THE CIRCUIT of Wales plan for Ebbw Vale has moved a little bit closer to becoming a reality following the support of Welsh Government deputy minister Rebecca Evans.

The deputy minister for farming and food says she is minded to grant the bid application to de-register common land.

This is an important step, as this issue has been one of the sticking points in recent months in what has become a long-drawn-out process.

The Heads of the Valleys Development Company says it marks a milestone in the development of the £315m race track development.

Any outstanding issues with rights of commoners will have to be resolved before a formal decision can be made, but the company is confident that this can be done relatively quickly.

It is now expected that a formal decision will be made in October.

This is good news for the company and for all supporters of this proposal, which has the potential to have a transformative effect on the north Gwent Valleys.

We have long supported this 830-acre development which will bring thousands of jobs and equally importantlytens of thousands of visitors to the area every year.

The company says it has much of the finance in place and it is now hoped that preparation work on the site can start this side of Christmas.

Let’s hope so and let’s see this world-class development come to fruition.