Author: Rhys Gregory

A major regeneration project which is transforming a historic estate in the heart of Carmarthen into a thriving economic and community hub, has been boosted by a £750,000 loan from the Wales Flexible Investment Fund, managed by the Development Bank of Wales. Parc Dewi Sant, led by a team with a strong track record of delivering similar schemes, has spent the last two years bringing new life into the 38-acre estate, which was once a former mental health hospital. The company’s long-term vision is to maximise the potential of the iconic site, which has 22 buildings, by creating high quality…

Police have issued a warning after vital life-saving equipment was damaged during recent sunny weather at a popular South Wales beach. South Wales Police said officers received reports earlier this week of several items being set alight at Aberavon Beach, including a lifebuoy. The incident has raised concerns about public safety, particularly as the equipment is intended to help in emergency situations along the coastline. Inspector Andrew Price said: “We want everyone to enjoy themselves in the good weather, but there is absolutely no excuse for damaging this vital life-saving equipment. “This vandalism could have had dire consequences if somebody…

Police are appealing for help to find a missing 15-year-old boy who is believed to be travelling towards Newport. South Wales Police said Mason, who is from Ripley in Derbyshire, was last seen and may now be making his way from Cardiff to Newport, possibly by train. He is described as wearing a grey Under Armour top and joggers. Officers believe Mason may be in the company of a 16-year-old white girl, who was last seen wearing white clothing and has a distinctive half-black, half-white bob hairstyle. Anyone who has seen Mason, or has information that could help locate him,…

Police officers in North Wales stopped nearly 50 drivers as part of a continued effort to improve safety on some of the region’s busiest roads. Officers from the Roads Crime Unit took part in Op Tramline, a national roads policing initiative which uses an unmarked heavy goods vehicle provided by National Highways. The specialist HGV unit is deployed by police forces across the UK to patrol key road networks, targeting all motorists, including commercial vehicle drivers. The elevated position of the HGV cab gives trained officers a clear view into passing vehicles, allowing them to detect unsafe driving behaviour. Offences…

Transport for Wales (TfW) has partnered with the 225 Group and Branch Line Society to run a special one-day charity rail tour on a Mark 4 train to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society and Railway Children. The “Gerald of Wales” will depart Holyhead on Saturday 25 April at 07:08, travelling along the North Wales coast and continuing through the scenic Welsh Marches to Newport and Swansea, before returning via the same route in the evening. Passengers can also join at stations along the North Wales main line including Chester and Crewe. The journey offers the opportunity to travel between Chester and Crewe on a…

Sportspeople, volunteers, coaches, and clubs took centre stage for the Swansea Sports Awards, held in association with Freedom Leisure. The Brangwyn Hall was bustling with 500 people who came together to honour the standout sporting achievements of 2025 across Swansea, and were presented by ultra endurance athlete and TV presenter, Lowri Morgan. More than 100 nominations were submitted across 15 award categories, with the shortlisted finalists representing an eclectic mix of community clubs, grassroots programmes, and sporting disciplines.Tracey McNulty, Head of Cultural Services, Parks and Cleansing, said: “These awards once again highlight the incredible depth of sporting talent we have…

Neath Port Talbot Council has reached a key milestone in the development of the proposed pre‑16 Vocational Centre at the former Education Library & Resource Centre (ELRS) at the corner of Reginald Street and Villiers Street, Velindre, Port Talbot. Following consultation with young people the centre has been named Trefelin Pathways to Progression and will build on the vocational education work that is already taking place in schools across NPT, in preparation for the vocational qualifications due to be introduced in September 2027.  Planning permission has now been approved for the project, allowing detailed design work to progress and enabling…

A historic bridge in Pontypridd is set to undergo a high-tech survey using the same technology once used to explore Egyptian pyramids. William Edwards Bridge will be examined by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council using muon tomography, a cutting-edge, non-invasive technique that allows engineers to see inside structures without causing damage. The work marks one of the first times the technology has been used on a bridge and aims to build a clearer understanding of the structure’s internal make-up. The bridge, built in 1756, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and one of Pontypridd’s most recognisable landmarks. Historical records suggest there could…

A section of the popular Taff Trail reopened in time for the Easter weekend following the completion of major repair works. Taff Trail between Trallwn and Cilfynydd largely reopened after undergoing emergency works to repair significant storm damage. The 1.5km stretch, which runs from Ty Isaf railway bridge near Fletchers Field allotment to a point west of Ysgol Bro Taf near Cilfynydd Recreation Ground and Albion Industrial Estate, had been closed while the work was carried out. The section has now permanently reopened to the public. The scheme, which began in autumn 2025, involved a range of improvements aimed at…

Weekend road closures are set to return to Malpas Road in Newport as the council continues a major resurfacing programme. Newport City Council has confirmed two further phases of work will take place in April, building on resurfacing already carried out in February and March. The latest work will cover both sides of Malpas Road, from the southernmost entrance to Goodrich Crescent near the Crindau Constitutional Club up to approximately 62 Malpas Road. The scheme will be carried out over two full weekend closures. The first is scheduled from 8pm on Friday, April 10 until 5am on Monday, April 13.…