MONTHLY COLUMN: By Elin Jones AM, Ceredigion

CEREDIGION has scored a notable success in terms of transport. After a period of lobbying by the Traws Link Cymru campaign group and myself, the Welsh Government Transport Minister has decided to commission an initial study into the feasibility of reopening the rail line between Aberystwyth, Tregaron, Lampeter and Carmarthen.

This is the first time since the line closed in the 60s that any Government has put its own resources behind the idea of restoring the rail link. It’s a real credit to Traws Link’s campaign that opinions – within Government and outside – have shifted significantly on this issue.

In Cardigan, we’ve seen a step forward with plans for the new hospital.

The Health Minister has approved the initial project and has committed the first £1.2 million of capital spending. I still have concerns, of course, that the new building should have the capacity for inpatient beds. But this is a significant step forward as people in the area have waited far too long.

Also, Cardigan now benefits from 4G mobile reception through EE, partly thanks to the Teifi Valley Growth Zone project.

This is the first area in Ceredigion to receive the latest technology, and I’ll be continuing to press for the rest of the county to be upgraded with as little delay as possible.

To make it a hat-trick of good news for Cardigan, it was a privilege to be present at the opening of the Castle. So many have contributed to making this a reality; they should all be applauded.

At the other end of the county, there was good news as Aberystwyth University and students’ representatives reached agreement on the future of Pantycelyn Hall.

Renovation work is needed, but it’s vital that Aberystwyth retains its identity as a university that can offer an unique experience for Welsh-medium students and learners. And also, it was good to learn this week that the Welsh Government has responded to concerns about its proposed funding cut for the Dyfi Osprey Project.

The Minister confirmed to me that core funding will continue for at least 18 months for this important wildlife project and tourist attraction.