Author: Rhys Gregory

A special ceremony has been held to mark the start of construction of Canolfan Ethni, a new Specialist Resource Base (SRB) located at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf. The new provision represents a significant £7.3 million investment in Welsh Medium provision for pupils with Additional Learning Needs. Funded through Welsh Government’s Welsh Medium grant, the new facility will provide a safe and inspiring learning environment for pupils with profound learning needs, supporting their independence and growth in line with the Welsh holistic curriculum. The SRB will be known as Canolfan Ethni, named after former teacher at the school and parent Mrs…

Celebrate St David’s Day in style this weekend with a brilliant two-day city centre festival of all things Wales and Welsh, in association with our country’s very own Shirgar Butter. From 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, visitors will be able to enjoy fantastic free family event brimming with live music, cookery demonstrations, arts and culture, workshops, talks from sports and television personalities, and much more. Councillor Elliott King, Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights & Equalities at Swansea Council, said: “This year’s Croeso offers an exceptionally diverse entertainment, cultural, and culinary programme. “Croeso is a vibrant celebration of…

Swansea Council is appealing for witnesses after a spate of vandalism at a much-loved community park left 70 trees damaged. The trees planted in Parc Llewelyn have been targeted by determined vandals looking to kill them off. The issue has been reported to local police and anyone who knows who’s responsible can report to them, quoting crime number 2600037943. One member of staff who saw the damage said it was the worst example of vandalism of city park trees he’d seen in 33 years of working at the council. Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Someone will know…

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet are due to consider the submission of an Expression of Interest to the new ‘UK Town of Culture’ competition, with a recommendation from Officers that Port Talbot and the Afan Valley be chosen as the focus for the proposed bid. The new UK Town of Culture programme, set up by the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport, sits alongside themore-established City of Culture competition. It offers up to £3 million to a selected town to deliver a six-month cultural programme in 2028. If Neath Port Talbot Council proceeds with an official bid, local…

Immediate action has been taken following issues identified during a recent food hygiene inspection at Charles Williams Church in Wales Primary School, Newport Council has confirmed. Reassurances have been given that steps put in place by school meals provider Chartwells and the council’s property partners have addressed all concerns raised during the inspection. The school kitchen was closed on Monday to allow for a full deep clean. However, arrangements were made to ensure pupils were still able to receive their meals as normal, with food brought into the school site, including hot options. A request has now been submitted for…

Caerphilly County Borough Council will host a COVID-19 Day of Reflection at the Ynys Hywel Covid Memorial Woodland, providing an opportunity for residents to come together to remember those who lost their lives during the pandemic and to reflect on the compassion, resilience, and acts of kindness shown during this unprecedented time. The event will take place on Sunday 8 March, from 10am to 12 noon, at Ynys Hywel Covid Memorial Woodland, Cwmfelinfach. The morning will begin at 10am with an informal guided walk through the woodland, followed by a minute’s reflection at 11am. Tea and coffee will be available…

Blaenau Gwent Council is marking Fix It February by celebrating the success of repair cafes across the county borough, where more than 600 items have already been given a new lease of life. The repair cafes are delivered through a partnership between the Council, local organisations and, most importantly, skilled members of the community who volunteer their time to fix broken household items. From vacuum cleaners and televisions to jewellery and children’s toys, hundreds of successful repairs have helped reduce waste while showing community action at its best. Alongside the environmental benefits, the initiative has created strong social value, helping…

A new NHS specialist gambling treatment service and helpline will launch in Wales from April 1. The Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy described this as a ‘landmark moment’, providing support for tens of thousands of people who could be at risk of gambling-related harm. The Wales Gambling Helpline will provide information, advice and support to anyone affected by gambling-related harms, including family members and others impacted. If needed, it will also refer people onto treatment services. Treatment for gambling harms will be accessible through a secure online platform, allowing support to be provided remotely. Betsi Cadwaladr University…

Wales has taken another huge step forward in tackling the nature and climate emergencies after the Senedd passed landmark environmental legislation. The Environment (Principles, Governance and Biodiversity Targets) (Wales) Bill establishes a new framework for environmental protection, creating an independent watchdog and empowering Welsh Ministers to set legally binding biodiversity targets. Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “This is a landmark moment for nature in Wales. By passing this Bill, we have sent a clear message that protecting our natural environment is a national priority. “As this winter has shown, climate change is driving more extreme weather events – putting pressure on our environment and biodiversity. “With…

The United Kingdom has been an important gaming market for a very long time now, supported by a strong regulatory framework and a diverse industry. Growth in the wider gaming sector reflects this strength. In Wales, for example, the gaming industry continues to expand, with increased investment in digital infrastructure helping developers create and distribute games more efficiently. There has also been a rise in skilled employment, with more professionals entering the gaming and technology sectors, supporting innovation and long-term growth. This momentum is mirrored in the UK’s gambling industry. Betting companies generated £12.6 billion in revenue, supported by a…