Ceredigion’s local AM Elin Jones is spearheading renewed efforts to secure investment in sports facilities in the county. The Party of Wales AM met with Sarah Powell, chief executive of Sport Wales, at the National Assembly to discuss the need for sports facilities in mid-Wales, and particularly the proposals for a combined athletics and cycling facility.

Plans for a running track and velodrome in Aberystwyth were initially developed in 2012, by a consortium of local sports clubs and organisations. It received the backing of the County Council, but finance has been difficult to obtain, due to the Welsh Government’s decision to redirect Regeneration Area funding to other projects, and the fact that Olympic Legacy money came largely in revenue, rather than capital, funding.

Elin Jones also raised the issue with the Minister for Culture and Sport.

Plaid Cymru AM for Ceredigion, Elin Jones said:

“I was pleased that senior executives of Sport Wales agreed that there was a need to develop sports facilities in central Wales. Too often, people have to travel long distances to venues. Aberystwyth is a strategic location, with the potential for new facilities to be shared by people right across the region, by amateur clubs, university students and others.

“The plans for a joint athletics and cycling facility are well-developed. They have the backing of the local authority, and a number of clubs and dedicated individuals have put much effort behind them. I’m keen for Sport Wales to work with interested parties such as Aberystwyth University and local sports clubs to help access funding for the project.

“The project has the potential to bring a huge boost to participation in sport in this area, and will also help the economy of central Wales. I’m determined to do what I can to help these plans to become a reality.”