Author: Rhys Gregory

Plans for a multi-million-pound renovation of Cardiff’s historic Central Market that would protect, preserve and future-proof the Grade II* Listed building, restoring original design features, and introducing a new ground floor seated area for food have been revealed. Opened in 1891, the market is steeped in history and following the renovation, Cardiff Council, who own the market, are also intending to better present and share its history with the 2.2 million visitors it attracts every year, using visual story points and projections. The plans, which are subject to funding being successfully secured and planning permission being granted, include: the restoration…

Grants of up to £1,000 are now available to help local Swansea businesses bid for public sector or larger-scale contracts. Successful business applicants will be able to use the funding to help access training for the accreditation that’s needed to bid for work of this kind. Run by Swansea Council and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the supplier development grant requires applicants to provide 50% of the costs in match-funding. All applicants also have to provide a business summary and a 12-month cashflow forecast. Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Investment…

A new campaign shows how Swansea residents and visitors can make the most of the city during this year’s warmer months. With summer and the school half-term on their way, Swansea Council has launched its Summer to Enjoy drive to highlight ideas for things to see and do. Half-term runs from May 29-June 2. Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “With holidays on the horizon, there’s no better time to discover what’s on offer in Swansea Bay.” Council-managed outdoor attractions such as Blackpill Lido – with paddling pool and water features, the Singleton Park crazy golf and boating lake and…

One of the star attractions on the Aberavon seafront, the Aqua Splash, will be opening on Friday 26th May, 2023. The family favourite boasts more than 30 exciting water features including fountains, jets, waterfalls and a giant, tipping water bucket. The popular attraction will be open daily from 10am to 7pm – and best of all, it is completely free. There is no need to book in advance and this year there are brand new changing room facilities available on-site. Cllr Jeremy Hurley, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Wellbeing, said: “We will also be putting…

Children from St Mark’s Church in Wales VA Primary School in Haverfordwest were thrilled to see how their artwork inspired local artist Robert Jakes in his designs for their giant story-telling chair. Now installed in the grounds of St Mark’s School, the chair celebrates the new class names of the school, Morfil (whale), Cadno (fox), Pili Pala (butterfly) and Barcud Coch (red kite). Head teacher Heather Cale and Deputy Head Richard Owen praised Robert Jakes’ skill in capturing the children’s drawings in his carvings, and spoke inspiringly to the pupils about the importance of learning so that one day, they…

Capital Coated Steel are the largest independent pre-finished metals processor in the UK and the only independent accredited Tata distributor. Celebrating over 50 years in business, the company, which was started by business partners John Hunt and Nick Williams back in 1972, is still a family-owned business today. While striving for business excellence, supplying some of the major blue-chip companies both in the UK and internationally, they have placed the environment and the future of a sustainable steel supply at the very forefront of their business. The company passionately believe in the need for this and have transformed how the…

Caerphilly County Borough Council has agreed a notice of motion aimed at tackling fuel poverty. The notice calls on UK Government to pass legislation to prevent energy companies entering people’s homes and fitting prepay meters, unless asked to do so by the householder concerned.  In addition, it asks that people be given the right to have prepayment meters removed from their home. Cllr Carol Andrews, the Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Communities, raised the notice of motion during a meeting of full Council held on 23rd May.  Cllr Andrews said “Energy prices have surged, during the current cost of…

A shop in Abertillery has been ordered to close by a Judge sitting in Newport Magistrates Court following a Trading Standards investigation that revealed the sale of illegal cigarettes and tobacco. Abertillery Mini Market, in Somerset Street, was served a Closure Notice by Blaenau Gwent Council following a prolonged period of intelligence gathering, inspections of the premises and test purchases which supported concerns raised by the public about the sales of illegal cigarettes and tobacco from the store. The owner of the store contested the notice, and a hearing was held at Newport Magistrates’ Court. The owner, Mr Rand Adam,…

The outgoing Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil raised £15,885 for his two nominated local charities during his term of office in 2022/23. Cllr Declan Sammon, who handed over the reins to Cllr Malcolm Colbran at the Council’s Annual General Meeting last week, will present Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil and Merthyr Cynon Foodbank with the cash collected through a range of activities and events. Declan said: “It was an honour to serve as First Citizen of this wonderful county borough and a privilege to raise funds for two thoroughly deserving charities. Thank you to everyone who contributed.”

The Welsh Government is calling on all farmers in Wales to help tackle the climate emergency by planting trees as higher payment rates for woodland creation are confirmed today (Thursday, May 25). Climate Change Minister Julie James and Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales Lesley Griffiths confirmed payment rates will be uplifted to pay 100% of 2023’s actual costs as part of Wales’ drive to plant 86 million trees by the end of the decade to combat the climate emergency. Climate Change Minister Julie James said: “We are in a climate emergency and trees are our lifeline, by planting…