Author: Rhys Gregory

Nominations are now open for the UK’s most inspiring canine, as entries are being sought for The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award 2026. Presented at Crufts and supported by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, the annual award shines a spotlight on the nation’s extraordinary dogs – from loyal companions to life-saving heroes – who make a life-changing difference to those around them. Nominations can be submitted across five categories: Extraordinary Working Dog – for those who have shown extraordinary qualities working in the army, police, RAF, airports, search and rescue etc. Hero Support Dog – celebrating all support and assistance dogs, from…

A man has been jailed for 16 years after committing serious sexual offences against a woman in Flintshire. Dumitru-Robert Lactus, 27, of Welsh Road, Garden City, appeared at Mold Crown Court today, Monday 29 September, after being found guilty of multiple offences including rape, assault causing physical harm, intentional suffocation and threats to kill. He was jailed for 16 years. He was also handed a restraining order to protect the victim lasting indefinitely and he must register as a sex offender with police indefinitely. Detective Constable Gareth Bostock said: “Lactus subjected his victim to shocking and violent behaviour that will…

With over 25,000 runners expected to arrive in Cardiff ahead of the Half marathon on Sunday 5 October, TfW is putting on additional train services to help people get to and from the event on time and stress-free. Those heading into Cardiff will benefit from earlier train services from key locations including Treherbert, Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Barry Island, Penarth, Hereford, and Newport. These services have been specially arranged to ensure smooth travel to the start line near Cardiff Castle, just a short 12-minute walk from Cardiff Central station. Building on customer feedback from last year’s event, TfW is able…

Llantwit Major Town Council will soon take over responsibility for a range of local public facilities following an agreement with the Vale of Glamorgan Council. Car parks at the Town Hall and on Wine Street are to be managed by the town council, as is the car park and toilet block on Boverton Road. This comes after the Vale of Glamorgan Council arranged a series of Community Asset Transfers (CATs), each with a 99-year lease, that will pass operational control from one organisation to the other once legal formalities are concluded. The Vale of Glamorgan Council has also carried out…

The Arts Council of Wales has announced that the ongoing regeneration and transformation of Porthcawl’s much-loved Grand Pavilion is to receive an extra £1.4m boost in funding. The Grade II listed venue has been confirmed as one of 40 sites located throughout Wales that will benefit from a share of an £8 million new investment programme into building and regeneration works. Announcing the funding, Minister of Culture Jack Sergeant described the Grand Pavilion as a ‘community treasure’ and said it was “…One of 40 organisations who represent the beating heart of cultural life across every corner of Wales.” “We are…

A new community facility that will be used by all ages has been officially opened in Penclawdd. The Community Shed at Graig y Coed playing fields has been built by volunteers with funding support from Swansea Council and the ward member’s allowance, as well as a contribution from Llanrhidian Higher Community Council. It complements the Graig y Coed Woodland Project which has seen land nearby transformed into a community woodland. There are two new units to the rear of the playing field changing rooms that make up the hub. One has been fitted out as a workshop and has joined…

A 56-year-old Port Talbot based trader who carried out poor electrical and plumbing work, has pleaded guilty to undertaking a fraudulent business at Swansea Crown Court after an investigation by Neath Port Talbot Trading Standards. Between April 2021 and December 2023, Wayne John Phillips of WJP Electrical of Lingfield Avenue, Port Talbot, was approached by homeowners looking to refurbish and rewire their homes. Mr Phillips contracted with each of the homeowners to undertake various electrical, plumbing and building work to a value of around £14,000. Mr Phillips provided written quotations which bore the NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation…

Wattsville Community Group, a registered charity established by Wattsville FC, is proud to have completed a Community Asset Transfer (CAT) for the Wattsville Recreational Field and Pavilion. The transfer includes the pavilion clubhouse and recreation area, which features two football pitches. The move strengthens the group’s ability to secure vital funding, while also giving them greater control over operations, enabling structured opening times and improved event scheduling. The club has also partnered with local business, Deez Pizza, who are based on-site. The facility hosts an array of events, such as coffee mornings, comedy and music nights, bingo evenings, firework displays,…

Plans to build a replacement A494 River Dee Bridge have reached the next milestone with publication of the draft Orders. The Orders are a key legal document that set out in detail the proposals for the bridge, including the route it will take, the land that will need to be purchased and changes to existing roads. The public will be invited to give their view on the Orders and have the option to formally support or object to the plans or suggest an alternative. The consultation period starts today (Tuesday 30 September) and is open until Tuesday 11 November 2025.…

The public are being asked to help safeguard Welsh language place names, as part of new plans to protect our linguistic heritage. A new website means anyone can record Welsh and historic names missing from online maps. Whether it’s the name your grandfather used for a local field, the Welsh name for a hill near you, or the historic name of your street or home, you can help preserve these for future generations. The public are also being encouraged to contribute to online resources like Wikipedia by recording sound clips showing how place names should be pronounced and providing phonetic…