Author: Rhys Gregory

Data from the SMMT or The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed a significant increase in car ownership in 2022. Furthermore, the data also indicated a big jump in the total number of vehicles on UK roads, figures that were last seen in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. While there was already an increase in vehicle ownership after the height of the pandemic, it wasn’t a dramatic improvement. In 2022, two years after COVID-19 happened; the SMMT highlighted an increase of 0.36%, which is equivalent to 124,393 vehicles. This brought the 2022 vehicle ownership to 35.15 million. After two…

Lewis Sawdon, 30, and Ffion Evans 24, of Maesteg, have been jailed for possession with intent to supply class A drugs Officers executed a warrant at their home in January 2021 following concerns raised from the local community. Sawdon and Evans were found in possession of cocaine, with a street value of £3,590, and heroin, worth £2,000. Officers also found scales with residue from drugs on it, and £580 in cash. The pair were then also later stopped by officers in April 2021, when they were seen acting suspiciously in Maesteg. When arrested they were found in possession of heroin,…

The Bridgend Indoor Market at the Rhiw Shopping Centre in Bridgend town centre remains closed in the interests of public safety due to a potential issue involving the use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) within the structure’s roof. Only the indoor market has been confirmed as being affected by the temporary closure, and the adjacent Rhiw Shopping Centre currently remains open for business as usual. A total of 17 stall holders have been affected by the closure, which was deemed necessary following an inspection by a Welsh Government-approved specialist under new national guidance from the UK Government. Traders have…

Alacrity Foundation, a leading institution in mentoring and training graduate entrepreneurs to create hi-tech companies, has appointed Hannah Williams as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The appointment comes as the not-for-profit organisation looks to build on its success of the last 10 years and create the next generation of digital entrepreneurs based in Wales. Williams brings over a decade of experience in entrepreneurship and finance across various roles, including her previous position as Chief Financial Officer at Tiny Rebel. Simon Gibson, Chairman of Alacrity Foundation, said: “I am thrilled Hannah has accepted the post of Chief Executive with the Alacrity Foundation.…

Aldi will reveal a fresh new look for its Port Talbot store when it re-opens to customers on Thursday 28th September at 8am. Standing at 1,110 sqm of retail space, the transformation is part of Aldi’s £600m investment into further improving its stores and services across the UK and is based on feedback from more than 50,000 customers. The new-look store offers increased space showcasing fresh fish and Welsh meat, as well as popular Lacura health and beauty products, award-winning beers, wines and spirits, famous Mamia babycare products, and a new and improved ‘Food to Go’ section, offering a choice…

St John Ambulance Cymru’s Loughor Division are celebrating 100 years of supporting their community this month, with their divisional centenary event. Since 1923, the Division has kept the local community safe by providing first aid cover at a huge range of events and teaching first aid sessions to people of all ages. They have been there for individuals in their time of need, delivering lifesaving first aid care, and they have taught the public some truly invaluable skills. To celebrate, the Division are holding an event this Saturday, the 30th September, at the New Lodge Independent Social Club in Gorseinon.…

Lunch is on Honest Burgers today – Tuesday 26th September, as the British burger chain announces it will be giving away 4,000 (100 per site) free smashed burgers and chips for one day only. The delicious treat is to celebrate the launch of the restaurant’s crowdfunding campaign as it plans to expand into the quick-service burger market. 100 smashed burger meals – one of the chain’s most popular and best value burgers, available for less than £10 including chips – will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis from 11.30am for customers to either take away or eat in at…

An inspirational family from the Llanelli area will be returning in a new season of the popular Welsh language version of Gogglebox, it’s been revealed. During the first series of Gogglebocs Cymru mum Nia Phillips won the hearts of viewers when she opened up about her son’s courageous journey battling spina bifida. Single mum Nia from Trefach told of George’s miracle journey and praised independent programme makers Cwmni Da and Chwarel for their inclusive approach to casting. Nia, 51, and children George, 20, and Olivia, 16, became firm favourites with the audience in season one for giving their off-the-cuff assessments…

A skilled trailer maker is celebrating 50 years on the job – and one of the shortest commutes in Wales. Father of two Peter Jones, 66, has always lived within 200 yards of the Ifor Williams Trailers factory in Cynwyd, near Corwen, where he’s worked since 1973. Living so close has meant that he’s been able to walk there every day – come rain or shine or even snow. Peter is the longest serving current employee and, as a mark of appreciation on reaching the golden milestone, he was presented with a Clogau Gold watch by managing director John Williams.…

As part of the major capital redevelopment of Theatr Clwyd’s 46-year-old, grade II-listed building, today the theatre issued a call-out for inspirational and inclusive public art that enhances the venue’s reputation as a beacon of artistic excellence, as well cementing it as a hub for the communities that it has historically embraced. With a commitment to public art at its heart, the redevelopment will include specially commissioned work that will be on permanent display.  To this end, Theatr Clwyd is looking to commission artists, theatre-makers and collaborative design teams to create this art for the community with a series of…