Author: Rhys Gregory

Work started this week to turn an unused space into a dual-use basketball and netball court in Beechwood Park. Playing areas on disused tennis courts are being resurfaced, with rotating posts to cater for both sports, and there will be banked tiers for spectators. A Teqball table, a fun activity combining table tennis and football skills, is also being installed at the side of the court and a path leading to the new space is being widened. Councillor Mark Spencer, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for communities and sport, said: “This is a brilliant project to create new sporting opportunities…

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet will discuss the final budget proposals in its next meeting on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. Ahead of this, the council has this week published its Final Revenue and Capital Budget Proposals for 2026–27, reflecting feedback received through an extensive programme of public and stakeholder consultation. For 2026-27, the council is planning a budget of £230 million, funded through a combination of Welsh Government grant, council tax, fees and charges. The draft budget was published earlier this year to invite views from residents, businesses, councillors, partners and community organisations. Responses were received through a survey, engagement and…

Bold plans to transform education in mid Powys have taken a major step forward this week, after Cabinet approved proposals that pave the way for a brand-new Welsh medium all age school and significant investment in two school buildings. Powys County Council’s transformation proposals for Ysgol Calon Cymru and Builth Wells C.P. School as part of its Transforming Education programme were approved by Cabinet on Tuesday, February 24. These ambitious plans will help the council reach its goals for Welsh-medium education and support its vision for transforming education. Thanks to the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, these schools…

Mental health awareness training is being rolled out to rugby clubs across Wales as concerns grow about the rising number of men struggling in silence. The course helps teams, coaches and players to recognise and offer support to people who may be experiencing mental health difficulties. The highest rates of suicide in Wales are in men between 35 and 55. It’s anticipated that providing them with a space that focuses on both positive mental and physical wellbeing will be beneficial. More than £2m is also being invested in the National Centre for Suicide Prevention and Self-harm Research at Swansea University.…

An energy saving grant scheme has invested over £5.4million to help sports clubs across Wales make improvements that lower energy costs and make their buildings more efficient. From keeping clubhouses cosy in winter to solar panels slashing electricity bills, more and more sports clubs have been able to make smart upgrades to become better at energy efficiency and save money thanks to the Energy Saving Grants scheme, run by Sport Wales and funded by Welsh Government. The sports awarded the funding vary from bowls and boxing, to cycling, skateboarding and cricket – and cover every local authority area in Wales.…

A programme to improve maternity and neonatal services is being launched as the Welsh Government accepted the recommendations of a major assessment of services. The independent assurance assessment, which examined all services in Wales, identified many strengths and received positive feedback from expectant women and their partners. But it also highlighted areas where the NHS must do better. The comprehensive assessment, which was led by former Children’s Commissioner for Wales Professor Sally Holland, is being published today. It was carried out after the independent review of maternity and neonatal services at Swansea Bay University Health Board and in the wake…

Clad in a Swansea City beanie and hoodie, Snoop Dogg recently spent an evening performing his greatest hits at a private party on the outskirts of the city. The legendary rapper, who has sold over 35 million records globally, was not just in town for a performance; he was preparing for his debut appearance at the Swansea.com Stadium. Since becoming a minority investor in the Championship club, the hip-hop icon has brought a level of global attention to South Wales that few could have predicted. His arrival marks a new chapter for the team, similar to the Hollywood transformation seen…

Over the past fifteen years, prom nights have become one of the most important social events for teenagers in Wales. What was once seen as an American tradition is now firmly part of the Welsh school calendar.  Most secondary schools now organise a formal prom for Year 11 pupils finishing their GCSEs, and many sixth forms hold one for Year 13 students as well. For many teenagers, prom is no longer optional. It is seen as a key milestone that marks the end of school life and the start of adulthood. Prom has grown into a rite of passage. Pupils…

You think the contract is ready to send, and then someone quietly asks if the person can legally start work next month. That question has a way of draining the room. The role is urgent. The candidate is ideal. But compliance has to line up before anything moves forward. Across the UK, international recruitment has shifted from occasional to routine. Skills shortages in sectors like healthcare, engineering, and digital services have pushed businesses to look further afield. At the same time, immigration rules have tightened, and monitoring has increased. Sponsorship duties, record-keeping, and reporting deadlines are no longer background tasks.…

Molson Coors Beverage Company (MCBC) has today announced a proposal to close its National Contact Centre in Cardiff by the end of 2026. The proposal, which is subject to consultation, could result in around 60 redundancies at the site, reflecting that almost 90% of Molson Coors on-trade customer orders are now being placed through its e-commerce site My Molson Coors. The company is therefore continuing its digitisation journey and commitment to providing the highest levels of customer service, choice and trust – with customer service being fulfilled by the teams at Molson Coors’ UK&I HQ and supported by the capabilities…