Author: Rhys Gregory

Love Trails has announced this year’s headliners – legendary Drum ‘n’ Bass DJ, High Contrast, and Alt-pop sensation, Biig Piig. Also taking to the stage across the weekend, will be soulful reggae star, Hollie Cook, Dance DJ and producer, Barry Can’t Swim, Dynamite MC and a host of other talent. Set in the stunning Gower Peninsula, Love Trails is excited to welcome homegrown talent as a headline act for the very first time. Hailing from Penarth, South Wales, High Contrast has taken the Drum ‘n’ Bass world by storm. Now one of the UK’s leading producers and DJs, he’s celebrated…

An insurance management company has kicked off a new era on Cardiff’s Capital Retail Park following its acquisition by The County Group, one of the country’s largest brokers.  Archenfield, long-standing Community Partners with Cardiff City FC, was acquired by The County Group last April as part of a strategy to increase footprint in Wales and demonstrate strong commitment to Welsh people.  It joins the Group’s long-established taxi insurance business insureTAXI as well as PG Insurance, which was acquired last spring, in one large office on the retail park office while maintaining a base on Church Street, Monmouth.  Meanwhile Archenfield has…

Pencoed Library has undergone a major transformation in the largest investment the building has seen since it opened 50 years ago. The library was closed for a short period to undergo refurbishment works to transform it into a more inviting and modern space for local people to enjoy. Funded by the Welsh Government’s Transformation Capital Grant Programme, the makeover included updated furniture with extra mobility to allow for a multi-purpose space to hold various events and activities; new work pods for those who need quiet areas to concentrate on their school or studies; and a new community meeting room on…

Spring has sprung and it means a number of Swansea attractions are preparing to open for a fun-packed Easter. The council’s popular outdoor and indoor attractions – including the pedalos and crazy golf at Singleton Park, the crazy golf at Southend Gardens and the Swansea Bay Rider Land Train – are set to reopen on March 31 in time for the holidays. Oystermouth Castle opens on April 1. Cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “With the days becoming longer and warmer our attractions are ready for another great season. “Whether it’s a cultural trail, an outdoor trail or a heritage trail, there’s…

The Swansea Bay City Deal, which is starting to transform South West Wales into a prosperous and sustainable region for its residents to work and live has gained recognition by winning several prestigious industry awards over the last 12 months Over half of the projects and programmes have now picked up awards, which provide further assurance that the City Deal is well placed to benefit businesses and residents in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. Funded by the UK Government, Welsh Government, the public sector and private sector, the Swansea Bay City Deal is an investment in the region…

Neath Port Talbot Council and the Police & Crime Commissioner for South Wales have joined forces to create a new, safe space for young people in Neath town centre. Known as ‘The Hangout’, it aims to divert young people from being drawn into antisocial behaviour by giving them a safe and welcoming environment where they can socialise with their friends. They will be able to play computer games, access free Wi-Fi and charger points, purchase hot snacks and drinks as well as get support with issues affecting young people. It is open to young people aged 11 and above and…

Minister for Climate Change, Julie James, has planted a tree in Cwmfelinfach to mark the anniversary of the launch of commemorative woodland. It was announced as the third commemorative woodland in Wales by First Minister Mark Drakeford on 23 March 2022; to remember those who died during the pandemic. On what would have been the third anniversary of the first coronavirus lockdown, Julie James MS joined volunteers in planting trees on the Caerphilly County Borough Council owned site. Minister for Climate Change, Julie James, said “Today, is a very sad day as we mark the third anniversary of the first…

Chepstow Riverside was the setting for celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the Wales Coast Path on Monday 27th March. The event, attended by representatives of Monmouthshire County Council, Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales, highlighted the benefits of getting out and about and experiencing nature first-hand. Respected naturalist, conservationist and television presenter Iolo Williams was one of the guests of honour, along with former Bardd Cenedlaethol Cymru / National Poet of Wales, Ifor ap Glyn. On the site, not far from Chepstow Bridge, Iolo unveiled a new sound box describing the many varieties of wildlife that can be encountered…

Powys County Council’s cabinet have agreed to increase some of the charges within the pay and display car parks across the county from 25 April 2023. Whilst some of the shorter stay costs will rise, the fee to park in the long-stay car parks for the day (over four hours) and permits will remain the same, ensuring those using the car parks for work or residential parking are not penalised. Parking between 6pm and 8am will remain free of charge. The current unprecedented economic conditions made balancing the 2023-2024 budget really tricky.” Explained Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a…

Education and Welsh Language Minister Jeremy Miles has announced £40m of new capital funding to place schools at the heart of their local communities. The £40m of funding will be used to invest in practical infrastructure to create Community Focused Schools. Community Focused Schools build strong partnerships with families, respond to the needs of their communities, and collaborate effectively with other services to ensure all children thrive. The funding announced will be used to support schools across all local authorities in Wales to deliver community projects, including food and gardening projects, community use of sports facilities and community hubs and…