Author: Rhys Gregory

People in Ystradgynlais can once again access face-to-face banking services on their high street following the opening of a new shared banking hub. The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language welcomed the opening and visited the hub this week, meeting staff and local people who are already benefiting from the new facility. The hub has opened in a building that had stood empty since the last local bank closed in September 2023. Customers can access a staffed counter, operated by Post Office staff, to deposit and withdraw cash, pay in cheques and carry out everyday transactions. They can also book appointments with…

The Welsh Government has sold a business park unit in Anglesey to a successful construction business, which plans to establish a new HQ at the site and pursue expansion ambitions. OBR Construction has purchased the unit at Bryn Cefni Business Park, in Llangefni, in a move which will help safeguard the jobs of 85 existing staff and create 10 new positions – including five apprenticeships. OBR Construction is an established construction and civil engineering company with a wide range of clients, from local authorities to the commercial and industrial sector, and the nuclear and waste industries. Its annual turnover exceeds…

Laurel & Hardy, arguably the most important and influential comedy partnership of all time, will be celebrated in 2026 with a new 100th anniversary touring show, presented by TV personality, musician and world authority on silent films, Neil Brand. The Laurel & Hardy Centenary Tour will visit Swansea Grand Theatre on 14th March where the audience will be taken back in time to the era of the silent film, where the music was played live and often improvised alongside the moving picture. Two newly restored films, ‘The Finishing Touch’ and ‘You’re Darn Tootin’, will be screened, the latter featuring Neil Brand performing…

One of the top vegan festivals in the UK is coming to Swansea on Saturday 7th March 2026 – the Swansea Vegan Festival. This unmissable event is packed full of stalls, entertaining talks, demos and best of all, lots of delicious plant-based food. In fact everything you could possibly want, whether you’re vegan curious, vegetarian or vegan. It’s family friendly too with free entry for under 16’s. And every visitor will receive a free pack of Clearspring organic silken tofu. There will be a spectacular array of vegan products including beauty products, toiletries, homeware, pies, cakes, chocolates, cheeses, sandwiches and…

What could turn out to be an ingenious way to boost accommodation space at a trio of existing Welsh city apartment blocks is on the market at auction. What’s planned and is now for sale is three lots of ‘space’ above the existing apartment blocks in which to construct another layer of accommodation. Planning permission has been granted to create the fourth layer of living space, three, two-bedroom dormer apartments, on top of the three existing, three storey buildings at Cranleigh Rise, Rumney, in Cardiff. Angie Davey, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “What is being sold are three lots of…

Bridgend-based housing association Valleys to Coast and home builders Persimmon Homes West Wales have marked the transfer of 20 high-quality new homes for social rent at Michaels Grove and Morgans Walk. The package of homes at the Parc Llanilid site comprises a mix of two-four bed homes to accommodate individuals, couples and families looking to build a life in RCT. This brings the social landlord’s total number of properties at the Parc Llanilid site to 33, forming part of Valleys to Coast’s wider commitment to provide safe, sustainable homes inside and outside of Bridgend County Borough and to grow within…

Around 50 manhole covers have been reported stolen from the St Mellons and Trowbridge areas of Cardiff. South Wales Police said the thefts were reported on Saturday and warned that missing manhole covers pose a serious risk to road users, pedestrians and cyclists. Replacing the covers also comes at a significant cost. Cardiff Council’s highways department has been made aware of the issue and is working to address the safety concerns. Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information that could help identify those responsible. Anyone who can assist is asked to contact South Wales Police quoting reference number…

South Wales Police are currently at the scene of an incident on Rover Way in Splott, Cardiff, with road closures in place. The road is closed southbound at the junction with Tesco and northbound at the junction with Seawall Road while officers deal with the incident. Motorists are being advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible, as delays are expected. South Wales Police thanked the public for their patience and cooperation while the incident is ongoing. No further details have been confirmed at this stage. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

An end of terraced house in the Gwent valleys is primed and ready for renovation after being stripped back and extended. The property, at 1, Mydrian Place in the town of Tredegar, is under starter’s orders with some conversion work already completed and a range of materials needed for other refurbishment, to be included in the sale. Angie Davey, of Paul Fosh Auctions said:” Situated in a popular location this end of terraced house has been partly stripped back and extended in readiness for renovation. “The property currently provides an extension area which was planned by the current vendor to…

Tickets are now on sale for Llangollen and Corwen Railway’s popular Branch Line Gala, taking place from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 April 2026, with three days of intensive services, visiting locomotives and activities designed to appeal to both enthusiasts and families alike. The event will recreate the atmosphere of a classic branch line, with frequent services operating throughout the 3 days. The 2026 gala will feature a strong and varied line up of steam and diesel power, including an exciting visiting locomotive in the form of 1924-built Great Western Railway Small Prairie No 4555. This will be joined by…