Election 2015: Unlock rural Wales potential, say Lib Dems

Urban and rural areas should have full high speed broadband coverage, the Lib Dems say

Plans to boost rural Wales by improving broadband, transport, housing, agriculture and tourism have been announced by the Liberal Democrats.

Candidate Roger Williams said the party wanted to "unlock" the potential of the rural economy, claiming it was worth £210bn across Britain.

The proposals were outlined in a "Countryside Charter" on Tuesday.

Mr Williams said an economic plan for the "challenges and opportunities" in rural areas was needed.

The Liberal Democrats said they would also:

• work to secure the long-term future of Welsh Young Farmers' Clubs

• help young people in rural areas develop their skills

• support fishing communities

Mr Williams said: "Rural areas play a large part in Britain's economy with the rural economy worth £210bn.

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats want to unlock this potential so rural areas can thrive."

Elsewhere on the election campaign trail on Tuesday, Plaid Cymru is campaigning in Carmarthenshire for better rural broadband and mobile phone coverage.

Labour's Shadow Energy Secretary Caroline Flint is visiting the site of a planned tidal lagoon project in Swansea.

The Conservatives are campaigning for a freeze on council tax and former miners' leader Arthur Scargill will call for an end to capitalism when he launches the Socialist Labour Party's manifesto in Port Talbot.