Author: Rhys Gregory

A PhD student studying plastic pollution has pioneered the transformation of an Anglesey bungalow into a state-of the-art eco home – despite never having used a drill before. DIY newcomer Nia Jones paired up with roofer Mark Hughes for Channel 4 property show The Great House Giveaway and ended up successfully boosting the three-bedroom property’s energy efficiency value from E to A – the best possible. It is the first time since the show launched in 2020 that a pair of renovators have gone all out for the eco-approach, swapping traditional heating systems for greener technology in the wake of…

The social care crisis in North Wales has deepened with news that two more care homes are closing – with the combined loss of a further 91 beds. Both the 54-bed Morfa Newydd Care Home in Greenfield in Flintshire and the Gwastad Hall Care Home in Cefn-y-Bedd near Wrexham, that’s registered for 37 residents, have gone into administration. It’s understood that the staff in both homes have been given four weeks’ notice and that the owners have been working with Flintshire and Wrexham councils  to find  alternative accommodation for the residents. In the past few weeks it’s already been revealed…

An appeal has been launched to honour a globally renowned harpist at the international festival where he was the president. During his stellar career, the late Dr Osian Ellis CBE played in the world’s finest concert venues and rubbed shoulders with film stars like the Oscar-winning actor Hugh Griffith, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Dr Ellis, a native of Ffynnongroyw in Flintshire, was brought up in Denbigh and lived in Pwllheli until his death, was for many years the Principal Harpist with the London Symphony Orchestra. He died during the Covid-19 pandemic aged 92 and as a result, many of…

Principality Commercial are proud to announce a landmark £50m loan for the Welsh not-for-profit social housing provider Pobl Group. The deal comes as the Principality Commercial team celebrate 20 years in business, over which time they’ve built up an impressive portfolio of projects across Wales and England, including housing developments and business sites. The loan demonstrates Principality’s focus to support the creation of quality affordable and sustainable houses, and will aid Pobl’s ambition to create 10,000 much needed new energy efficient affordable homes across Wales by 2030. The properties will be built with the latest green technology and building materials,…

A collaborative skills proposal to improve connectivity between education provisions and businesses in the region has been backed by key employers, education bodies, and Welsh Government representatives. With skills high on the agenda for employers, the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) has launched its skills and employment plan for the next three years to help maximise opportunities to upskill in the region. David Roberts, who chairs the RSP, prides the plan on ‘decluttering’ the complex employment and skills landscape by providing a framework for employers, training providers, and funders to work as a collective. Its launch event at Venue…

NORTH Wales based Anwyl Homes has acquired a 4.4 acre site for almost 50 new homes in Llandudno, many with views out towards the sea and Little Orme. Located off Nant-y-Gamar Road, the site has planning consent for 49 properties, including 17 affordable homes. Construction work will begin in late spring and it is estimated the project will support around 150 local jobs*. Phil Dolan, managing director for Anwyl Homes Cheshire and North Wales, said: “This is a really attractive site for new homes and we’ve planned the development to ensure the houses are orientated, where possible, to look out…

A vital research project focused on protecting children and young people from online abuse has secured additional continuation funding. Swansea University’s DRAGON-S project focuses on the detection and prevention of online grooming. Following a successful two-year research and development phase, the project has now secured more than £150,000 in additional funding from Safe Online at End Violence Against Children and the Arts and Humanities Research Council  Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) in order to continue to test and evaluate its work. Online grooming is a crime that is increasing exponentially, leaving a devastating impact on child victims and their families. Through…

Pupils at Ysgol Llanilar’s after school club are enjoying the benefits of a Council community scheme supported by main contractor Wynne Construction. The company are currently building a new extension at Aberaeron Secondary School, which has resulted in excess wooden pallets and offcuts that have been donated. Along with the help of the Council’s caretaker team, a delivery of the wood was transported to Ysgol Llanilar, where the pupils plan to make bug hotels and outdoor tables in the after school club sessions. Afterschool club manager at Ysgol Llanilar, Lowri Tudor, was very grateful to receive the materials, stating: “we…

The Welsh Law Awards are pleased to announce that applications are now open. The Welsh Law Awards is set to recognise the outstanding achievements of the law community, at a black-tie gala dinner on Wednesday 10th May 2023 at the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff. Sara Edwards, one of Welsh Television and Radio’s most popular presenters is to host the Welsh Law Awards. The categories for applications are: Commercial Law Services of the Year Employment Law Services of the Year Family Law Services of the Year Personal Injury Law Services of the Year Residential & Conveyancing Law Services of the Year…

Hundreds of people were assisted by lifeguards part-funded by Swansea Council on Gower beaches last summer. The 50 lifeguards – provided by life-saving charity the RNLI – helped those in difficulty at Langland, Caswell, Port Eynon and Three Cliffs. Statistics show that their help ranged from rescues on the water to first aid for incidents such as cuts and stings. RNLI personnel also spent much time on preventative work. An increase in the number of incidents reflected the rise in number of people using the beaches due to the summer’s good weather and the post-pandemic rise in staycation numbers. With…