Author: Rhys Gregory

Wholebake, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of healthy snack bars, has expanded its operations with the opening of a major new facility in Wrexham, which is now up and running. The site – a warehouse converted into a bespoke, food-grade factory – will run alongside Wholebake’s existing factories in Corwen and Wrexham, giving the company three sites in total. This multi-million-pound investment marks a significant milestone in Wholebake’s growth journey. With capacity at Corwen fully utilised, the Wrexham facility provides the additional space needed to strengthen production capabilities, streamline logistics and support long-term growth for its customers, including leading…

A hairdresser form Nottinghamshire has travelled to Wrexham to pay homage to her long-lost relative – Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe. Tarnia Rodgers, from New Houghton, near Mansfield, had the shock of her life when she made the exciting discovery that she is a long-lost second cousin to the Gladiator icon, recalling her exact words to be ‘Don’t be so ridiculous’. After months of tracing her family history, she unearthed links to Canada and New Zealand, and now new connections in Wrexham thanks to research carried out by the owners the Pendine Park care organisation that’s celebrating its 40th anniversary this…

Bus passengers across South and West Wales are being warned to expect major disruption later this month as Unite the Union confirms strike dates for First Cymru workers. Strike action is due to take place between 22–25 October, 30 October–2 November, and 5–8 November. The walkouts will involve drivers, engineers, cleaners, and administrative staff across depots in Swansea, Port Talbot, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest, and Ammanford. The industrial action comes after Unite members rejected what the company described as an above-inflation pay offer. The union says the offer failed to include full back pay owed to staff, and claims First Cymru’s…

Williams Denton, one of North Wales’ leading accountancy firms, is pleased to confirm its planned acquisition of Hawley and Company, an established accountancy practice based in Trinity Square, Llandudno. The deal is set to complete on 31 October 2025. Established in 1926 and now in their 100th year, Williams Denton continues its long-standing growth strategy, combining steady organic development with selective acquisitions that add value for clients and strengthen its regional presence. Hawley and Company has built a strong reputation over many years, and its client base and team will be a welcome addition to the Williams Denton family. Geoff…

Preparations are in full swing for this year’s Royal Welsh Winter Fair on November 24 and 25, as the Llanelwedd showground is set to welcome prize-winning livestock, festive cheer and thousands of Christmas shoppers. Renowned as one of Europe’s leading prime stock shows, the winter fair attracts an exceptional standard of livestock entries from across Wales and beyond. On the final day, the prize-winners are auctioned in the show rings. The event opens to the public at 8am each day and early-bird tickets are available online until November 9. Tickets cost £22 for adults and £5 for children each day…

South Wales Police are appealing for information to help locate 33-year-old Sophie Evans, who has been reported missing. Sophie was last seen at around 9am walking in the direction of Dinas Powys. She is described as being 5ft 6in tall, of medium build, with black hair. When she was last seen, Sophie was wearing a green puffy coat with fur, grey joggers, and light-coloured footwear. Anyone who has seen Sophie or who may have information on her whereabouts is urged to contact South Wales Police, quoting reference 2500330746. Information can be provided via:• Live Chat: www.south-wales.police.uk• Online: https://bit.ly/SWPProvideInfo• By calling…

South Wales Police are currently at the scene of a vehicle fire on the M4 between Junction 37 (Pyle) and Junction 36 (Sarn). Lanes one and two on the eastbound carriageway have been closed while emergency services deal with the incident. The closures are expected to remain in place for some time, and drivers are being urged to avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible. A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “We’re grateful for the public’s patience while the incident is being dealt with.”

South West Wales Connected Community Rail Partnership (SWWC CRP) are delighted to be collaborating with Stena Line to host a heritage event celebrating the history of Fishguard Harbour railway and the port. The event which has been supported by Fishguard community run heritage centre ‘Ein Hanes – Our History’, will take place on the afternoon of Saturday 18 October at the Stena Line ferry terminal, bringing together local voices, stories and history to highlight the importance of the railway and port to the region. This event is part of the nationwide Railway 200 celebrations, marking 200 years of the modern…

Cardiff Council’s Cabinet has approved a comprehensive City Parking Plan, a 10-year strategy designed to tackle the city’s parking challenges, support sustainable travel, and improve quality of life for residents and visitors. The City Parking Plan is a cornerstone of Cardiff’s wider Transport Strategy, aiming to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and make the city’s streets safer and more accessible. Developed following extensive public consultation, the plan will introduce a new framework to manage parking across Cardiff, aligning the Welsh capital with best practices seen in other major UK cities. Key Features of the City Parking Plan Three Parking Management…

Parents/guardians of Year 6 pupils in Pembrokeshire are invited to apply for a secondary school place for September 2026 by the closing date of 21 December 2025. Applications received after this date will be considered late which may have a bearing on whether your child gets a place at their preferred school. There is no automatic admission to a secondary school (except for 3-16 schools – see below), even if you are living in catchment and/or your child attends a feeder school, an application must be made. It is important to note that a school place will not be allocated…