Author: Rhys Gregory

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet has today (14 June) approved extra investment into the creation of a new vulnerable learners’ centre and modern, eco-friendly community sporting facilities in Pontllanfraith. Cabinet members agreed to set aside a further £2,150,739.40 from the Council’s Place-Shaping Reserve for the development, in addition to the £1,375,000 previously agreed.  The Council’s investment equates to 25% of the total costs, with the remaining 75% funded through Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Band B Programme. The centre is being developed on the site of the former Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School.  Plans include adapting and refurbishing the former grammar…

A ‘reserved matters’ application has been submitted by Caerphilly County Borough Council for an innovative new later living scheme on the site of the former Ty Darran care home, Risca. Outline planning has already been granted for the development and work begun to prepare the site.  When completed, the new development will be used to relocate existing Council customers (contract holders) from sheltered housing schemes in the locality that have been programmed for closure. Future residents of the scheme have been consulted on plans for the new scheme and, as a result, certain aspects of the design have varied slightly, and are now…

A new art installation at Graig y Rhacca Primary School in Caerphilly celebrates the environment and community. Pupils from the school worked with the local community and artist Stephanie Roberts to design and develop the environmental themed sculpture.  Funding for the project was provided by Caerphilly County Borough Council, through its Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) environmental improvements programme. The mosaic leaf design, which incorporates the message ‘We respect our environment’, has been installed at the entranceway to the school.  South Wales based artist Stephanie said “For this project the children had to absorb themselves in their topic and then…

Welsh-medium education could be introduced at a south Powys primary school if given the go-ahead by Cabinet later this month, the county council has said. Powys County Council wants to move Ysgol y Cribarth in Abercraf along the language continuum by formally establishing a Welsh-medium stream at the school. The school is currently an English-medium school providing education for pupils aged 4 to 11. Since September 2021, Ysgol y Cribarth has operated a Welsh-medium Foundation Phase class on a pilot basis as part of a scheme that has been supported by the council. The proposed change would see a Welsh-medium…

A single ticket scheme that aims to simplify bus travel has been introduced across north Wales. The 1Bws initiative allows passengers to travel throughout the north of Wales using a single ticket across multiple services and with no extra cost. Included in the 1Bws scheme is the TrawsCymru T12, T2 and X28 services, which runs within Powys. Powys passengers boarding the T12, T2 and X28 services will be able to benefit from the new 1Bws scheme, if they wish to use a single one-day ticket for unlimited travel further afield across north Wales. The existing Powys Day Rover Ticket is…

More than £58m will be invested into ways to help us choose to walk and cycle for local journeys, Deputy Climate Change Minister Lee Waters confirmed today (Thursday, June 15). Speaking on Clean Air Day, the Deputy Minister with responsibility for transport outlined how the huge investment would fund new and improved active travel routes across Wales. Since 2018, the Welsh Government has increased active travel funding from £15m to £70m – now more than £22 for every person in Wales, compared to dedicated active travel spending in England of about £1 per head in the same period. The Deputy…

Delays, cancellations, and overcrowding are just some of the reasons Deputy Minister Lee Waters decided to take a trip on the Wrexham to Bidston line. The Deputy Minister with responsibility for transport wanted to experience problems that have been reported by passengers over recent months and front up to criticism. On the train he was able to learn more about the issues from members of the Wrexham-Bidston Rail Users’ Association. He was then able to discuss with leaders of Flintshire and Chester and Cheshire West Council and has now tasked Transport for Wales with developing a plan to improve the…

Welsh legislation that will better protect scheduled monuments and listed buildings has received Royal Assent. It is the first piece of consolidated legislation to be produced as part of the Welsh Government’s programme to reform Welsh law and make it more accessible. The Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023 brings together the main pieces of legislation relating to Wales’ historic environment, modernising and organising the law and ensuring it is written in simple, everyday language. For the first time the law for the historic environment will be published in a fully bilingual format. Following the official sealing ceremony, the Welsh Government’s…

The e-commerce landscape is on the verge of retail domination. As we recover from the effects of the global pandemic, more smartphone users than ever before are tapping into an online high street to interact with their favourite brands.  In fact, by 2026 alone, one-fifth of retail purchases globally will be made with a click of a button.  Embarking on an e-commerce adventure could be the next big move for your small business. From opening your doors to a global audience to gaining recognition on social media, launching your store in an online domain could skyrocket your conversion rate in…

Like much of the UK, Wales has been in the midst of a difficult cost of living crisis, and that has had a direct impact on rent. Reports by WalesOnline indicate a very challenging rise in the number of people contacting homelessness teams, reflecting a lower level of income and greater difficulty with paying even the basic bills. It’s not a case of greed, either, as rising interest rates have forced landlords to increase prices or sell up. In reaction to this, the Welsh government has decided to consult on rent controls for private tenants. What remains to be seen is whether…