Author: Rhys Gregory

Caerphilly County Borough Council has officially opened a new pupil support centre and multi-use games area (MUGA) at Islwyn High School, marking a major investment in education and community wellbeing. The new facilities were formally opened by the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council at a ceremony attended by the Chair of Governors, school leaders, pupils, partners and stakeholders who played a key role in bringing the project to fruition. The purpose-built pupil support centre has been developed to meet the changing needs of learners, particularly in response to challenges emerging since the COVID-19 pandemic. It will provide a…

More than 3,300 people visited Bargoed town centre earlier this month as the popular Bargoed May Fair returned with a packed programme of entertainment, activities and local traders. Organised with support from Caerphilly County Borough Council and Bargoed Town Council, the event took place on Saturday, May 9, attracting families and visitors from across the region. Visitors enjoyed a wide range of attractions throughout the day, including food and drink stalls, quirky movie vehicles, children’s rides and free family activities. The town centre was filled with giant inflatables, traditional games, donkey rides, craft workshops and TV and film mascot lookalikes,…

A significant step forward in transforming education for learners in Powys was celebrated this week, as a turf‑cutting ceremony marked the official start of construction on a new school building for Brynllywarch Hall School. The ceremony took place on Monday 11 May at the school’s site in Kerry, near Newtown, bringing together pupils, staff, council representatives and contractors to mark the start of work on a modern, purpose‑built facility designed to meet the complex needs of its learners. Powys County Council is delivering the project with its appointed contractor, SJ Roberts Construction Ltd, following their recent appointment to build the…

Plans for a new state-of-the-art archive centre for North East Wales are continuing to progress, with residents invited to attend a series of public drop-in sessions to find out more about the ambitious project. In April 2024, The National Lottery Heritage Fund approved development phase funding to support plans for a new purpose-built archive centre adjacent to Theatr Clwyd. The proposed new centre will bring together the staff and collections of both Flintshire and Denbighshire archive services, creating a modern, accessible home for the region’s rich historical collections while also supporting a wide-ranging three-year community activity programme. Following a successful…

South Wales Police has issued warnings following reports of off-road motorcycles being ridden anti-socially on Cefn Bryn Common in Gower. Police say they have received several recent complaints from concerned residents about off-road bikes being used on the popular ridge, which stretches for around five miles and is known locally as the “backbone of Gower”. Cefn Bryn is home to the well-known Neolithic monument Arthur’s Stone and includes areas protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). PC Chadwick from the Gower Neighbourhood Policing Team said information provided by members of the public had helped officers identify those involved.…

Wales could see temperatures climb close to 30°C over the Bank Holiday weekend as the Met Office forecasts an exceptional spell of warmth across much of the UK. Forecasters say temperatures will continue to rise through the weekend, bringing warm sunshine and settled conditions to many parts of Wales. Thursday is expected to begin grey and wet in places, particularly across the northwest, before rain gradually clears through the day. Brighter and warmer conditions are then expected to develop during the afternoon, with temperatures reaching around 21°C. Overnight conditions are expected to stay very mild, with a minimum temperature of…

A major policing initiative launched in Butetown has led to more than 500 arrests and the dismantling of several major drug lines, according to South Wales Police. The Clear, Hold, Build programme was introduced in late 2024 in response to growing concerns around serious organised crime in the area, including daily reports of drug dealing, violent crime and anti-social behaviour. Backed by the Home Office, the three-stage approach focuses on removing organised criminals from communities through targeted enforcement, before stabilising the area with increased police visibility and support from partner agencies. South Wales Police said the “Clear” phase of the…

Paul James Vaughan, 76, previously of Emlyn Grove, Rhyl, was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court today A former youth leader who was jailed for more than 10 years in 2023 after admitting a number of historic sexual offences, has this week been sentenced to 15 years for more sexual offences against two young boys. Paul James Vaughan, 76, previously of Emlyn Grove, Rhyl, was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court yesterday, May 20th. He was charged with 15 offences dating from the early 1980’s, including multiple instances of indecency with a child and multiple indecent assaults of a child. Speaking after…

North Wales Police is working with holiday parks this summer to help prevent incidents of violence against women and girls (VAWG) amongst holidaymakers. In a bid to ensure the safety of those visiting the area, officers from the Preventative Policing Team will deliver training to staff at holiday parks to raise awareness and be vigilant of signs of domestic violence and spiking during the nighttime economy. It is hoped staff members who witness suspicious behaviour will feel empowered to report it to the police. The training comes as the North Wales population increases dramatically over the summer months due to…

The Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, has held her first official call with Wales’ new First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth, following the recent Senedd election. During the conversation, the Welsh Secretary congratulated the First Minister on his party’s election success and stressed the importance of both governments working closely together on issues affecting people across Wales. The call focused on shared priorities including tackling the cost of living crisis, reducing poverty, improving public services and supporting economic growth across Wales. The Secretary of State also highlighted the importance of cooperation between the UK and Welsh Governments on major…