Author: Rhys Gregory

Neath Port Talbot Council has reached a key milestone in the development of the proposed pre‑16 Vocational Centre at the former Education Library & Resource Centre (ELRS) at the corner of Reginald Street and Villiers Street, Velindre, Port Talbot. Following consultation with young people the centre has been named Trefelin Pathways to Progression and will build on the vocational education work that is already taking place in schools across NPT, in preparation for the vocational qualifications due to be introduced in September 2027.  Planning permission has now been approved for the project, allowing detailed design work to progress and enabling…

A historic bridge in Pontypridd is set to undergo a high-tech survey using the same technology once used to explore Egyptian pyramids. William Edwards Bridge will be examined by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council using muon tomography, a cutting-edge, non-invasive technique that allows engineers to see inside structures without causing damage. The work marks one of the first times the technology has been used on a bridge and aims to build a clearer understanding of the structure’s internal make-up. The bridge, built in 1756, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and one of Pontypridd’s most recognisable landmarks. Historical records suggest there could…

A section of the popular Taff Trail reopened in time for the Easter weekend following the completion of major repair works. Taff Trail between Trallwn and Cilfynydd largely reopened after undergoing emergency works to repair significant storm damage. The 1.5km stretch, which runs from Ty Isaf railway bridge near Fletchers Field allotment to a point west of Ysgol Bro Taf near Cilfynydd Recreation Ground and Albion Industrial Estate, had been closed while the work was carried out. The section has now permanently reopened to the public. The scheme, which began in autumn 2025, involved a range of improvements aimed at…

Weekend road closures are set to return to Malpas Road in Newport as the council continues a major resurfacing programme. Newport City Council has confirmed two further phases of work will take place in April, building on resurfacing already carried out in February and March. The latest work will cover both sides of Malpas Road, from the southernmost entrance to Goodrich Crescent near the Crindau Constitutional Club up to approximately 62 Malpas Road. The scheme will be carried out over two full weekend closures. The first is scheduled from 8pm on Friday, April 10 until 5am on Monday, April 13.…

Caerphilly County Borough Council has welcomed a further funding announcement from Welsh Government to help deliver a major highway improvement scheme for the A469 in Troedrhiwfuwch. Last month, the council was awarded a £554k contribution towards a £20million engineering project to stabilise and improve the road, which has been significantly impacted by ground movement over recent years. Welsh Government has now agreed to increase the amount to £1.204million and the news has been welcomed by the council. The road, between Tirphil and Pontlottyn has been deteriorating over the past decade due to the instability of the surrounding hillside. Recent storm…

A Tredegar man has been convicted of multiple environmental offences following a successful test‑purchase investigation carried out by Blaenau Gwent Council. Tyler Coles was convicted of five offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, including illegally depositing controlled waste (fly‑tipping), burning controlled waste, and allowing the escape of controlled waste from a vehicle under his control. The prosecution followed a planned test‑purchase operation designed to identify and disrupt illegal waste‑carrying activity. As part of the operation, the council procured the services of Mr Coles, who was acting as a waste carrier, to collect refuse bags containing controlled waste in exchange…

Extended loading and unloading hours for businesses in Bridgend town centre will be introduced along with new Blue Badge parking bays from Wednesday 15 April 2026. Part of an 18-month experimental scheme, the changes are designed to support businesses while also improving accessibility for residents. Under the scheme, current loading and unloading hours of before 10am and after 6pm will be updated to before 11am and after 4pm in order to better balance the needs of deliveries, businesses and pedestrians during peak periods. At the same time, Blue Badge parking bays will be installed along Derwen Road to offer improved…

A new recycling scheme for soft plastics is set to be rolled out across the Vale of Glamorgan following a successful pilot. The Vale of Glamorgan Council confirmed the service will be extended county-wide from Monday, April 13, after strong participation from residents in Penarth, Dinas Powys, Sully and surrounding areas. The Vale was chosen to trial the scheme last year due to its strong recycling performance, with the council consistently ranked among the best performing local authorities in the UK. During the pilot, around 100 tonnes of soft plastics were collected. This includes items such as plastic bags and…

Mid Wales is set to take centre stage in a major new £13 million Welsh fantasy feature film. Mid Wales Tourism (MWT Cymru) is partnering with creative company Secret Planet on Excalibur, an ambitious production rooted in authentic Welsh mythology that has now entered pre-production and will be filmed in Wales. Drawing on the original Welsh sources of the Arthurian story, including the Mabinogion, Excalibur aims to retell one of the world’s most influential legends from its true cultural origins. Alongside the film, the project is developing a wider programme designed to connect storytelling, tourism and communities across Wales. At…

The much loved Oswestry Balloon Carnival will return to Cae Glas Park on August 22nd and 23rd 2026, bringing a weekend of colour, entertainment and family friendly fun back to the heart of the town. Organised in association with Nightingale House Hospice, Oswestry Town Council and Oswestry BID, the annual event has become a firm fixture in Oswestry’s calendar, attracting visitors from across the region while raising vital funds for hospice care. Across the weekend, visitors will be able to enjoy the spectacle of hot air balloons taking to the skies, weather permitting, alongside live entertainment, local performances, interactive activities…