WORK on a major study that will decide the future of Cardigan Castle, is due to start within the next few days.

Funding for the feasibility study - which will look at all possible options for the 19th century house and 12th century castle - has finally been sorted out by Cadwgan Trust.

"It's been a very long and complicated process - a bit like putting a very difficult jig-saw together - but we are finally there," said Cadwgan chairman Jann Tucker.

The £40,000 study has been jointly funded by the Welsh Assembly's department of enterprise, innovation and new works, Cadw, the Architectural Heritage Fund, Ceredigion County Council and Cardigan Town Council.

Renowned Bristol-based architect Niall Phillips has been appointed by Cadwgan to carry out the work which is expected to take until next spring.

"Niall's team will be looking at all the possible future uses for the castle - as long as they are viable and sustainable," said Mrs Tucker.

Cadwgan hope to have a representative from Niall Phillips' team to speak at their AGM in November.

A public meeting will be held at the end of the feasibility process.