Author: Rhys Gregory

An independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mohamud Hassan in Cardiff in 2021 has found no evidence that the actions of officers caused or contributed to his death. The findings of the Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation have also confirmed that there was no evidence to support allegations that Mr Hassan was treated less favourably because of his race, or that he had been assaulted by officers. The outcome of the IOPC investigation has been published following an inquest into Mr Hassan’s death which recorded an open verdict with the Coroner telling the jury there was…

In 2020-2022, MonLife museums took part in a Collection Review Project. This allowed our museums to discover more about the objects within their collections and their connections, if any, to Monmouthshire’s story. The review was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the project has enabled officers to develop a more sustainable way of caring for collections. Within the project, some items have been identified as without a clear connection to Monmouthshire. Over the last few years, a number of these items have been transferred to other museums and learning departments, including MonLife’s learning department. In 2022, the museum also…

The Pembrokeshire Coast isn’t your usual National Park. It’s coastal for a start! One of three National Parks in Wales and fifteen across the wider UK, it’s the only one that exists mainly in recognition of its coastline. Plus, it’s split into four parts, each one with its own quirks and qualities — perfect for exploring as we welcome in the new spring season. Whether you’re looking to enjoy miles of golden sands or a hike with a view of the waves, along the Pembrokeshire Coast you’ll find 186 miles of shoreline scenery — ranging from craggy volcanic outcrops in…

The full programme of events for the second ever ‘Vale Food Trail’ has now been revealed. Following a successful debut event last year, the 2024 festival features more than 25 local businesses offering farm tours, tasting events, special exhibitions, live demos – and much, much more. Taking place between the 26th May – 4th June 2024 the Vale Food Trail is a two-week calendar of multi-location events, designed to bring people closer to food producers and businesses in the local area; it also acts as a celebration of the region’s rich gastronomic heritage and commitment to sustainable farming practices. Visitors and locals will be able to visit a variety of producers, farms and…

Bruce Springsteen & The E=Street Band will be kicking off their World Tour 2024 on 5, May at Principality Stadium in Cardiff. With gates to the stadium opening at 4pm, there will be a full city centre road closure around the stadium from 2pm until midnight on safety grounds. The M4 motorway is expected to be very busy due to this concert – so please plan ahead – and avoid the congestion in Cardiff by using the park & ride at the former Toy’s R Us site car park in the Sports Village – CF11 0JS. For up to date…

The British Business Bank announces the second debt finance deal from the £130m Investment Fund for Wales, with a £100,000 investment from the Debt Finance fund, managed by appointed fund managers FW Capital. The investment into Economy Energy Group, a renewable energy provider based at Swansea Enterprise Park, is the second debt finance deal announced on behalf of the Investment Fund for Wales and comes just a few weeks after its first. The Investment Fund for Wales was launched by the government-backed British Business Bank in November 2023 to boost the supply of early-stage finance to small and medium-sized businesses…

A SEASIDE holiday retreat is going from strength to strength thanks to a unique ‘family feel’ which led to a wave of new customers post-Covid. Darwin Escapes’ New Pines Holiday Home Park, on the outskirts of Dyserth and Rhyl, is unlike any other in the region. Employing 40 staff and with more than 300 caravans and lodges on site – all of them owned, rather than rented – there is a sense of community which has led to the creation of sports clubs, a dining society, social organisations and more. There is even a walking group with up to 180…

A Welsh fintech company has secured its biggest export deal to date, worth a projected £5 million over five years, thanks to support from the Welsh Government. The deal will see Finalrentals, a digital car rental platform based in Cardiff, add ten key locations across Turkey including major cities Istanbul, Ankara and Bursa, with access to a network of over 500 vehicles. Finalrentals negotiated the milestone contract at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel trade show, which the company attended with the support of the Welsh Government last month. Presence at trade shows and market visits to target regions have…

A man from Hirwaun has been jailed after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. The collision happened on Thursday, February 29, on Brecon Road in Hirwaun, when a Ford Fiesta driven by Harley Whiteman collided with a pedestrian. As a result of the collision a 13-year-old local boy died. Nineteen-year-old Harley Whiteman, from Cae Felin Parc, Hirwaun, was sentenced to six years and nine months’ detention in a youth offender institute for death by dangerous driving after pleading guilty at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Tuesday, April 30. Harley Whiteman CCTV clip The family of 13-year-old Kaylan Hippsley…

Neath Port Talbot councillors are being asked to approve a planned closure of Pontardawe Swimming Pool at the end of August this year on the grounds of public safety. Encouraging people of all ages to adopt active lifestyles is one of the council’s aims, so Cabinet members will also be asked to approve a feasibility study into providing a replacement pool, currently estimated to cost between £10-12m. Building experts ARUP identified significant structural weaknesses within the 50-year-old pool’s concrete structure in 2022 and advised the building had a maximum two year lifespan even with the substantial propping works that took…