Author: Rhys Gregory

Anyone who charges guests to stay overnight in Wales will soon be required by law to register their visitor accommodation with the Welsh Revenue Authority (WRA). The new legal requirement will apply to all paid visitor accommodation across Wales – including spare rooms, holiday cottages, cabins, campsites and hotels. Registration will be required whether accommodation is let for a single night, occasionally, seasonally or all year round. The register is being introduced to give a clearer picture of the visitor accommodation available in Wales and support councils that decide to introduce the Visitor Levy. Registration will open in autumn 2026, and both informal hosts and professional accommodation providers will be required to comply or risk facing penalties. Accommodation providers can prepare now by visiting gov.wales/registeryourplace to find out what information…

The Victoria Park Hotel in Cardiff will close its doors on 2nd February to allow for an exciting refurbishment before reopening as a ‘Grandstand’ sports pub. This transformation represents a significant investment of over £349,500. The much-loved community pub will be transformed with new features designed to deliver a stadium-style experience on every visit. The refurbishment will include the installation of market-leading technology, such as new 3-metre-long and 1.8-metre-tall screens, state-of-the-art sound systems, and flexible tiered seating to guarantee a great view of the action. A refurbished outdoor area with TV screens will also be added, and locals will be…

South Wales Police have closed a road in Porth this afternoon following an ongoing incident. Officers are currently at the scene on Aber-Rhondda Road, which has been shut in both directions between Tynewydd Square and Packers Road. Motorists are being urged to avoid the area and find alternative routes where possible, with delays expected while emergency services deal with the situation. Police have not yet released further details about the nature of the incident, but have thanked the public for their patience and cooperation. Anyone travelling through Porth is advised to allow extra time for their journey and to follow…

Overnight resurfacing works are set to take place on the eastbound carriageway between Pontypridd and Abercynon later this month. Traffic Wales has confirmed that essential improvements will be carried out over several weeks, with the route closed in one direction during the night to allow crews to complete the work safely. The scheme will run from Monday 2 February to Friday 20 February 2026. Closures will be in place each night between 8pm and 6am, affecting traffic travelling eastbound from Pontypridd towards Abercynon. Motorists are being advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys, as a signed diversion…

A 28-year-old man has been jailed for grooming and sexually abusing a child he met on an online video game. Nico Williams, of Vicarage Hill, Rhostyllen, Wrexham, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Thursday, 29 January for sentence. He had previously admitted five charges including three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child, meeting a child after grooming and making indecent images. He was jailed for nine years and will serve two-thirds of the jail term in custody, and the remainder on licence. He was also handed a lifetime restraining order to protect the victim, an indefinite sexual…

Two of Wales’ brightest comedy stars are inviting listeners along for the ride as they hit the road for a third series of their comedy travel podcast, Pod of Wales. Pod of Wales provides an entertaining lift and showcases the best that Cymru has to offer visitors keen on enjoying some of Wales’ most special ‘hidden gems.’ Kiri, star of Have I Got News For You and QI, hosts with co-presenter friend Esyllt, who regularly features on BBC Radio 4 and 4 Extra, and says: “I think this is my favourite season to date! Although I say that every season.…

Wrexham football fans are being urged to clap for a seriously ill baby during the club’s home match against Millwall. Supporters have been asked to applaud for 60 seconds in the seventh minute in tribute to seven-month old Rupert Smith who is fighting for his life at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. He was diagnosed with one of the rarest diseases in the world – Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC) – which affects only one in a million children in the world. The emotional tribute has been organised by the club and Rupert’s family to show his parents they…

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Motorsport team is celebrating a highly successful end to the Sports 2000 2025 season, marked by on-track achievement, student engagement, and recognition for staff excellence. Last weekend, members of UWTSD Motorsport travelled to the Crowne Plaza East Midlands Airport to attend the annual Sports 2000 Championship Awards Dinner. This year, several motorsport students joined academic staff to celebrate the achievements of the team and immerse themselves in the professional motorsport community. A highlight of the evening was the recognition of UWTSD lecturer Andrew Noble, who was honoured with the “One to Watch” award.…

EDUCATION leaders from across the UK and Europe were welcomed to Wrexham as Coleg Cambria hosted a landmark international conference powered and delivered by its students. From catering and media production to delegate engagement, learners were central to the success of the College Alliance International Conference, gaining first-hand experience working at the heart of a major global event. Held over two days at Yale campus, the expo brought together more than 90 attendees from all over the UK and Europe – including Switzerland, Austria and Belgium – to explore best practice in academia, employment and wellbeing while experiencing the culture…

A major road resurfacing scheme is set to be completed at one of Swansea’s main motorway junctions. Swansea Council’s highways maintenance teams will be working overnight for the next week to resurface the main roundabout at junction 44 (Birchgrove) of the M4 – Peniel Green Road. The improvements will also include resurfacing of a nearby smaller roundabout on the B4625 – which provides access onto the westbound section of the M4. Both sections of road are being upgraded as part of the Council’s ongoing resurfacing programme which aims to complete full resurfacing schemes at locations identified as being in poor…