Businesses in Newtown will receive a share of £260,000 of Welsh Government funding aimed at boosting the local economy and supporting regeneration.

The Welsh Government say the cash, which will also be shared between Brecon, Llangollen, Barry, Port Talbot, Treorchy, Aberdare and Mold, is aimed at establishing Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).

They say once the BID is agreed via a legal ballot, each business contributes financially via a levy, which is then used to fund the agreed activities set out in their business plan. These could include marketing, promotion and events, car parking, tackling anti-social behaviour, improving access to towns, or work to make the area more vibrant and viable.

For a BID to be established it must be voted in by the majority of the local business community and business rate payers.

Welsh Government Minister for Housing and Regeneration Rebecca Evans said: "We are seeing BIDs make a real difference to town centres across Wales, but setting them up takes time, effort and support, which is why we provide Welsh Government funding to get them off the ground.

"BIDs can help to revitalise our town centres and promote regeneration. We have seen existing BIDs delivering increased street cleaning initiatives, tackling antisocial behaviour, reducing crime, offering bespoke business training courses and hosting numerous events and festivals."

Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: "Collectively, the eight BIDs created in the last programme have generated over £5m private investment to support their chosen activities. This is a significant return on our investment, helping drive local economic development and supporting our Welsh high streets. "