Author: Rhys Gregory

The Welsh Government has published its Disabled People’s Rights Plan, a ten-year commitment to making sure disabled people can participate fully and equally in every part of life in Wales. The plan sets out practical actions and long-term goals to tackle barriers across employment, transport, education, healthcare, housing, independent living, digital access, and public services. Shaped from the outset by people with lived experience and expertise through the work of the Disability Rights Taskforce, the plan responds to real challenges faced by disabled people in daily life. Following a public consultation, it has been strengthened with new areas, including Parents…

Calico Dress Cymru, a Welsh community textile project led by textile artist, Menna Buss, will be one of the star attractions at the 20th Wonderwool Wales weekend show next year. Commissioned by the Museum of Wales and celebrating Welsh identity, heritage and creativity through embroidery, the project will occupy a large exhibition space at the show, held at the Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd on April 25 and 26. The Calico Dress is the first daughter dress of the internationally-renowned Red Dress, a 14-year collaborative embroidery project by artist Kirstie Macleod with contributions from almost 400 countries worldwide. A collaborative, community project…

The Fratellis have confirmed a Cardiff date as part of a major UK tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album Costello Music. The Scottish indie rock band will play Cardiff’s Great Hall on Friday 6 February 2026, bringing one of the most recognisable British albums of the 2000s back to the stage almost two decades after its release. The Cardiff show will see fans hear Costello Music performed live, including crowd favourites Henrietta, Whistle for the Choir and the era defining Chelsea Dagger. Released in 2006, Costello Music launched The Fratellis into the spotlight with its sharp hooks,…

This article has been updated with several of the roads now reopened. Click for the latest information.  Several roads across Swansea have been closed following heavy overnight rainfall that caused localised flooding in parts of the city and county. Swansea Council said its highways teams have been working through the night after around two inches of rain fell in a short period, leading to rising river levels and waterlogged roads. A number of routes will remain closed until conditions improve and river levels drop. These include Ynyspenllwch Road in Clydach, Ynys Y Mond Road in Clydach, the A4067 outbound from…

A growing number of people across South Wales are turning to small group training as their preferred way to stay active, signalling a major shift away from traditional gym environments. Local coaches say the appeal lies in a mix of personalised support, structured sessions and a sense of community that many larger gyms struggle to offer. Back To Fitness has seen this rise first-hand, with demand increasing across all age groups as residents look for a more guided and sustainable approach to improving their health. A Move Away From the Big Gym Experience For years, many in Wales have struggled…

A road has been closed in both directions following reports of flooding, according to South Wales Police. The closure is in place between the junction of New Inn Road and the A48, and the junction of New Inn Road and Merthyr Mawr Road. Police have confirmed the road is expected to remain closed for some time. Motorists are being advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible while the situation is dealt with. South Wales Police thanked drivers for their patience and cooperation as officers manage the closure and monitor conditions. Drivers are urged to take extra…

A busy roundabout in Swansea has been closed this morning due to heavy rain and rising water levels on the road surface. Swansea Council confirmed the closure of the roundabout at Cwmbwrla after water levels increased in and around the junction, making it unsafe for traffic to pass. The council said the situation is being monitored closely and updates will be shared once more information becomes available. Motorists are being urged to take extra care when travelling across Swansea this morning, with wet conditions and surface water affecting several routes. Drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys,…

Volunteer crews from Porthcawl and Barry Dock RNLI recently welcomed actor Ruth Jones and her best friend Steve Spiers as part of filming for Ruth and Steve: From Porthcawl with Love, a new programme due out over Christmas that follows Ruth as she shows Steve around her hometown. Ruth has a long-standing family connection with Porthcawl RNLI. She was joined on the day by her sister, Maria, a local GP who volunteers as medical advisor with the Porthcawl crew. The family links run deep: Maria’s husband, Etienne, volunteered as a crew member for 19 years; Ruth’s niece, Anousha, also volunteered…

Twelve-year-old Alex Chmielewski is finally looking forward to a proper family Christmas – a year after spending the festive season in hospital recovering from a long-awaited kidney transplant. Alex, from Bridgend in South Wales, spent more than three years on dialysis and over two years waiting for a kidney donor. He and his older brother Gabriel, 14, were both born with kidney failure caused by Joubert syndrome and missing chromosomes. Gabriel received a kidney from their dad, Kamil, in 2021. The family hoped that mum, Kasia, could donate to Alex, but she was ruled out because of kidney stones. That…

FOR Cardiff, the capital’s Business Improvement District, has published its Thriving High Streets manifesto ahead of next year’s Senedd elections. Appealing to all political parties, it asks for four key actions to support “vibrant local high streets that both serve and involve local communities”. FOR Cardiff is representing its 750+ city centre members, including retail, hospitality and professional services businesses. The four asks are to: undertake wholesale reform of business rates; provide specific revenue funding for local high street development projects; give local communities the power to take charge of buildings in their high streets; sustain investment in the South Wales…