Author: Rhys Gregory

Work has begun on a new affordable housing development in the heart of Blackwood town centre, delivering 58 energy‑efficient apartments for social rent. The Lower Plas Court development, located on land close to Blackwood Market and next to the town’s bus station interchange, will consist of one three‑storey and one five‑storey apartment block. Its central location will place residents within easy reach of shops, services and public transport, helping people remain connected to the town centre. The development is being delivered by not‑for‑profit housing association United Welsh in partnership with Welsh Government and Caerphilly County Borough Council. Homes will be…

The latest HSBC UK Corporate Tracker has identified clusters of large businesses in Wales that are outpacing the average UK growth rate for major firms, underlining the crucial role the nation can play in delivering the UK’s Industrial Strategy. Using Beauhurst data, which draws on the most recent financial disclosures, the biannual HSBC UK tracker found that 57% of Wales’s fastest-growing large companies are located in clusters across Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Wrexham. Despite a backdrop of continued economic uncertainty, 52 large Welsh firms based in these clusters achieved annual turnover growth above the UK median rate for large businesses of 10.5% between 2021 and 2024, outpacing the UK economy’s 7.73% annual GVA growth over the same period. The clusters contain many companies operating within the UK Government’s eight future‑focused sectors1 – the ‘IS‑8’. These sectors, including advanced manufacturing, clean energy and life sciences, have been selected as central to…

Building on the success of the last two years of celebrations, which attracted over 3,500 people to the city centre, Newport is delighted to announce the return of its third Lunar New Year event in 2026. Newport City Council and The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre are once again partnering to deliver a vibrant, family-friendly celebration in the heart of the city. On Saturday 21st February, visitors are invited to enjoy a full day of cultural performances, creative workshops, and festive activities celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse – all free of charge. To mark this important day in…

The Welsh Government Sgiliau Bwyd a Diod Cymru / Food & Drink Skills Wales programme is helping food and drink businesses invest in their people and build a resilient, future-ready industry, is starting 2026 with renewed momentum and a strong focus on workforce development. Since its launch last year, the programme’s dedicated jobs portal, Food and Drink Jobs Wales, has listed 3,322 vacancies, accessed by more than 1,271 employers, with 629 active roles currently available. As job-seekers consider their career paths, the platform is proving a vital gateway to opportunities across Wales’ growing food and drink sector. To mark the…

Spotnails, a leading Welsh importer and distributor of industrial tools, nails and fasteners for the UK construction sector, has secured almost £3 million in joint funding from the Development Bank of Wales and HSBC UK to support the next phase of its growth. The Caerphilly-based company, which has operated for more than 70 years, has received a £1.7 million loan from HSBC UK and a £1.2 million loan from the Development Bank through the Wales Flexible Investment Fund. The refinance allows Spotnails to restructure existing facilities, including the buyout of earlier Development Bank equity, while sustaining its long-term relationship with…

A Cardiff drug dealer who was caught in possession of a zombie knife and crack cocaine worth up to £5k was jailed today. Balaclava-wearing Levi James – a known drug dealer – was spotted by officers riding his Sur-Ron bike through Gabalfa on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. The known drug dealer was detained in Lydstep Park by officers who were taking part in Operation Auklet – a series of warrants and patrols in response to concerns about drug dealing. The body-worn video footage captured the moment a Taser-armed officer responds to a call for back-up. The officer sprints along a…

Transport for Wales (TfW) has unveiled a new community art initiative at Colwyn Bay railway station, transforming a previously tired platform wall into a celebration of local creativity and sport. The project, highlights Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) as the latest in a series of community-led art initiatives designed to improve the station environment for passengers and the local community. In August 2025, a creative workshop was held at Parc Eirias, where players and coaches traded their rugby training for spray paint and developed a range of designs that reflect the heritage and passion of rugby in North Wales. The final…

Denbighshire County Council has secured a development partner to deliver new affordable homes on the site of the former older persons’ flats at Maes Emlyn in Rhyl. The council has agreed the sale of the site to Wales & West Housing, paving the way for the construction of energy efficient homes for social rent. Maes Emlyn was previously home to council owned accommodation for older residents. However, maintaining the ageing flats to an acceptable standard would have become increasingly difficult. As a result, residents were relocated to more suitable homes elsewhere in the Rhyl area. The redevelopment marks a significant…

Cardiff Council has confirmed detailed travel arrangements and road closures for the upcoming Guinness Men’s Six Nations matches at the Principality Stadium, with disruption expected across the city centre on match days. After the closures for Wales v France on February 15, the next fixture against Scotland this Saturday (February 21) will see roads around the stadium shut from 12.30pm until 9pm, as part of safety measures for supporters and local traffic. Kick-off is at 4.40pm. Major closures will also be in place for Wales v Italy on Saturday March 14, listed as running at the same times. Traffic around…

A major road resurfacing and repair programme is making strong progress across Swansea, with several schemes already completed and more set to get underway in the coming weeks. Swansea Council says its resurfacing blitz, which began in January, has been boosted by an additional £300,000 investment. The extra funding has allowed more teams to be brought in to speed up repairs and increase the number of projects delivered. Recent works have included full resurfacing at the busy Peniel Green Road M4 roundabout, along with junction improvements at Frampton Road and Carmarthen Road. In the next couple of weeks, further road…