Author: Rhys Gregory

People in Swansea Bay who have survived bowel cancer will be the first in the UK to be offered a unique blood test to make sure it has not returned. Guidelines require these patients to have a follow-up colonoscopy after a given period to check they remain cancer-free. But delays caused by Covid means many of them have had to wait far longer than the guidelines recommend. So a blood test, initially created in Swansea to screen patients going to their GP with possible bowel cancer symptoms, will now be offered to 200 people who have waited the longest for…

By September 2023, the national speed limit on restricted/residential roads across Wales will change from 30 mph to 20 mph. This is a Welsh Government legislation, and during a Cabinet meeting held on 14 February 2023, Ceredigion Councillors discussed the plans for the county. Since there are no roads with restricted status in Ceredigion, the change is being introduced through the Traffic Regulation Order process. This means that we will be consulting with the public on all proposed new speed limit arrangements, including advertising through notices on site, in the press and on the Council’s website. Full details will be…

Ogi, Wales’s leading alternative network provider (altnet), has today revealed plans to freeze prices – including this April’s mid-contract rise – until at least March 2024. While millions of households are bracing themselves for price increases across their utility services this Spring, Ogi will ‘buck the trend’ and scrap this year’s annual price rise for existing customers, while continuing to offer its 6-months free deal to new home-users, all in a bid to help ease the pressure on rising household bills. The Wales-based broadband provider, which reduced its overall package prices by 10% in response to the cost-of-living last year,…

Neath Port Talbot Council has announced the launch of an “unrivalled” support package for Wales, UK and global business leaders and entrepreneurs to set up in the region. The council has unveiled its free and confidential ‘Front and Centre for Business’ package as part of a wider effort to encourage Welsh, UK and international companies to establish their operations in Neath Port Talbot. As part of the support package Neath Port Talbot’s Economic Development Team will help businesses access potential funding streams, locate potential property, and apply for planning permissions and permits. They will also connect them to local business…

Age Cymru is urging eligible older people to claim their £200 from the Winter Fuel Support Scheme before it closes on 28 February 2023. The Welsh Government introduced the scheme back in September 2022 to support low-income households during the cost-of-living crisis. To make a claim people must complete, and submit, an application form from their local authority before the deadline date. The forms are available on your local authority website. However, if you are unsure about applying via the website contact your local authority to ask about what additional support is available or whether there are alternative ways of…

End the decade-long failure to give young people in justice a voice, Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists tells Welsh Ministers To best support young people and avoid reoffending, the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists is calling for representation of speech and language therapists across youth justice services. This week, the RCSLT is hosting an event at the Senedd urging Senedd Members (MSs) to give a voice to young people who have offended or are at risk of offending.    For over a decade, the RCSLT, and stakeholders including charities and MPs, have repeatedly highlighted the fact that those…

Three Cardiff-based businesses have announced a partnership to raise awareness of a new charity set up by rugby legend Sir Gareth Edwards. The charity will support young people aged 15-35 in Wales going through cancer treatment. Space2B, blue self storage and Techsol Group will raise money for the charity with a wide-ranging programme of fundraising events throughout the year. 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of “that try” by Sir Gareth Edwards, widely regard as the greatest try in rugby history, during a game between the Barbarians and New Zealand in 1973. His successful international career came to an end at…

The Welsh Government is to launch a consultation on phasing out greyhound racing in Wales, in a “huge moment” for dog welfare. On Wednesday (15 February), the Minister for Rural Affairs, who is responsible for animal welfare in Wales, confirmed to Senedd members that she has now responded to a recent Petitions Committee report, which saw a majority of Members back phasing out the sport in Wales. The Minister confirmed she has accepted, or accepted in principle, all recommendations from the Committee – bar one. Recommendations supported by the Minister include “that Welsh Government action should include a phased ban…

With half-term – February 20-24 – fast approaching Swansea residents are being urged to try out some of the city’s many free trails. Local activities can keep families entertained – both indoor and outdoor – with a large number being free of charge, according to Swansea Council. Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “With the days staying lighter for longer there’s no better time to enjoy a host of fun in and around our own city.” 7 things to do in Swansea Visit the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery – Here you can check out the latest exhibition as the gallery presents…

Seven varieties of native ferns have been planted at a new fern garden at Pembroke Mill Pond in the latest green enhancement to the town. The garden is tucked away in a shady corner of the Mill Pond walk near the town walls – providing perfect growing conditions for the plants. The fern garden was created by volunteers from Roots to Recovery programme, a people-led project all about the restorative powers of Pembrokeshire’s amazing outdoors. The new garden will make a significant difference to a previously overgrown and neglected area, as Maisie Sherratt explains. “The before and after photos above…