Author: Rhys Gregory

Coleg y Cymoedd has unveiled its new Ystrad Mynach campus at an official launch event following a multi-million-pound revamp. The South Wales college has invested more than £9m into the campus over the last year, including renovations to over 20 classrooms, a new restaurant, the development of VR and robotic provisions, a painting and decorating workshop, as well as the creation of a dedicated sports facility. Attended by local employers, industry partners and school representatives, the event saw invitees tour the recently refurbished classrooms and new facilities before enjoying a three-course seated meal at the campus’ new and improved ‘Scholars’…

The forward end of HMS Cardiff, the second Type 26 City Class frigate, has emerged from BAE Systems’ ship build hall at Govan for the first time in an important moment for the programme to deliver the most advanced anti-submarine warfare capability available to the Royal Navy. The aft section will follow in the coming days as the company’s engineers prepare to join the whole ship together on the hardstand at the Glasgow shipyard on the river Clyde. HMS Cardiff will undergo further structural work on the hardstand before being floated off and transported along the Clyde to BAE Systems’…

Welsh Government funding is supporting the phased roll out of Flying Start provision across the county borough. Key areas within the county borough have been targeted according to need, with areas in Pyle, Kenfig Hill and Maesteg benefitting from phase one of the initiative. Phase two of the expansion programme is currently underway, with eligible two-year-olds receiving funded childcare provision in areas including Blaengarw, Pontycymmer, Nantyffyllon and parts of Ynysawdre.  Further areas, including the Ogmore Valley, are planned for September 2023. Funding is marked for a variety of projects including classroom adaptations, building refurbishments, as well as new builds –…

The food, drink, and music line up for Cardiff Food and Drink Festival in Cardiff Bay has been revealed, and it includes a feast of festival favourites as well as first timers serving up foodie delights fit for a king. Among the newcomers at the festival, which runs from Friday 7th until Sunday 9thJuly, are Cardiff-based ‘Let Them See Cake,’ with their range of cupcakes, macaroons, cookies and cookie sandwiches. Also at the Producer’s Fair will be festival regulars ‘The Garlic Farm,’ bringing their range of condiments and chutneys from the Isle of Wight. Lovers of Welsh Cakes can head to…

A Local Nature Partnership that has planted thousands of ‘bee-friendly’ bulbs, installed green ‘living walls’ at schools and community centres, and helps communities in Cardiff take practical action to support biodiversity, has secured £1.3 million of funding. The funding, from Welsh Government’s ‘Local Places for Nature’ scheme, will enable Cardiff’s Local Nature Partnership to: continue its programme of pollinator-friendly planting, help create and restore wildlife habitats, improve how grassland in parks and open spaces is managed for biodiversity, help community groups make their local green spaces more nature-friendly. Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “Since…

Pembrokeshire County Council is carrying out a consultation on council tax premiums that apply to second and long-term empty homes in Pembrokeshire. The consultation is open until 6th August 2023 and can be completed on Pembrokeshire County Council’s website. The consultation seeks your views on: Current council tax premiums for second homes Current council tax premiums for long-term empty homes Whether the Council should use its discretion following Welsh Government’s reform to self-catering holiday accommodation thresholds The consultation provides context and background information on the current council tax premiums and housing in Pembrokeshire. It also provides the definitions of second…

Caerphilly County Borough Council is reminding owners of empty homes that there is still time to apply for a grant to renovate their property. Through the Welsh Government National Empty Home Grant Programme grants of up to £25,000 are available to renovate empty properties to make them safe to live in and improve their energy efficiency.  The grant is available for Owner Occupiers to renovate empty homes that have been empty for at least 12months. Cllr Shayne Cook, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said “Tackling the issue of empty properties is a key priority for the Council.  As well…

Park tennis courts in Blaenau Gwent have been officially reopened after a £37,516.70 renovation, managed by the LTA, and funded by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. Tennis courts in Six Bells Park, which are among those to have benefited from this investment, hosted a ceremony attended by Alun Davies MS; Blaenau Gwent Council’s Deputy Leader Cllr Helen Cunningham and local councillors, along with representatives from the LTA. There was an opportunity for people from the local community to pick up a racket and get on court for a range of tennis sessions.…

Young people at risk of leaving education will be provided with meaningful work experience as part of efforts to ensure they reconnect with their education, Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles has announced this week. Following on from a successful pilot, the half a million-pound scheme will support up to 500 learners aged 14-16, in years 10 and 11 in 2023/24. They will benefit from high quality work experience placements, in a sector that appeals to them as part of wider Welsh Government work to prevent and reduce youth unemployment. Careers Wales advisers will work with schools and…

Embarking on a property renovation project can be exciting yet challenging and nerve-wracking, as you may not know what to expect. It requires careful planning, budgeting, and execution if you want to bring about the desired transformation. From envisioning the end result to taking the first practical steps, this journey will be filled with crucial decisions that will shape the outcome of your project. To help you navigate this complex process successfully, we’ve compiled a handy guide outlining nine crucial steps you should take before you begin your renovation project. Each step plays a vital role in ensuring your renovation…