Author: Rhys Gregory

Ten projects across Monmouthshire are to receive a share of more than £7.5million in funding from the Welsh Government. The Abergavenny/Llanfoist active travel bridge, renovation of Chainbridge and the B4245 at Undy are just some of the projects which will benefit. The funding will be made available through the Regional Transport Fund and forms part of the Cardiff Capital Region’s Regional Transport Delivery Plan. In Monmouthshire, this includes projects in both the north and south of the county, to improve public transport, highways, active and inclusive travel and road safety. The Abergavenny/Llanfoist active travel bridge and links will receive £3.6million, while…

A major milestone was marked last week as Ysgol Robert Owen in Newtown officially opened its new, purpose‑built school building. The plaque unveiling was carried out by the Leader of Powys County Council, Cllr Jake Berriman, alongside the school’s Chair of Governors, Cllr Joy Jones on Thursday, March 12. As part of the celebrations, learners from the school performed a poem they had prepared for the opening ceremony. Although pupils and staff moved into the building in September 2024, today’s event celebrated the completion of a modern, fully accessible learning environment designed to meet the needs of learners with additional…

Extra help is being made available for people in financial crisis facing difficulties with the rising cost of heating oil in Wales. Support is already provided for those in Wales experiencing fuel poverty with purchasing off-grid fuel through the Discretionary Assistance Fund. The DAF enables anyone with an address in Wales and over the age of sixteen experiencing unexpected financial crisis to apply for a contribution towards their off-grid fuel costs. The Welsh Government is immediately increasing the amount of funding available for heating oil. The amount available per award for heating oil is being temporarily raised to £750, from £500 while prices…

A communal hub, which was built in the years after the First World War, stands as an example of what architecture looked like at the time. The building was converted into a bingo hall in the 1970s during the bingo boom, and now stands as a historic and cultural example of what those times were like. Even though the building was abandoned in 2009, inside, you’ll notice that it’s all very much intact. The foyer is impressive with elliptical arch moldings and decorative wall panels. There’s also a very wide staircase with ornate metal balusters and dado mouldings. The balcony…

Drivers across South Wales are being warned of potential delays this afternoon, with congestion reported on two key routes. Traffic Wales has confirmed slow-moving traffic on the A4232 northbound between the A48 Interchange and M4 Junction 33 at Capel Llanilltern. Motorists travelling towards the motorway are advised to allow extra time for their journeys as queues build in the area. Meanwhile, further west, congestion is also affecting the M4 eastbound between Junction 42 at Earlswood and Junction 41 at Pentyla/Baglan. Delays are expected as traffic volumes increase along the stretch. Commuters are encouraged to plan ahead, consider alternative routes where…

A £300,000 investment from the Development Bank of Wales is set to drive the next phase of growth for Bridgend-based campervan conversion specialists Holbrook Customs. Delivered through the Wales Flexible Investment Fund, the investment will allow Holbrook Customs to boost production, expand its team and bring more work in‑house, while strengthening local job creation and a growing regional supply chain. Owned and run by husband-and-wife team Matthew and Candice Holbrook, the business began with their shared passion for VW campervans. Both had converted their own vehicles for years before taking on projects for friends, and demand quickly grew as they…

A property at the centre of ongoing drug-related concerns in Cardiff has been shut down following joint action by police and a housing association. South Wales Police confirmed that the house in Adamsdown had been the subject of repeated complaints from local residents over several months. Concerns centred around suspected drug activity, with reports of people visiting the address at all hours to obtain or use drugs. Residents also described incidents of violence linked to the property, adding to fears within the community and impacting their day to day lives. Officers worked in partnership with Cardiff Community Housing Association (CCHA)…

Businesses in North Wales are being urged to stay vigilant after a number of counterfeit £20 notes were reportedly used in Pwllheli. North Wales Police say they are investigating five separate incidents that took place on Tuesday, March 17, involving suspected fake notes. All of the notes are believed to carry the same serial number, raising concerns that more could be in circulation. Officers are now working to identify those responsible and prevent further financial losses to local businesses. A spokesperson for the force said enquiries are ongoing and encouraged retailers to carefully check all cash payments, particularly £20 notes.…

Wrexham are one step closer to securing the UK City of Culture 2029 title, as they officially make the longlist of finalists. Competing against 9 places from across the UK, the race to the top has officially begun. Wrexham is the only Welsh city bidding for the title, which provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate the uniqueness of Welsh culture and put the whole of Wales in the national spotlight by flying the flag for Wales. Being longlisted helps to highlight the evolving story of Wrexham. As a county already steeped in culture, this recognition adds even more momentum to…

A limited-edition Jellycat collection is set to land in Wales later this month, offering fans a rare chance to get their hands on one of the most sought-after toy ranges in the UK. From 27 March, Armadilo at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff will become one of just five retailers nationwide to stock the exclusive Jellycat Space collection, and the only one in Wales to do so . The collection features ten characters, including Zyllan Alien, Amuseables Planet Mars, Amuseables Space Comet and the popular Amuseables Jellysaucer, alongside themed outfits and collectible bag charms . Jellycat’s popularity has surged…