Author: Rhys Gregory

Monmouth Cemetery will be re-opening for burials after significant infrastructure improvements carried out by Monmouthshire County Council and Monmouth Town Council. The work funded by Monmouth Town Council has created a new section of the cemetery that was previously inaccessible. This area has now been cleared so that preparations for burials can be carried out. The improvements will also enable burials to take place at the bottom of the bank. Since 2010, burials in new grave plots have not been available at Monmouth Cemetery due to the unsuitable final area caused by a high water table. This led to the…

The Trading Standards Service at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council recently prevented the sale of age restricted goods to a child. There is currently considerable concern over young people accessing ‘vaping’ products. As part of a programme of action tackling this issue, the Trading Standards Team regularly use volunteers under the age of 18 in ‘test purchasing operations’. Two Tones Vapes Ltd, 2A Victoria Street, Merthyr Tydfil was 1 of 6 premises where a 15 year old attempted to purchase a nicotine disposable vape. The director of the company, Michael Jenkins, sold the vape to the volunteer. An investigation following…

Eight projects have received Shared Prosperity Fund (Levelling Up) grants worth a total of £1.53 million in the last year to help people manage their money and improve their wellbeing. The awards have been made by the Powys Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) Local Partnership Board, under its Multiply (improving numeracy skills) theme. It is responsible for deciding how the just over £26 million in SPF money allocated to Powys for 2022-25, by the UK Government as part of its Levelling Up programme, should be spent. The Powys SPF Local Partnership Board is supported by Powys County Council’s Economic Development and…

Increased availability of community pharmacy services has meant hundreds of thousands of people haven’t needed GP consultations, Health Minister Eluned Morgan has announced. Substantial reforms introduced in April 2022, mean a wider than ever range of clinical services are being offered by community pharmacists in Wales. Today, a new report – ‘Presgripsiwn Newydd – A New Prescription – One year on’ – has highlighted the beneficial impact of those services for people needing to access primary care. Almost all pharmacies across Wales now provide free advice and treatment for common ailments, access to the morning after pill and oral contraception,…

Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Lynne Neagle has confirmed the Welsh Government will press ahead with plans to ban disposable vapes and support UK Government legislation to increase the smoking age and restrict sales of vape pens. It follows today’s (Monday 29 January) publication of the outcome of the four nations consultation ‘Creating a smokefree generation and tackling youth vaping’. The consultation closed on 6 December and received 27,921 responses, 1,018 from Wales. The UK Government will now bring forward a Tobacco and Vapes Bill at the earliest opportunity that will take measures to: change the age of…

The process of leasing your first car can be almost as exciting yet terrifying at the same time. From the plethora of choices, one stands out – and that is Dacia. First Vehicle Leasing Dacia deals are a combination of affordability and good quality making it a beacon to those wading into the waters of automotive leasing. This brand is one of the leaders. Therefore, what is the reason why you should choose Dacia for your vehicle lease? Affordability: Your Wallet Will Thank You One of the most unique features of Dacia’s cars is their affordability. Dacia has perfected the…

Data loss is a chilling reality of the digital age. It can strike anywhere, anytime, and often at the most inopportune moments. USB flash drives, despite their portability and convenience, are not immune to this misfortune. Accidentally deleted files, formatting errors, corrupted drives – all these scenarios can leave your precious files seemingly gone forever. But fear not, for even in the bleakest data deserts, there’s hope! USB Flash Drive Recovery software offers a lifeline, a chance to reclaim what was lost. This comprehensive guide dives into the world of USB flash drive recovery, equipping you with the knowledge and…

If you’re looking to improve your financial situation going into 2024, there are a number of ways you can achieve this. Whether you’re trying to reduce spending, make more money, or want to understand more about beginning investing, we’ve covered a range of topics below. Beginning Investing Investing is a crucial strategy for growing your wealth and securing financial stability. To start, assess your financial situation, including debts, income, and savings. Prioritise clearing high-interest debts and establish an emergency fund. Then, educate yourself about different investment options such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate. Understand your risk tolerance…

The UK government launched a Green Finance Strategy in 2019, which included a £5 million fund to help the financial sector develop green finance products, including green mortgages. Lenders also see green properties and eco-conscious borrowers as lower-risk investments. This is partly because energy-efficient properties are cheaper to run, so your energy bills will be lower. Saving money on energy bills should make it easier for you to afford your mortgage repayments. Energy-efficient properties are also considered low risk because they are more likely to hold their value and less likely to need major improvements to improve their efficiency in…

NatWest is inviting ambitious entrepreneurs and business owners in Wales to attend a special Discovery Session at the Cardiff Entrepreneur Accelerator to find out more about the industry-leading business support on offer. The NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator programme is a fully funded support initiative designed to help businesses scale and grow. Successful applicants benefit from one-to-one coaching from dedicated Acceleration Managers as well as full use of the Hub’s modern coworking spaces in central Cardiff, access to a calendar of events, and the opportunity to join a community of like-minded peers, specialists, mentors, and NatWest colleagues. The programme runs for six…