Several towns in Powys will receive a share of £1.3 million in funding as part of the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

Powys County Council hopes that Llanidloes, Machynlleth, Welshpool and Ystradgynlais will receive a boost from the project, which is part of the overarching 'Placemaking Grant' scheme.

Aberystwyth, Cardigan and Llandysul in Ceredigion are also expected to benefit.

The Welsh Government says its goal is to turn the £1.3 million of funding into an investment worth just over £3 million.

The grant will go towards projects that include former schools, banks, office buildings and iconic derelict buildings which will see commercial premises, residential units and small businesses being created, all of which they hope will bring new life into town centres.

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Cllr David Selby, Powys County Council's Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: "We are committed to working to tackle the economic challenges currently facing both our communities and businesses. It is vital that we support our town centres, ensuring they remain relevant and resilient - now and into the future.

"The Transforming Towns programme will help us achieve this and I'm delighted that town centres in the region are continuing to benefit from this investment, ensuring our beautiful mid Wales towns are revitalised and remain a thriving place to live, work and visit."

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Transforming Towns is a Welsh Government programme providing a further £7million to town centre regeneration in mid Wales over three years.

Julie James, Climate Change Minister said: "Our Transforming Towns programme has already begun to deliver real change, and our commitment of an additional £125 million over three years will further benefit communities across Wales.

“A collective and concerted effort is needed to help address the challenges many towns face and we will continue to work with our local authorities and stakeholders to take forward the actions set out in the recently published Town Centre Position Statement."

Money towards banking developments is of interest to towns like Welshpool, who have seen all their high street banks close over the past few years as Barclays and Lloyds departed one of mid Wales’ largest towns.