Author: Rhys Gregory

A wide range of bank holiday fun is on offer this weekend thanks to Swansea Council’s attractions and activities. Many are free of charge or available at a discounted cost, helping families through the cost of living crisis. Council leader Rob Stewart said: “We want people across the city and county to have a fantastic time this weekend. “The attractions we run and manage range from vast sandy beaches to top quality cultural venues and from ever-popular outdoor attractions like crazy golf to the superb free-entry Blackpill Lido.” Council-managed parks and beaches are a great option for picnics if the…

Helping tackle climate change, Swansea is set to become a UK leader in the natural product research and enterprise sector. Swansea University has successfully bid for £587,000 from Swansea Council for a Natural Products BioHUB project through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. Natural products are substances or compounds found in nature, marine organisms, bacteria, fungi, and plants. The Natural Products BioHUB aims to encourage wider use of natural products in the agricultural, pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries to help develop a healthier, greener and more sustainable city and region. The project will: Support the growth of local bio-based or biotech businesses…

This footbridge scheme has been challenging and more recently work undertaken by the contractor was defective. A solution is being sought that gains approval of all parties involved and a re-design has had to be carried out for piles on the south support to the bridge. While works have progressed on the north embankment, piling work will recommence on the south embankment in the next few weeks. Council Officers are continuing to work closely with the designers, contractors and Network Rail, and are pressing for the bridge to be installed as quickly as possible. Subject to piling works recommencing and…

The Tour of Britain is officially returning to the county borough on Sunday 10th September. The world-class sporting event will draw to a conclusion in Caerphilly Town Centre.following 8 intense stages of racing spanning across the UK. With the action being broadcast on live television coverage (ITV4) – the event will showcase Caerphilly on the world stage as riders enter the borough via Nelson, pass through Llanbradach and complete two laps of Caerphilly Mountain before crossing the finish line in front of the iconic castle. Here are the full details (including road closures) that will allow residents to plan ahead.…

Put on your most colourful and expressive outfit and embrace the love and unity at Pride in Usk on Saturday 26th August. Owain Glyndwr Park will be the location for the celebration of unity, fun and inclusivity, where all are welcome, which starts at noon and runs through until 8pm. Pride in Usk is a family friendly community event, to foster a sense of community, promote understanding and advocate for equal rights for all, irrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation. The event will feature a diverse array of activities and entertainment that will cater to people of all ages,…

Daniel Atkins, 33, has been jailed for 15 years for rape and sexual assaults of children under 13 years old. Atkins from Bridgend has been convicted on further counts of sexual assault by penetration and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. His most recent offences were committed in 2022 but the investigation discovered that the abuse had been ongoing for the past six years. Following a report to police, officers arrested Atkins on 7 May 2022 and he was charged and remanded the next day. Detective Constable Leah Fox commented: “I want to pay tribute to the extreme…

The grassroots music venue aims to expand and upgrade its current site; creating a contemporary, fully accessible space to increase engagement and broaden its activity in line with its charitable objectives. Fundraising launched to support the redevelopment. A NEW planning application has been submitted to increase the size of Cardiff’s iconic Clwb Ifor Bach and transform the space into a brand-new, fully accessible multi-room venue. The venue has 18 months to raise the funds to turn its ambitions into reality. The proposals submitted to Cardiff County Council this week will see Clwb take over the derelict building next door and…

This year’s Llanfyllin Show has been described as one of the most successful as a large crowd attended the popular annual event earlier in August. Chairman Dyfrig Jones said there was a record number of trade stands and entries across all sections, with a particularly high standard in horses section, and a “considerable number” of young farmers supported the Montgomery YFC evening speed shearing competition in the evening. Warm sunshine made a welcome appearance in the afternoon, following intermittent rain showers, as star attraction, The Atkinson Action Horses stunt team, returned for a second year to entertain the crowd with…

The Heritage Park Hotel, in the South Wales town of Pontypridd, has been sold for an undisclosed sum to the Zaman Family who add the property to their existing portfolio. Brilliant Hotels has been appointed to manage the hotel. The modern property was constructed in the 1990s and is set within a large two-acre site. It was designed for modern, corporate hotel use and as such has excellent dining and conference facilities, as well as being a popular wedding venue. The sale of the 43-bedroom purpose-built hotel was handled by Colliers. The Loft Restaurant, which seats 100, has exposed timbers and…

Business owners in North Wales are set to benefit from increased confidence and enhanced skillsets as a key partnership continues to flourish.   The region’s representatives of a global professional advisory service and a national sales training provider have joined forces to further support SME leaders when mapping out their company objectives and strategy.  David Roberts of The Alternative Board (TAB) and Sales Geek North Wales’ Aaron Sussex are combining their expertise of coaching and consultancy, reflecting a broader alliance between the two UK-wide organisations.  For the collaboration’s first major initiative, David and Aaron will be hosting two linked seminars…