Author: Rhys Gregory

A pioneering scheme first developed by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Children’s Services team is set to expand its vital support for families across Wales following the official launch of PAN Cymru, a new Community Interest Company dedicated to parental advocacy. The Parent Advocacy Network (PAN), originally developed in Neath Port Talbot, offers parents going through social services child protection processes a safe, supportive space where their voices are heard and valued. Working across Neath Port Talbot and Swansea, the scheme helps parents navigate the system, feel able to engage with professionals, and share their lived experiences. A key feature of…

A local pathway off Castellau Road in Beddau has reopened after work to replace a damaged footbridge was completed by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council. The new bridge carries the public right of way known as ANT/213/1, which runs to the west of Castellau Road towards Llantrisant Common. The route had been closed for safety reasons after the previous structure was damaged. The council used capital funding for parks structures to carry out the replacement, allowing the well used path to be brought back into use for residents and visitors. Spectrum Construction Services Ltd delivered the project on behalf of the…

Councillors in Blaenau Gwent will next week consider the draft budget proposals for 2026/27 at a special Corporate Governance and Resources Scrutiny Committee. Councillors from the Labour and Independent groups worked together to consider a draft budget that protects services and recommends a Council Tax rise of 3.75%, which is lower than the original planning assumption of 4.95%. This has been possible as a result of an improved funding settlement from Welsh Government and identification of efficiencies, combined with feedback from residents and a shared consensus between the leaders to keep any rise as low as possible. The proposed budget…

A deal has been struck to pave the way for a state-of-the-artadvanced manufacturing centre (AMC) for Mid Wales, and business park, to be built on the edge of Newtown. Powys County Council (PCC) is buying 14 hectares of land next to Newtown College from NPTC Group of Colleges for the landmark infrastructure project. Located on Llanidloes Road, the development will be known as CymruTech Park. It will bring together the Mid Wales AMC with flexible high-quality business units, creating a hub for innovation, skills and growth. The units will be available to companies looking to expand or relocate to Mid…

A bold and ambitious Bill which aims to transform the response to homelessness has been passed by the Senedd. The Homelessness and Social Housing Allocation (Wales) Bill will fundamentally change the homelessness system, so it is focused on prevention and providing more tools to support people into longer-term homes. Key elements of the Bill include: Transforming the homelessness system in Wales so that it focusses on earlier identification and prevention. Targeting action at those most at risk. Focussing on a multi-agency response to homelessness, bringing Welsh public services together to respond to the varied causes and consequences of homelessness. Following…

A new scheme to widen access to affordable childcare for families across Wales has been announced by the Welsh Government. The Voluntary Approval Scheme, which will be available from April 2027, will enable eligible families to use Tax-Free Childcare and Universal Credit Childcare payments with a wider range of providers, helping to reduce childcare costs and support parents. This means there will be a greater pool of approved childcare providers, making it easier for parents to find services that meet their family’s needs. Participating childcare providers will need to meet set criteria, including certain safety checks and provide parents additional…

A man from Swansea has been found guilty of the murder of a five-month-old baby. 29-year-old Thomas Morgan, from Gorseinon, had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Jensen-Lee Dougal at home on Players Avenue, Clydach, which took place while Jensen-Lee’s mother was in work on March 31 2024. However, a jury has found him guilty of murder, as well as one count of GBH. Detective Chief Inspector Lianne Rees said: “Today’s conviction brings some measure of justice, but in no way eases the profound heartbreak Jensen-Lee’s family continue to endure. “I want to pay tribute to the members of…

The family of a man who died following a road traffic collision near Pentraeth have paid tribute to him. Arwyn Jones, 29, from Llanfairpwll, sadly died following the incident on the A5025 (Pentraeth Road) on Sunday, 25 January. In a heartfelt tribute, his wife, Sioned said: “As his wife, I am heartbroken. Arwyn was a much-loved husband, father, son, and brother and as a family, our lives have changed forever following his loss. “Arwyn and I had been together for over 15 years and was the love of my life. Our daughter, Lilly, was his life. Our world has been…

Road closures will be in place in Cardiff city centre for Wales’ home fixtures in the Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship 2026, Cardiff Council has confirmed. Restrictions will operate around the Principality Stadium on health and safety grounds for all three matches. For Wales versus France on Sunday February 15, with kick off at 3.10pm, roads will close from 11am until 7.15pm. For Wales versus Scotland on Saturday February 21, with kick off at 4.40pm, closures will run from 12.30pm until 9pm. For Wales versus Italy on Saturday March 14, also kicking off at 4.40pm, roads will again be closed…

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet has successfully secured £20 million for the Upper Afan Valley over a ten-year period as part of the UK Government’s Pride in Place Programme (PiPP). In Neath Port Talbot (NPT), the Upper Afan Valley has the highest average rank of deprivation and the aim behind the targeted investment is to benefit disadvantaged neighbourhoods by focusing on areas with the weakest social infrastructure. Neath Port Talbot Council could only recommend one area to benefit from the funding. NPT is one of nine local authorities across Wales to be identified as a PiPP candidate. The criteria to…