Author: Rhys Gregory

The Cherry Laurel pub in Bridgend has reopened with a new look following an investment spend of £135,000. To mark the occasion, representatives from the local football team, Pencoed Athletic BGC, were chosen as the pub’s community hero, pouring the first pint in the pub.  The refresh has seen the introduction of new wallpaper, stylish lighting, updated seating, and uplifting colour palettes. With a brand-new menu, updated bar area and investment in team training, the pub has now officially reopened with an elevated traditional cosy pub feel.  Situated on the edge of the busy Bridgend Industrial Estate, The Cherry Laurel,…

Cardiff Council’s Cabinet has agreed the local authority’s Workforce Strategy for the next five years which details its commitment to employing ‘the right people, with the right skills, in the right place, at the right time and at the right cost’. The strategy, which is closely linked to the Council’s ‘Stronger, Fairer, Greener’ approach to how it delivers services to its residents and communities, covers the period from 2023-2027 and includes a host of initiatives and innovations intended to: Establish a more diverse workforce reflecting the diversity of Cardiff’s communities Identify innovative mechanisms for recruiting and retaining staff in areas…

UEFA EURO 2028 matches being hosted in Cardiff as part of a joint bid by the Football Associations of Wales, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland would deliver ‘significant economic benefits for Cardiff and the Capital Region,’ according to a Cardiff Council Cabinet report that has been approved ahead of a final bid submission. Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “Time and again Cardiff has shown itself capable of hosting world-class sporting events and they don’t come much bigger than the UEFA European Football Championship. “It’s not just the significant economic benefits…

The Celtic Freeport private-public bid consortium has reacted to today’s announcement it has been shortlisted by the UK and Welsh Governments for freeport status. The Celtic Freeport will deliver an accelerated pathway for Wales’ net zero economy generating over 16,000 new, green jobs and up to £5.5 billion of new investment. The transformational bid covers the ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot and spans clean energy developments and innovation assets, fuel terminals, a power station, heavy engineering and the steel industry across south-west Wales. Commenting on the selection of Celtic Freeport as one of the candidates for a Welsh Freeport,…

Residents and visitors to Pontypridd Town Centre may notice works activity within the former Marks and Spencer and Dorothy Perkins buildings from next week, in preparation for the future regeneration of the site. The future development is a key element of the Pontypridd Regeneration Plan that was approved by Cabinet in June 2022 following positive public feedback. The Plan identifies core ambitions for the town including a ‘Southern Gateway’ that brings several key sites back into use through exciting redevelopments. Redevelopment of the M&S, Dorothy Perkins and Burtons buildings (97-99a, 100-102 Taff Street) provides an opportunity to open the townscape…

Residents are invited to have their say on potential options to alter the section of the Taff Trail at Trallwn – to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, make the route easier to follow and promote access to nearby communities. The need to improve this section of the Taff Trail has been identified by the Council in the process of submitting its Active Travel Network Map to Welsh Government, a requirement of all Councils in Wales. The map shows existing walking and cycling routes, as well as proposed routes that the Council would like to eventually develop to create a…

A Newport car company and its director were fined for breaching legislation designed to protect consumers in relation to the sale of a car. CMB Value Car Sales and Nicholas Ward, who were prosecuted by Newport City Council, both admitted two offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. The company, of Mill Parade, Newport, pleaded guilty at Cwmbran magistrates court and was fined a total of £2,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £190. Ward, of Pentwyn Terrace, Marshfield, also admitted the offences and was fined £2000, costs of £857 and compensation to the car…

A partnership that supports the county’s Armed Forces community has a new chair. Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Powys County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, chaired his first meeting of the Armed Forces Covenant Regional Partnership Powys last month (February) at Brecon’s Infantry Battle School at Dering Lines. The partnership, which sees the county council, charities and service providers develop the provision and promotion of local services for the Armed Forces community in the county so that they don’t face disadvantages. The overall aims of the partnership are to: encourage local communities to support the armed forces and to understand and be aware…

Award-winning public relations firm Effective Communication has become an approved partner of Manufacturing Wales. Effective Communication, which has a presence in Wales and the south west of England, supports businesses with PR, digital and video expertise. The firm has worked with several leading manufacturers for many years, in addition to businesses in the public, private and third sectors. Manufacturing Wales facilitates the pioneering spirit of manufacturing firms and universities in Wales, recognising that the future of the sector lies with leaders that share common purpose. The collaborative consortium’s aim is to create a proactive environment for the industry to bring…

Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport Dawn Bowden is encouraging people to visit Wales this Easter, as she was the first to officially tour a new multi-million pound visitor attraction in Carmarthenshire. The new development, which is the new home for the Museum of Land Speed in addition to a new eco holiday resort and events facility, aims to offer high-quality, year-round visitor destination facilities to maximise Pendine’s heritage and its natural assets. The new development will attract significant day visitors and night stays and be able to host major events, bringing in additional economic benefits to the area to…