Author: Rhys Gregory

The Chemical Brothers, Scooter, The Streets, and N-Dubz all play at Alexandra Head in Cardiff Bay next week, as part of The Bay Series. To facilitate these ticketed events and safely manage the crowds, road closures will be in place and the Barrage site itself will be closed to non-ticket holders, on: Wednesday 6 September from 16:00 – 01:00 Thursday 7 September from 15:00 – 01:00 Friday 8 September from 15:00 – 01:00 Saturday 9 September from 12:00 – 01:00 At these times, road closures will be in place at: The Penarth side of the Barrage – prohibiting all vehicular…

Following a seven-figure funding package from HSBC UK, an award-winning wedding venue in South Wales has doubled its accommodation capacity, unlocking potential growth and greater support for local businesses. Pencoed House Estate, set in the charming Cardiff countryside, has purchased two five-bedroom residential properties. Sitting adjacent to the venue, Bridge House and Gate House will be used as accommodation for wedding parties. These 2 properties will almost double the existing capacity from 28 to 48 guests. Previously, the venue’s occupancy rate was oversubscribed at 104 per cent, so this expansion will enable the business to fulfil its ever-growing demand for…

With over £2m of Welsh Government funding, schools across the county borough will benefit from a range of improvements to their facilities, encouraging local communities to use them. The Community Focused Schools Grant is part of a Welsh Government initiative to increase community use of schools. From 2023 to 2025, the funding will support a variety of projects in schools throughout the county borough, including the provision of outdoor forest school facilities in both primary and secondary schools – promoting outdoor learning, wellbeing, as well as community engagement. Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd will receive a replacement pavilion from the Welsh…

As part of a joint ‘Safer Streets’ initiative between the council and South Wales Police to tackle anti-social behaviour and generate feelings of safety, Another Day Another Spray and Thew Creative continue to flex their creative talents – this time with further street art in Brackla, Bridgend, and in Maesteg. Vibrant artwork graces the walls of the subway on Brackla Way, illustrating themes of nature and wildlife, in addition to a Welsh mythical beast and fairy. The work follows recent street art completed at Maesteg bus station – transforming an ordinary space into the extraordinary.  The images hint at the…

Morgan Sindall Construction has been commissioned to design and build a new £20m Swansea Bay City Deal backed facility in Neath Port Talbot which will help industry decarbonise. Led by Neath Port Talbot Council in partnership with Swansea University, the facility will be known as SWITCH (South Wales Industrial Transition from Carbon Hub) Harbourside and will be located close to Tata Steel’s Port Talbot plant. SWITCH Harbouside will be a research facility for decarbonising the metals and steel industry. The building forms part of the City Deal Supporting Innovation and Low Carbon Growth programme and is aimed at establishing the…

Neath Port Talbot Council and Swansea Bay University Health Board have opened a state-of-the-art Digital Solutions Suite at Cimla Health and Social Care Centre, Neath. This innovative facility is designed to offer essential support and guidance to people, their caregivers, and professionals working within the field, who may benefit from using mainstream digital technology. The Digital Solutions Suite serves as a hub of knowledge, where visitors can explore a range of new and available mainstream digital technologies that can enhance the quality of life for those looking to maintain their independence while living in the comfort of their own homes.…

Penallta Reuse Shop has joined forces with local project Caerphilly Uniform Exchange to offer pre-loved school uniforms to Caerphilly County Borough Council residents free of charge. Penallta Reuse Shop officially opened in October 2022 as a facility aimed as diverting fit-for-use items from Household Recycling Centres and getting them into the hands of those who need them most, at bargain prices. The Reuse Shop has been launched in partnership with South Wales based charity, Wastesavers and all profits are divided equally between Wastesavers charity and CCBC Mayor’s Charity. Since opening, the shop has expanded its services to include additional community…

Merthyr Tydfil is set to become the ultimate destination for music enthusiasts with the grand opening of not one, but two incredible music venues – Clwb Crown and The Scala. These new establishments are poised to revolutionise the local entertainment scene and provide a platform for both emerging and established artists to showcase their talents. Clwb Crown, located at Dynevor Street, is a haven for music lovers, offering a diverse range of genres from indie rock to electronic beats. With a spacious 750-person capacity, Clwb Crown boasts state-of-the-art sound systems and a captivating ambiance that guarantees an immersive and unforgettable…

The Aberfan Chinese takeaway in Merthyr Tydfil was found to be operating without running hot water and ordered to close after a routine inspection was prevented by the owner. Officers from the Council’s Environmental Health Department attended Aberfan Chinese on 13th September 2022 to undertake a routine food hygiene and standards inspection.  Upon entering the kitchen, it became evident that there was no running hot water in the premises, yet the business was continuing to prepare food for sale. Hot water is essential for hygienic handwashing, food preparation and effective cleaning, as well as the disinfection of surfaces and equipment,…

As families get ready for the start of a new school term, many will be worried about the cost of living crisis. But there is support available for learners and their families in Wales who may be struggling to afford school costs such as uniform, meals and transport, as well as some free schemes to help your child with their learning. 7 schemes families may be eligible for: School Essentials grant School children (from reception to year 11) who are currently eligible for free school meals can apply for a grant towards school uniform, sports kit and equipment. The grant is…