Journalists were refused details of a secret purchase made by a council.

Ceredigion County Council’s cabinet backed the purchase of a new “strategic asset” for the authority, but details of what it is or how much it will cost have been kept from the public.

Members were asked to approve the purchase, funded through a loan from the Welsh Government, but only after press and public were excluded from the meeting at which it was approved.

According to a report by local democracy reporter Bruce Sinclair, pictured, the details were only made available for members, with strict warnings issued about disclosing information.

A report presented by Councillor Clive Davies, Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Carbon Management said: “The cabinet’s approval is sought for the acquisition of a new strategic asset for Ceredigion County Council, that aligns with each of Ceredigion County Council’s four corporate strategy goals.

“The purchase of the asset, if approved, would be supported by a Welsh Government loan.

“As the details of the sale, including the asset and its market value are currently commercially sensitive, the details of the asset and the agreed sale price are included in an exempt report.”

According to Bruce’s report for the Cambrian News, the sparse report provided little further detail but makes tentative hints about it being part of a wider project.