Author: Rhys Gregory

A Welsh energy efficiency company has announced the opening of two new offices near its Swansea headquarters. Consumer Energy Solutions (CES) will welcome 100 new team members as part of the expansion, with roughly 50 based at each new location. This expansion underscores CES’s commitment to serving the energy efficiency needs of its customers in Wales and the South West, as well as its dedication to creating job opportunities in the region. The company currently boasts a workforce of more than 500 people and supports customers in energy-proofing their homes to reduce their carbon footprint and ultimately, their energy bills.…

Cardiff Young Professionals, a monthly networking group, has successfully raised £1,000.00 for their chosen charity of the year, Dreams and Wishes. The achievement highlights the power of collective efforts in making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Dreams and Wishes is a charity dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of seriously ill children and their families; providing them with moments of joy and happiness amidst challenging circumstances. The charity relies heavily on the support of individuals and groups, like the Cardiff Young Professionals, to carry out its mission. Wendy Hobbs, Board Member and Business Ambassador of Dreams…

Llanishen drug dealers and money launderers jailed for over 11 years at Cardiff Crown Court Liam Gonzales (left), aged 35 and Habinder Baines aged 36, were arrested after being spotted acting suspiciously in Llanishen by plain clothed officers in March 2023. Both men were detained, and searches of their cars found 1KG of cocaine, street value of between £80,000 and £100,000 hidden beneath a child car seat. £24,000 in cash was also found stashed inside the car. Baines and Gonzalez were arrested on suspicion of possession of a class ‘A’ drug and were sentenced on the 18 December at Cardiff…

Cardiff has hosted its first inter-youth football tournament this month, bringing together more than 90 young people from youth clubs across the city. The joint partnership project between Cardiff Youth Services, Cardiff & Vale College (CAVC) and South Wales Police, is supported by Cardiff City Football Club Foundation and aims to build positive relationships between young people who live in different areas of the city. Teams from Gabalfa, Llanrumney, St Mellons, Powerhouse in Lanedeyrn, Eastmoors in Splott, North Ely and Caerau as well South Wales Police and Cardiff’s youth workers competed in the tournament hosted at Cardiff & Vale College,…

Cardiff Council has welcomed a recently published Woodland Trust policy paper setting out the importance of trees and woods for nature recovery in Wales and making five key recommendations for local authorities. Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “The rapid decline of nature in Wales and beyond in recent years is deeply concerning and since declaring a nature emergency in 2021, the Council has taken significant steps to support its recovery, and has already implemented, or begun to implement, all of the measures that the Woodland Trust recommend local authorities should take.” “At the heart of what…

The Vale of Glamorgan Council is using the healing power of music to help people with their mental health. In partnership with a range of other individuals and agencies, the Authority’s Community Mental Health Support Team has brought together three of the people they work with to form a band. The group, who all suffer with issues affecting their confidence in social settings, recently played their first live gig at an awards ceremony for Vale Madrid, a football team created to help others with mental health struggles. Anthony Jones plays electric guitar, Ray Maylin is on acoustic guitar, while Max…

RCT’s Cabinet has approved the Council’s adoption of the Aberdare Town Centre Strategy which outlines investment themes and a future vision for the town. The draft version was revised using important feedback from a recent consultation. In July 2023, Cabinet Members agreed to consult residents on a draft strategy for Aberdare Town Centre, to set out strategic objectives that will serve as a blueprint for future investment. The draft was compiled after initial engagement with local residents and businesses – and the wider public consultation subsequently took place from August 7 to September 18, 2023. On Monday, December 18, Cabinet…

Contractors handed over keys for 14 houses at the highly anticipated Old School Lane development in Johnston this week. Completion of Phase 1 of the Old School Lane development by WB Griffiths marks an important milestone for Pembrokeshire County Council. The new homes are the first residential properties built by the Local Authority in more than 25 years and are an important moment in PCC’s Housing Development Programme. Built on land of the former Johnston Community Primary School, Old School Lane development consists of 33 new homes that include a mix of one to five bedroom properties. Cabinet Member for…

On Saturday, 2nd December, young people and families who have experienced grief came together at Caldicot Castle for a Remembering Event. The annual event has been organised since 2016 and is a time for Monmouthshire County Council to show support to children and families at a time that can be very difficult. Throughout the day, young people and their families had an opportunity to connect with their emotions and feelings of bereavement/loss/grief safely through carefully planned creative activities and sharing memories of their loved ones at a time that can be challenging as grief is as individual as the individual.…

Caerphilly County Borough Council is currently developing a new Private Sector Housing Renewal and Disabled Adaptations Policy and is seeking the views of residents and stakeholders. The new policy will set out the Council’s priorities for private sector housing and include plans to deliver financial assistance products to help private owners (including private sector landlords) and contract holders (formerly known as tenants) to repair, maintain or adapt their homes. It also provides information on the Council’s approach to improving the energy efficiency of homes. A consultation period will be held between 14th December 2023 and 7th February 2024 for people…