Author: Rhys Gregory

Tens of thousands of Swansea residents and visitors enjoyed the city centre’s annual Christmas parade. They enjoyed the free council event that featured a vibrant mix of local community groups, dancers, bands, choirs, floats, inflatables, light-up characters, princesses and superheroes. Santa was there too, switching on the city centre’s Christmas lights. Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “Those who weren’t in the festive mood before the parade, definitely are now! “Many groups and communities took part and I thank them all for their input and hard work. I also thank all the event sponsors for their support for the parade.”…

Contractors working on behalf of Swansea Council are about to start ground condition tests as the project to transform Castle Square moves forward. The work will help better understand what’s beneath the site’s surface, including elements such as services, soil and water conditions. The results will help the council put in place a regeneration scheme that’s been informed by much public consultation. Council leader Rob Stewart said: “Our much improved Castle Square Gardens will be a vital element in our ongoing £1bn regeneration programme for Swansea. “Work on site over a small number of days from November 20 will help design and…

Evening road closures will be in place this week to carry out surfacing improvements to the length of Cardiff Street in Aberdare Town Centre – scheduled at night to minimise disruption. The closures will be in place from 7pm to midnight on four evenings – from Monday, November 20, to Thursday, November 23. During the work hours, Cardiff Street will be closed between its junctions with Merchant Street and Victoria Square. An alternative route for motorists is via Tinney’s Roundabout, A4059, A4233, High Street, Canon Street and Victoria Square. Access will be maintained for emergency services and pedestrians – while…

A new project will offer support to people who might be missing out on other schemes that can improve their employability prospects. The SPF (Shared Prosperity Fund) employment and skills scheme will work with individuals to give them the tools they need to help them into sustainable employment, further learning or a new challenge. The scheme is open to those who are unemployed. It is also open to people who are in work, if they meet certain criteria. It is being funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by Newport City Council. Councillor Jane…

Construction expert Willmott Dixon has donated 10 laptops to help tackle loneliness. The contractor is currently working with Caerphilly County Borough Council to help deliver its ambitious house building programme. Risca-based group Community Volunteers Wales will use the laptops as part of a digital initiative it’s delivering to address loneliness and social isolation.  The donation is in addition to 10 laptops donated last year by Willmott Dixon to community projects across the Caerphilly borough. Cllr Shayne Cook, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said “We’re committed to maximising the investment being made through our housing development programme to support our…

Monmouthshire County Council has launched a public consultation on our draft Local Transport Plan, which will shape the vision and ambition for transport in and around the County. With a focus on creating a sustainable, integrated and accessible transport network, the Monmouthshire County Council is seeking views on its proposed vision, objectives and strategic framework for the future development of Monmouthshire’s transport network. The Local Transport Plan will also inform the emerging replacement Local Development Plan and Regional Transport Plan, which is being developed by the Cardiff Capital Region. Access to IT is freely available to Monmouthshire Community Hubs and…

Finance Minister Rebecca Evans has called on the UK Government to provide extra help to support vital public services and provide fair funding for Wales in the Autumn Statement. Speaking as the Chancellor finalises the Autumn Statement, which will be delivered this Wednesday, the Minister also urged the UK Government to recognise the need for additional investment in coal tip safety and rail infrastructure in Wales. She said: “We are experiencing extraordinary pressures on our budget as a result of prolonged high inflation, together with the toxic combination of more than a decade of austerity and the ongoing impact of…

The Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company and Velfrey Vineyard are celebrating after joining a list of Welsh producers in seeing their products awarded protected status. Velfrey Vineyard has been awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) for its Velfrey NV Traditional Method Sparkling Brut and ‘Rhosyn’ 2021 Traditional Method Vintage Sparkling Brut Rosé wines. Based at The Old Point House in East Angle Bay, the Pembrokeshire Beach Food company has been given Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status for its Welsh Laverbread. The PGI and PDO schemes protect the name of a product which comes from a specific region and follow a certain…

Climate Change Minister Julie James has approved the proposed sale of the Upper Cosmeston Farm site, inviting proposals which are required to meet new and demanding net zero carbon living standards. Residential development of the land will see more than 500 new homes being built, with a requirement for 50% to be affordable to support the Welsh Government’s commitment to deliver 20,000 affordable homes by 2026. Development of the land owned by the Welsh Government was established in the Vale of Glamorgan Local Development Plan and will also see a new primary school, public open spaces, an active travel route…

Mon Timber, a branch of Premier Forest Products, one of the UK’s leading timber groups, is sponsoring Blaina RFC for their 2023/24 season. Blaina RFC has one senior men’s team and a senior women’s team across the club and are looking to launch a mini and junior section soon. The club relies on sponsorships and grants to fund their work in the local community. The Premier Forest logo features on the club’s kit and signage at their grounds, and their donation will support the club as they continue to grow grass roots rugby across the region. Dilwyn Howells, co-founder of…