Author: Rhys Gregory

Age Cymru is calling on the Welsh government, local authorities, and bus operators to work together to develop sustainable services for communities across Wales. Amid reports from the Confederation of Public Transport that Wales could lose up to a quarter of its services, the charity is warning that bus services provide a lifeline to thousands of older people and if they are drastically cut, many could find themselves plunged into a life of isolation and loneliness. Older people need a reliable bus service to connect to essential health services such as hospital appointments or visiting their GP.  Many also rely…

An engineering, environmental, and planning consultancy’s education sector experience will be utilised on the build of a new net zero school in North Wales. Caulmert, which has offices in St Asaph, Bangor, Altrincham, Nottingham, and Kent, has secured the contract with Cyngor Gwynedd to deliver civil and structural work on the new Community Campus in Bontnewydd near Caernarfon. Funded via the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Schools’ Challenge, £12 million will finance the net zero project, which includes community facilities on the wider campus, such as a hall, office space, and car charging points. There are currently two buildings on the site,…

As we move into the final week of the summer holidays, Newport Live’s Community Sport and Wellbeing Team has engaged with over 3,000 children and their families. Over 20 events and activities have been delivered to date for families with children aged 3 to 18 years across parks, green spaces, primary and secondary schools in Newport, as well as at Newport Live facilities. Activities include Welly Walks for the younger children, Kick About, Hub Rugby, Girls Takeover Summer for primary and secondary school children, as well as Sport in the Park and Pop-Up Sport events for people of all ages…

Annual repairs are under way to the main footpath up Southern Britian’s highest peak, Pen y Fan, in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. A helicopter has been giving Trust rangers a helping hand in airlifting 180 tonnes of stone scalpings to the high mountain path; that’s the equivalent in weight to 20 elephants. Each square metre of footpath on the increasingly popular route costs over £300 to repair and the battle to combat erosion to the landscape is ongoing. For over 30 years National Trust staff and volunteers have used traditional techniques to fix the pitched paths, adding drainage…

Charles Frayne from Splott, Cardiff, befriended a vulnerable female via social media and developed a sexual relationship with her. The 46-year-old then advertised her for sexual services online, booked Airbnb properties and took a cut of the payment. Detective Constable Sean James, from South Wales Police, said: “Frayne gained the female’s trust by paying for food and taxi before forming a sexual relationship. Once he gained her trust, he then funded an advert on an escort website and caused her to become involved in prostitution. “He initially denied the offence but before the victim was due to give evidence at…

Bridgend County Borough’s biggest jobs fair is returning to the Bowls Hall, Bridgend Life Centre on Thursday 14 September and there will be plenty of exciting opportunities on offer. The ‘Bridgend Jobs, Careers and Prospects Fair’ is a free event run by the council’s Employability Bridgend team in partnership with Jobcentre Plus. The doors will open to visitors at 10am and the event will finish at 1pm. Alongside the wide range of job opportunities available in the ‘Employment Zone’ visitors, including pupils from schools across the county borough, will be able to find out more about careers with the local…

A wide range of bank holiday fun is on offer this weekend thanks to Swansea Council’s attractions and activities. Many are free of charge or available at a discounted cost, helping families through the cost of living crisis. Council leader Rob Stewart said: “We want people across the city and county to have a fantastic time this weekend. “The attractions we run and manage range from vast sandy beaches to top quality cultural venues and from ever-popular outdoor attractions like crazy golf to the superb free-entry Blackpill Lido.” Council-managed parks and beaches are a great option for picnics if the…

Helping tackle climate change, Swansea is set to become a UK leader in the natural product research and enterprise sector. Swansea University has successfully bid for £587,000 from Swansea Council for a Natural Products BioHUB project through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. Natural products are substances or compounds found in nature, marine organisms, bacteria, fungi, and plants. The Natural Products BioHUB aims to encourage wider use of natural products in the agricultural, pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries to help develop a healthier, greener and more sustainable city and region. The project will: Support the growth of local bio-based or biotech businesses…

This footbridge scheme has been challenging and more recently work undertaken by the contractor was defective. A solution is being sought that gains approval of all parties involved and a re-design has had to be carried out for piles on the south support to the bridge. While works have progressed on the north embankment, piling work will recommence on the south embankment in the next few weeks. Council Officers are continuing to work closely with the designers, contractors and Network Rail, and are pressing for the bridge to be installed as quickly as possible. Subject to piling works recommencing and…

The Tour of Britain is officially returning to the county borough on Sunday 10th September. The world-class sporting event will draw to a conclusion in Caerphilly Town Centre.following 8 intense stages of racing spanning across the UK. With the action being broadcast on live television coverage (ITV4) – the event will showcase Caerphilly on the world stage as riders enter the borough via Nelson, pass through Llanbradach and complete two laps of Caerphilly Mountain before crossing the finish line in front of the iconic castle. Here are the full details (including road closures) that will allow residents to plan ahead.…