tomorrow