Towns hoping for EU cash

Three town centres in Mid Wales could be transformed if a bid for more than £2 million of EU cash is successful. The bid could boost Llanidloes, Newtown and Welshpool.

Powys County Council wants to renovate buildings and streets in the towns.

Councillor Wynne Jones, board member for regeneration and development, said more than £2.34 million would be needed but hoped part of the funding could be found from the EU.

He said: "Officers from the Welsh Assembly Government and council have been in discussions regarding the preparation of joint funding bid.

"This would seek potential EU structural funds for the four-year period betw- een 2009 and 2013 for supporting various complementary economic regeneration projects within the Severn Valley.

"The Severn Valley built heritage fund project will cost £1.34 million and its purpose would be to support the restoration of buildings accommodating business and commercial uses."

Councillor Jones said the project would also operate in the wider Severn valley area, support the restoration of historic buildings, and would aim to support businesses through job retention and job creation.

He said: "Other projects would include the Severn Valley environmental enhancement scheme which would include works on main commercial streets."

He said the project would is estimated to cost £1 million. He said more details about the projects would be released in due course.