Rural terrorism link an 'eye-opener', say Ceredigion councillors

Revelations that terrorists have been using rural Wales for preparations were "an eye-opener" but councillors in the area say they were not shocked.

An officer with the Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit (Wectu) told councillors that mid and west Wales had been used for bonding training.

Aberporth councillor Gethin James said the rural nature of the county made it a good location for training.

But he said he was reassured police could deal with any potential threat.

Det Con Gareth Jones told councillors the terrorists go for "radicalisation or bonding training" in rural areas of Wales such as Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Powys.

Mr James said the fact police had made councillors aware of the situation reassured him they were well prepared to deal with any threats that may arise.

Cardigan Mwldan councillor John Adams-Lewis said: "It was an eye-opener, but I'm not shocked such things are taking place in rural areas.

"People will have to keep their eyes and ears peeled for suspicious incidents and report these to the police. But there's not a lot we can do."

Aberaeron councillor Elizabeth Evans said: "We have got to be more vigilant, there's no doubt about that."