Author: Rhys Gregory

South Wales’s growing reputation as a hub for creative arts received a welcome boost with the launch of a new company delivering high end podcast production. HayMan Media is the brainchild of award winning photographer Rob Norman (former picture editor at the Western Mail and Echo) and acclaimed videographer Darryl Corner (who was head of commercial video for Reach plc). The company has brand new studios in the heart of Newport where they can deliver tailored podcasts for creative and corporate clients. Specialising in video, audio and still images the pair want to bring their experience in some of the…

A man from Swansea has been jailed following conviction for rape and sexual assault. 37-year-old Daniel Blight, from Bonymaen, raped his victim while they were asleep, with the victim only finding out later after reviewing home security footage. He has been sentenced to seven years in prison. Detective Constable Elizabeth Picton said: “Daniel Blight preyed upon his victim when they were completely helpless, but was crucially caught on camera in critical evidence for his conviction. “At South Wales Police we relentlessly pursue the perpetrators of sexual offences and ensure that the victims receive justice. It takes great bravery for a…

Police are appealing for information following vandalism to a silent soldier memorial outside Wrexham Memorial Hall in Bodhyfryd. The damage to the statue was reported on July 11th but it is not currently known the exact time or date it was caused. District Support Sergeant Rhian Hughes said: “It is disappointing that someone would see fit to vandalise a memorial which serves as a reminder of those who have given their lives to protect others. “We have launched an investigation into this disrespectable behaviour, and I would ask anyone with information about the damage to contact us. “I would also…

Transport for Wales is on a mission to get more people walking, cycling and wheeling within Wales and has launched a promotional toolkit to help. Recent statistics reveal that 58% of adults walked ten minutes and 6% cycled once a week or more to get somewhere in Wales. 78% of primary school children would prefer to travel actively to get to school – however 51% usually travelled by car. To help boost these figures and encourage more to travel sustainably when they can, TfW has launched a promotional toolkit for local authorities, co-created with them. Providing access to new promotional…

Twenty new 3G pitches are being proposed by Cardiff Council as part of a new long-term strategy in partnership with the Football Association Wales (FAW), Cymru Football Foundation (CFF), and local leagues. The ‘Going for Goal’ strategy is aimed at reducing the number of weather-related fixture cancellations, attracting investment into grass pitches, and increasing participation in football. If approved by Cabinet at a meeting due to take place on Thursday 18th July 2024, and subject to stakeholder consultation, the new strategy could also see a rationalisation of grass pitches into a smaller number of highly maintained hub sites across the…

Cardiff Council has revealed it is facing a predicted budget shortfall in 2025/26 of almost £50m. The council is now working on a budget plan for next year – which could see some services reduced or stopped completely – to bridge the gap. The shortfall is caused when the money the council receives from Government, added to the money it expects to raise from charges like council tax, isn’t enough to pay for the 700-plus services the council delivers to residents. A report to Cardiff Council’s Cabinet, on Thursday, July 18, details the financial pressures the council is currently experiencing…

The partnership between Pembrokeshire County Council and a community energy charity has recently helped two sites reduce costs and carbon emissions with solar panels. During community energy fortnight, running until July 14th, the Green Pembrokeshire team highlighted the second phase of work with Egni Co-op, a community energy organisation that installs rooftop Solar PV systems. Egni cover the cost of installation and then sell the generated electricity to the building owner at a discount, with all profits generated used to fund further projects and environmental educational programmes. In early 2023 Egni was awarded the contract to install systems on around…

The major scheme to repair Berw Road bridge in Pontypridd has entered its final stages. Upcoming activity to install signs, railings and street lighting, along with nearby resurfacing work, will enable the bridge to fully re-open. The Listed structure, known as White Bridge, was severely damaged by Storm Dennis – and the Council has worked very closely with Cadw on the development and delivery of a complex restoration scheme. It has included several hundred individual concrete and structural steelwork repairs, bridge deck waterproofing and repairs, and replacing the highway drainage system. This latest update confirms that the bridge is currently…

Fly-tipping in Blaenau Gwent has dropped by over 40% in the last three years, initial figures have shown. There were 1,661 incidents of fly tipping recorded in the area during 2020/21 but by 2023/24 this figure has nearly halved, falling to 950 incidents. The reduction in fly tipping has corresponded with a significant increase in enforcement action, with 243 £400 fixed penalty notices issued, to a total value of over £97,000, for fly tipping offences since 2021. In addition, the prosecution of individuals and businesses for a total of 43 different waste offences since 2022 has seen the courts hand…

The River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region (RSPAWIR) has awarded £1m to projects to maximise the use of existing and developing digital innovations. Three universities – Harper Adams, Hartpury University and Cranfield University – are being supported in projects that will demonstrate how modern technology can be used to enhance and improve environmental and business outcomes in the agricultural sector, as well as for the public. The universities will work with farmers and landowners in the River Severn Partnership area to show how advanced wireless technologies can be adapted to monitor crops, maintain security and regulate energy usage and…