CASH-STRAPPED Ceredigion Council could agree to provide over £100,000 funding to secure two prestigious cycling events in the county.

While the council has warned that it is being forced to axe services and cut costs as it faces a mounting funding crisis, Cabinet members were asked to consider finding £60,000 to bring the Tour Series Cycling event back to Aberystwyth, and another £30,000 if it is feasible to agree a deal for Ceredigion, most likely Aberystwyth, to hold the stage finish of the first day of the cycling Tour of Britain. The authority would also need to pay around £12,000 in operational costs across the two events.

The proposal comes a year after council leader Ellen ap Gwynn had warned that the council couldn’t expect to continue funding the Tour Series event permanently with budgets being cut.

A report by tourism and marketing manager, Ann Eleri Jones, said that the council could access some funding from the Welsh Government, but that is not a certainty.

She said: “The future financial sustainability of AberCycleFest, including the Tour Series element, is currently being investigated. However, an assurance of funding to host the 2016 events is required.

The report says that, as in future years, the council would be seeking sponsorship from local businesses toward the cost of hosting either or both of the events.

It says: “Should the council agree to support the events, sponsorship from the business sector and other public bodies towards the total cost will be sought.”

The Cabinet is due to discuss the proposal at it meeting today (Tuesday).