Author: Rhys Gregory

A man and woman from Carmarthenshire have been handed a suspended custody sentence after 48 dogs and a cat were found in unsuitable conditions – with 22 dogs suffering with matted coats and 17 suffering from skin disease. When some of the animals were first seen – in one upstairs bedroom – RSPCA Keith Hogben said that the smell of urine and faeces “was one of the worst” he had smelt in his near-24 years with the RSPCA. Many of the dogs were kept in cages, some stacked on top of each other – although others were roaming the house.…

Cardiff Council has published its mid-term ‘Well-Being’ appraisal – offering a comprehensive self-assessment of how it has performed in meeting objectives set out in its corporate plan for 2023-26. The objectives are centred on seven key Council commitments: Cardiff is a great place to grow up Cardiff is a great place to grow older Supporting people out of poverty Safe, confident and empowered communities A capital city that works for Wales One Planet Cardiff Modernising and integrating our public services In compiling the report, the Council draws on a number of sources of performance intelligence, including the annual Ask Cardiff…

The National Forest is a long-term project, matching the scale and ambition of the Wales Coast Path, which links together a network of woodlands across Wales. In time, it will form a connected network of woodlands throughout Wales which will bring social, environmental, and economic benefits. These could be small urban or community woodlands, private land or farms, large areas of land owned by local authorities, and charity or timber-producing woodlands. The scheme also aims to create new woodland areas across Wales. In November, Welsh Government announced a further 27 sites had been chosen to join the National Forest for…

In December 2022, the Council approved proposals from Hafod Housing for the old Cowbridge Comprehensive School building on Aberthin Road to be demolished and replaced with 34 affordable homes – 30 flats and four houses. A local group objected to the scheme on the basis that paperwork relating to drainage had not been completed and measures to protect bats were not in place. But at a hearing in Cardiff, His Honour Judge Andrew Keyser KC dismissed both of those challenges and ordered that the Council be paid £7,500 in costs, the maximum that can be awarded in such cases. Cllr…

New apprentices at Caerphilly County Borough Council have been given the tools for success, thanks to a generous donation from Robert Price Builders Merchants. Bespoke toolkits were donated for 7 newly recruited apprentices, with trades including carpentry, electrics and plastering.  The apprentices are all working to support the Council’s repairs and improvements services. This donation comes in addition to 10 individually tailored toolkits provided to last year’s apprentices by Robert Price, the Council’s single source supply partner. Cllr Shayne Cook, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said “As well as providing invaluable opportunities to gain on-the-job experience, apprenticeships help us…

The Monmouthshire Local Nature Partnership, which Monmouthshire County Council hosts, will be delivering the Community Nature Spaces Project in Abergavenny this winter and next spring, following on from similar projects in Monmouth and Chepstow. Over the past few months, residents and stakeholders have been asked to share their views on ideas for improving the area. The response has been positive, with the ideas now being developed into final designs. You can now provide feedback on the designs before any work begins. The eight Abergavenny sites that will be taken forward at this time are: Major’s Barn / Underhill Play Area…

Gellideg Foundation is one of ten foodbanks or pantries within the Merthyr Tydfil County Borough that was awarded a cost-of-living support payment for the sum of £5,000. The local authority grant will allow the project to purchase additional food, domestic cleaning items, personal hygiene products and provide access to additional support which helps address financial hardship such as access to energy vouchers for their customers. Councillor Geraint Thomas, Leader of the Council said; “It was a pleasure to meet the staff at the Gellideg Foundation and thank them personally for providing help and support to those who need it most…

Four people have been charged in connection with the murder of Daniel Rae. Daniel, 30, died in a property on Princess Street, Treforest, on the evening of Sunday, December 17. Following an investigation led by the South Wales Police Major Crime Investigation Team, Kieran Ashton Carter, 22, from Birmingham, and two 17-year-old males from Pontypridd, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have been charged with murder. Grace Ellen Dresser, 21, from Treforest, has been charged with assisting an offender and perverting the course of justice. All four are remanded in custody to appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday,…

Dealing with incontinence can be a difficult and often embarrassing issue to talk about. Whether you’re struggling with urinary or fecal incontinence, the disruption it can cause in your daily life is undeniable. While it may feel isolating and overwhelming, know that you are not alone. In fact, over 25 million people in the United States experience some form of incontinence. Whether due to aging, childbirth, medical conditions, or other factors, this condition affects a wide range of individuals from all walks of life. In this blog post, we will discuss what exactly incontinence is and offer practical tips on…

South Wales Police has seen an increase in drink drive and drug drive arrests compared to December 2022. Officers have been conducting targeted patrols in unmarked and marked police vehicles as part of Op Limit, a national police operation of intensified action again drink and drug drivers. From the 1st of December to the 21st of December, drink drive arrests have increased by 41% (total of 58), whilst drug drive arrests have increased by 32% (total of 57) compared to the same period in 2022. The operation, which sees an increase in the number of roadside breathalyser tests and drugs…