Author: Rhys Gregory

Applications for secondary school places to start in September 2024 opened this week (Monday 25, September 2023) and families are reminded that applying on time and by providing five school preferences, can increase their chances of getting a place at one of their preferred schools. Cardiff Council’s Admissions Team have provided simple step-by-step advice and guidance in the form of 7 tips, to help families who are applying for a school place in Cardiff. The information is available online and through an animation aimed at children and families, helping to explain how the admissions process works and the importance of…

A second round of funding applications is now open for projects aimed at boosting Swansea’s rural communities. The grant funding is being made available to projects that support themes including rural economy and visitor experience, natural environment and climate emergency, innovation, and health and well-being. The funding is part of a rural anchor project being run by Swansea Council and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Projects that will be considered for funding include capital grants for investment in renewable energy for community benefit. Potential projects could include renewable energy schemes for community buildings or…

Neath Port Talbot Council is asking residents and visitors for their views on proposals to invest £7.7 million in facilities and infrastructure at Waterfall Country Pontneddfechan in order to ease visitor pressures in the area. In 2022 Neath Port Talbot Council submitted a successful funding application to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund to deliver investment at Pontneddfechan which will: Create a permanent parking solution for the area Deliver new and improved public toilet provision Create a farm/community shop Create low key visitor accommodation provision See Improvements to road safety, public realm and landscaping. The proposals are now being made…

Neath Port Talbot Council has taken decisive action to ensure the continuation of cherished Remembrance Day Parades in Neath and Port Talbot. The Royal British Legion (RBL) branches in the towns which traditionally organised these poignant ceremonies faced challenges due to branch closures and the extensive risk assessments now required making the task of organising these events much more onerous. As a result, on September 20th, 2023, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet approved the council taking over the role of ‘Event Organiser’ for the parades, at the same agreeing a payment of just over £18,000  to pay for expenses including…

Caerphilly County Borough Council is carrying out extensive consultation with its tenants to find out what they think about their rent. Tenants are being asked to complete a short survey to tell the council if they believe their rent is fair and affordable.  The Council also wants to know more about how the cost-of-living crisis has affected its customers. The survey can be found online; it will end on Monday 9th October. Everyone who takes part will be entered into a prize draw where one person will win £150 in shopping vouchers and another three people will win £60. Anyone…

Merthyr Council has announced that Connected Kerb has been busy installing new charging points throughout the town to support quieter, sustainable transport as the council aims to meet our Net Zero obligations ahead of 2050. These charging points play a huge part in the authority’s plan to ensure a greener future for our residents, particularly those who cannot charge their EV at home. Councillor Michelle Symonds, Cabinet Member for Regeneration tells us; “Our commitment and progress with supporting a reliable EV infrastructure is a great addition for the Town and Borough. Funding from Cardiff Capitol Region has enabled Phase 1…

An appeal for information has been launched after three dead cats were found in a rucksack in Troedyrhiw, Merthyr Tydfil. A heavily pregnant mum and two kittens were found by a school pupil. The sad discovery was made at wasteland just outside Afon Taf High School in Troedyrhiw by a pupil on Thursday 21 September. The Liverpool FC rucksack was found to the right hand side of a nearby bridge. The council were notified and picked up the bag containing the bodies that afternoon, and took them to a nearby vet. The cats found inside the bag were a heavily…

A £3.5m housing development which has seen 18 homes built in Newtown has been officially opened. The new development has been commissioned and completed by Powys County Council on the former Red Dragon public house and Maesyrhandir Youth Centre site in the town, include a range of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes. The development has two access points which are called Clos Y Ddraig Goch and Cwrt Y Dryw. The Welsh Government provided £2.4m towards the project through its Innovative Housing Programme. All the properties will be let on secure contracts, giving tenants a real opportunity to make the…

The first total ban on the use of snares and glue traps in the UK will come into force this Autumn in Wales, Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has confirmed From the 17 October the use of snares and glue traps will be illegal in Wales, which will help prevent indiscriminate suffering to animals.  This follows the passing of the Agriculture (Wales) Act into law this summer which included the provision. The ban on the use of snares is a Programme for Government commitment and was supported by a majority of those who took part in the public consultation. Snares,…

The Welsh Government has heralded France as ‘destination numéro un’ for Welsh food and drink exports at a gastronomic celebration in Lyon. An industry valued at a delectable £150million to Wales’s economy, the Welsh Government has joined forces with Hybu Cig Cymru, Food Innovation Wales and Welsh food and drink companies to host a delicious showcase event as part of their presence in France during the Rugby World Cup and the Welsh Government’s ‘Wales in France’ initiative. Wales in France is a year-long celebration of cultural, business and sporting events designed to strengthen existing links and forge new connections between…