Author: Rhys Gregory

Knights Brown has been awarded the contract to build Cardiff’s new coastal flood defence system in south-east Cardiff. The scheme, on the Rover Way foreshore and the banks of the River Rhymney, has been designed to protect properties from the impact of extreme weather events, and from rising sea levels for the next 100 years. The scheme adheres to Cardiff Council’s adopted shoreline management plan of “hold the line” and has been approved by The Welsh Government via the coastal risk management programme. Now this process is complete with the contract awarded, work is expected to start on site later…

Swansea Council plans to improve an outdoor performance location.  It has secured £180,000 of Welsh Government funding to update and improve the Swansea Amphitheatre that stands between the Marina and LC. Council leader Rob Stewart said: “Once developed, the amphitheatre will help link our new Copr Bay district with leisure and cultural activities and attractions that attract hundreds of thousands of people every year. “We’re delighted that – with the support of Welsh Government funding – we now have the opportunity to refurbish and enhance the amphitheatre. This’ll make it more attractive and practical as a performance space. “There’ll be…

This week, a towering steel structure has sprung up in the sprawling grounds of Port Talbot’s Margam Country Park – allowing visitors to see themselves reflected in the untamed, dramatic panorama reflected in the structure’s brushed steel design. Dubbed ‘the Heart of Steel’, the 3m high statue’s creative, geometric shape and reflective design showcases the beauty, grit and contrasting scenery that makes up the Neath Port Talbot landscape, which is also known as the Dramatic Heart of Wales. With reflections of Margam’s spectacular castle and grounds, the rolling hills of the surrounding valleys, the faraway steelworks, and horizon line of…

Neath Port Talbot Council has taken possession of two brand new street sweeping machines as part of its ongoing ‘Clean Up and Green Up’ commitment. Members of the Rainbow Coalition running the council made improving ‘the public realm’ in Neath Port Talbot one of their early priorities and in December last year the Coalition Cabinet approved a £4.2m programme of work to get it done. The money comes from additional Welsh Government funding and the council’s approved spending programme. The Clean Up and Green Up programme is designed to make improvements in areas including public toilets, improved grass mowing, the…

The Pembrokeshire County Show is back once again – and this year’s event on 16th and 17th August will see Pembrokeshire County Council provide a one-stop-shop of support and information. For the first time, the Council will have one marquee, hosting teams from across the authority including social services, recruitment, waste and recycling, and many more. Visitors will also have the chance to meet Cabinet Members and the Chief Executive and find out about a host of interesting and innovative projects happening across the county. The marquee will be located opposite the showjumping and equestrian rings in Zone A (pitch…

Accepting the Italian Trophy, on behalf of next year’s host county, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE announced that next year’s festival will be held in Pontypridd. Ynysangharad Park in the centre of the town will provide a focus for most activities and pavilions, and the Maes will also include parts of the town itself, creating an urban, alternative and exciting Eisteddfod, combining the local area with the festival itself. Can’t wait to welcome you! Now the news is out and Pontypridd has been confirmed as the home of the 2024 Rhondda Cynon Taf…

Residents can now have their say on a draft Aberdare Town Centre Strategy, which includes proposed areas for future investment. Six public events will take place in the coming weeks, while residents can also take part online. Last month, RCT Cabinet agreed to consult residents on a draft Strategy which sets out a future vision for Aberdare Town Centre by setting several goals and outcomes. The Strategy was compiled following early engagement with local residents and businesses – and a summary of its strategic objectives, future vision and key investment themes are included at the bottom of this update. The…

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has now been accredited as a Living Wage Employer. Our Living Wage commitment will see no one working at the council paid below the current minimum hourly wage of £10.90, higher than the government minimum for over 23s, which currently stands at £10.42 per hour. This announcement of accreditation follows on from agreement by Cabinet in 2021, in which all of our contracted adult independent social care workers, as well as all direct payment recipients, received the Real Living Wage from 2021. The Council was already providing the Real Living Wage to in-house social care workers…

n a groundbreaking move that promises to transform the landscape of affordable housing in Blaenau Gwent, Tai Calon Community Housing, the largest provider of homes in the region, has achieved an extraordinary milestone. The organisation recently finalised a £105 million long-term debt refinancing partnership with NatWest Group. This landmark agreement, concluded on Friday, 28th July 2023, ushers in a new era of growth and progress for Tai Calon and the communities it serves. This refinancing deal allows Tai Calon to access a level of funding flexibility typically associated with developing housing associations. Until now, the organisation had only ventured into…

Monmouthshire’s Young Carers Forum organised a Family Fun Day at Caldicot Castle on Monday 31st July. It was a fantastic opportunity for young carers to meet, have fun and find support. Throughout the day, young carers and their families took the opportunity to relax and enjoy fun activities, including a five-a-side football pitch, a bucking bronco ride and a pancake stand. The fun day allowed families to come together in the wonderful grounds of Caldicot Castle. The Monmouthshire Young Carers team are in place to support, provide guidance and social activity opportunities to all young carers across the county. To…