A £1.5 million cash pot is to be used to support regeneration in six mid Wales towns.

Newtown and Llandrindod Wells are joined by Brecon, Lampeter, Llandysul and Tregaron in benefiting from the Town Centre Property Investment Fund.

The cash will allow the owners of empty properties in these towns to apply for funding in the form of loans, private investment and grants to do up their homes.

The funding deadline is 14 September.

Cllr James Evans, Powys cabinet member for economy, said: “This is a brilliant funding opportunity to restore empty properties and attract more people to our town centres.

“I’m pleased that there has been a good take up so far, but with almost £200,000 of funding remaining we are making a final call for potential projects.

“The damaging effects of Coronavirus on the economy means it’s more crucial than ever to seize funding opportunities and revive our town centres.

“We want our towns to be attractive places for people to live, work and visit. Creating more good quality commercial and retail space will allow more people to contribute to the local economy.

“Despite the fund only being available for six towns across the region, the investments will inevitably support our wider aspirations to strengthen the whole Mid Wales economy. I look forward to seeing some exciting refurbishments in the coming months.”

Powys County Council is managing the administration of the programme and anyone interested can visit www.growinpowys.com/gmw or www.ceredigion.gov.uk/business/funding-grants/town-centre-property-investment-fund/ for more information.