Author: Rhys Gregory

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Environmental Health team has issued advice to residents, following confirmation of potentially harmful blue-green algae in Pen y Fan Pond. The algae produces toxins which can be harmful to both humans and animals. Residents are advised to ensure pets, particularly dogs, do not enter the water of the Pond – should pets come in contact with the water, owners are advised to thoroughly wash the animal with clean water and seek precautionary advice from a qualified vet. In humans, the toxins can cause rashes after skin contact and illnesses if swallowed. Visitors are also urged to…

As pupils return to the classroom this week, schools across Caerphilly County Borough are open as usual with no RAAC having been identified locally. Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is a material used in construction in many buildings between the 1960s and 1990s. Its presence has been confirmed in a range of public sector properties across the United Kingdom including schools and hospitals. Caerphilly CBC undertook a review of its building portfolio in 2021 which included surveys undertaken by an independent structural expert at sites which were deemed to be at risk of containing RAAC, none of the buildings surveyed…

A 72-year-old man who was taken to hospital following an assault in Pencoed, Bridgend, on Tuesday, August 29 has died. He has been named as Gavin Weekes from Pencoed. In a statement, Mr Weekes’ family said: “As a family we are devastated. We would like to thank family and friends for all their support and kind messages at this time”. Detectives are continuing to investigate what happened in The Chatterton Arms, Pencoed, at around 8.30pm on Tuesday, August 29, while the family are being supported by specially trained officers. A 29-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident is on…

The Welsh Government has become a signatory of an alliance of European regional governments, promoting growth, fostering collaboration, and developing strong value chains in the semiconductor industry. The Welsh Government’s Representative on Europe, on behalf of Minister for the Economy Vaughan Gething, has signed a declaration to join the European Semiconductor Regional Alliance (ESRA), becoming one of the 19 founding regions of the Alliance. The ESRA will act as a regional platform as well as a partner to the European Union and will promote the competitiveness of the industry globally. The ESRA’s activities focus on: Research and Innovation: developing new…

Innovation Investment Capital Limited Partnership (‘IIC’), the Cardiff Capital Region (‘CCR’) backed fund, today announces its first investment, which is into AMPLYFI, the Cardiff-based disruptive generative artificial intelligence business. The investment in AMPLYFI comes off the back of huge global investment in generative AI and emphasises the opportunity in this space. Over eight years, AMPLYFI has built a market-leading AI-powered market intelligence platform to help global clients better identify and react to market changes. Their proprietary platform monitors and analyses vast amounts of written content from the web, summarising key developments and generating unique insights, enabling users to uncover trends,…

Nine brave thrill seekers from Wrexham-based company Hadlow Edwards have raised more than £5,000 for Hope House Children’s Hospice by taking on a skydive.  The group took on the challenge recently at Tilstock Airfield at Whitchurch where they were flown a massive 10,000 feet into the air before bravely leaping from the plane.  Warren Hadlow, Director at Hadlow Edwards, said: “We are delighted to support such a great cause and we couldn’t do that without the individual support and donations from so many of our clients, friends, and family. We also had the added bonus of it being great fun as well.”  Cat Dowdeswell, fundraiser at the charity said: “We are so…

Budding young Welsh inventors will be showcasing their creations at exhibitions in Cardiff and Bangor this October. A celebration of Welsh design and technology, the exhibitions are part of exam board WJEC’s Innovations Awards, in conjunction with Welsh Government. The most promising inventors and creations will go on to be shortlisted for the Innovations Awards at a ceremony later this year. The exhibitions will take place at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on October 9th and 10th, and Reichel Hall, Bangor University, on October 16th, and will showcase the most innovative work at GCSE, AS and A Level in Design and Technology. …

Osian Pryce reminded fans why he is the reigning British rally champion by winning the biggest and most prestigious rally in the UK when he romped to victory on the 2023 JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion (2-3 September). It was the second time that the 30-year old Machynlleth born driver had won the close road stage event, having clinched victory there in 2019.  As well as being presented with the wonderful winning Rali Ceredigion event trophies, Osian also took home the top-placed Tour European Rally silverware. It wasn’t all plain sailing, as Osian overshot a junction on the opening stage and stalled the engine of…

The iconic sea front property Can-Y-Bae has been acquired by new owners in a deal that marks an exciting new chapter for this Victorian Llandudno establishment. Can-Y-Bae Hotel, nestled in a prime location on Llandudno’s seafront has been a cherished part of the local landscape for almost two decades and a firm favourite with visiting theatre companies whilst performing at Venue Cymru. With stunning panoramic views over the bay, the hotel has welcomed guests to its 16 smart en-suite bedrooms, spacious lounge, residents’ bar and ground floor breakfast room. It also boasts a studio apartment, offering a unique and welcoming…

Get ready for a spectacularly spooky October half term at Gregynog Hall as the famous Mid Wales country estate’s wild woods are transformed into a Haunted Hallowe’en Trail. Hallowe’en Trail sheets will cost £6 – including a special Hallowe’en themed drink and treat – and will be on sale at Gregynog’s Courtyard Café which will be open from Saturday, October 28 to Sunday, November 5 between 10am and 4pm, as well as a café menu of Hallowe’en specials. Lydia Bassett, head of business development at Gregynog Hall, located at Tregynon, near Newtown, said: “We can’t wait to welcome ghosts, ghouls,…