Author: Rhys Gregory

An independent scientific report assessing three different types of weed killer to manage plant growth on Cardiff’s highways and pavements has concluded that glyphosate is “the most effective and sustainable weed control method currently available.” The scientific trial assessed the viability of two ‘eco-friendly’ alternatives to the glyphosate-based approach used by the majority of local authorities in the UK. It found that glyphosate has a smaller overall environmental footprint than the two alternatives trialled, which were acetic acid (a highly concentrated vinegar) and a hot foam treatment (a plant-based product whichcombines hot water with a biodegradable foam). Glyphosate was also…

Blaenau Gwent Council Planning Committee today approved the planning application submitted by property developer Mercia Real Estates (MRE) to alter the buildings and change the use of the former shopping mall site at Festival Park, Ebbw Vale into a mixed use business centre. The details specify that the principal focus of the development is to provide premises for businesses, trades, small storage and logistic operators which fall into the ‘Use Classes’ categories of A, B and D. There are no changes proposed to the access points from the surrounding road network to the site or to any of the wider…

Hundreds of potholes caused by bad weather have been repaired by highways maintenance teams in Swansea Swansea Council is keeping to its promise of repairing potholes reported online within 48hrs and is urging the public to report any potholes to they encounter so they can be dealt with as quickly as possible The council stated that severe weather during November and December has provided the perfect conditions for potholes with heavy rain and frost breaking up road surfaces overnight in some cases Latest statistics show that in December almost 500 potholes were repaired with the majority completed within 48hrs. The…

Local private sector landlords are invited to the launch of a new scheme enabling them to lease their property to Pembrokeshire County Council for between five and 20 years, in return for a guaranteed monthly rental income and full property management service. Leasing Scheme Wales (LSW) is funded by Welsh Government and managed by Pembrokeshire County Council. The scheme will be launched locally at the Pembrokeshire Landlords Forum on Tuesday, 24th January at 6pm in County Hall in Haverfordwest. The scheme aims to: improve access to homes in the private rented sector Access to affordable and good quality homes in…

Improving resilience to flooding continues to be a priority for Rhondda Cynon Council, with more than £14M spent on infrastructure upgrades and £20M on storm repairs in recent years, since Storm Dennis in 2020. Climate change is resulting in more frequent storm events than ever before and for this year alone (2022/23), more than £6.4M Welsh Government funding is secured for Storm Dennis works, plus around £3.9M for flood alleviation works. The Council has also secured more than £8m from the Resilient Roads Grant over the past three years for targeted flooding resilience road schemes in the Cynon Valley and…

Powys County Council’s new Progressive Partnership has this week published its draft budget for 2023/24. It balances the need to deliver sound services at an affordable cost and protects the most vulnerable in society, while continuing the council’s journey towards its goal of net zero carbon by 2030. Council Leader, Cllr James Gibson-Watt said: “This has been the most difficult budget-setting process the county council has ever experienced.  The impact of over 10% cost inflation, the consequent need to increase staff pay to meet the cost of living crisis and a huge increase in demand for social care as a…

Welsh Government has appointed four new expert members to the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority including from Black, disability and LGBTQi+ backgrounds to ensure its plans ‘represent all voices’ and that action to tackle the climate and nature emergencies is taken ‘in togetherness’ In the foreground of south Wales’ highest mountain peak, Pen-y-Fan, Minister for Climate Change Julie James met the new appointees to set out her expectations and hear the vision of the Authority which has set out five missions at its core: climate, nature, water, people and place. Having recently returned from UN global biodiversity talks, COP15, in…

Mark Williams rolled back the years in 2018 with a magical performance to win his third World Championship. The Welshman recorded the longest gap between world titles by achieving the feat after last winning the crown in 2003. Williams almost called time on his career after failing to qualify for the World Championships in 2017 but bounced back to form to produce a thrilling run to the final before edging out John Higgins. The 47-year-old’s form since then has been encouraging at The Crucible, reaching the semi-finals in 2022 where he was narrowly beaten by Judd Trump. He was a…

The recent upward trend of unlicensed casinos poses a great risk to inexperienced players who might mistake them for the real deal. Unlicensed casinos, also known as “rogue” or “black market” casinos, are online gambling sites that operate without proper licensing or regulation. These venues are famous for offering irresistible bonuses or games unavailable within licensed casinos. Your wallet, your time and your mental integrity might be endangered by the illegal practices of unlicensed casinos. Since they activate within an unregulated environment, they are not subject to the same rules and regulations that licensed casinos must follow. Here’s a selection…

When it comes to the development of video games, traditional attention goes to the likes of America, Japan, and England. The last few generations have challenged this former status quo, however, with a wide range of different countries getting dipping their toes into the water of gaming. Wales is one such place, where gaming has expanded rapidly in terms of both player base and development studios. From gambling to casual and hardcore play, Wales contains a significant modern market, and it’s only going to get bigger. As a Game Producer According to a Clwstwr Wales game survey performed in 2021,…