Author: Rhys Gregory

A North Wales-based engineering, environmental and planning consultancy has secured a multi-million-pound contract to provide structural and geotechnical expertise on the Vale of York Motorway Services Area (MSA) scheme.  Caulmert, which has offices in St Asaph, Bangor, Altrincham, Nottingham, and Kent, is carrying out the innovative work as part of plans to build a 40-metre single-span bridge over the A1M motorway between York and Ripon, connecting the new services to both carriageways.  Part of the complex design focuses on the bridge, which will have larger supporting foundations because of there being no intermediate pier support within the central reserve.  To…

Against a backdrop of economic challenge, rising materials and labour costs, new figures from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) reveal that 9,100 extra workers will be required to meet construction demand in Wales by 2027. CITB’s annual Construction Skills Network (CSN) report shows that: 9,100 extra workers (1,820 a year) will be required to meet construction demand between now and 2027 in Wales Construction output is set to grow for all nations and regions, however, recession is expected in 2023 with slow growth returning in 2024 Employment must grow by 1.6% annually to meet increasing demand The major sectors for…

Coal is surprisingly rich in bacteria according to the world’s first atlas of microbial biodiversity deep under the Earth, which has been developed by Aberystwyth University academics. The research paper, published in the journal Microbiology, highlights the work of 25 scientists based in ten countries exploring the biodiversity of organisms which live underground. The study looked at data collected over the last decade and applied advanced computer algorithms to create the first global map of the thousands of species of bacteria living deep below the Earth’s surface. One of the paper’s authors, geologist Professor Andy Mitchell from Aberystwyth University, explained…

2023 marks the 50th Anniversary of the legendary smash hit musical The Rocky Horror Show, as it continues to play a newly extended tour through 2023 to sell-out crowds. Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical celebrates 50 years of non-stop partying with this special anniversary production. Since it first opened in London in June 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre The Rocky Horror Show has become the longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world. The show has been seen by over 30 million people worldwide in more than 30 countries and translated into 20 languages…

Wales distillery In the Welsh Wind has recorded its best-ever sales after appearing on the Hairy Bikers Go Local TV series. The Ceredigion distillery had a surge of interest in its spirits and its Welsh Cask Vinegar after the Hairy Bikers show aired on Thursday – resulting in a huge 400% increase in sales over the weekend compared to its peak Christmas trading. Website traffic also hit a new high as viewers logged on to buy the vinegar. The Hairy Bikers duo of Si King and Dave Myers selected the vinegar as one of a trio of innovative local products…

With cold weather affecting most of Wales, Age Cymru is offering advice to help older people stay safe and well during the cold weather spell. “We understand these are very challenging times financially, but we would urge older people to put their personal health above everything else and make sure that at least one room in their home is warm enough to sit comfortably. With extreme cold weather comes the added risk of heart attacks, strokes, hypothermia, and other physical and mental illnesses. “If people are worried about paying their bills, they should seek advice to make sure they are…

Four people have been jailed for a combined total of 26 years after assaulting and robbing a man On 10 May 2022, a man was delivering sofas in the Rhydfelin area when a woman approached the van asking the driver if he needed directions. The woman opened the passengers door, climbed in and tried to take the satchel attached to the seat. The driver’s door then opened and a group of men, one holding a hammer, one holding a screwdriver, and another holding a zombie knife, threatened and assaulted the delivery driver. They demanded he handed over money and took items…

A project that helps local people to develop skills and qualifications and support them to achieve their full potential has ended the year on a high. Skills Futures celebrated learners’ hard work and determination to succeed at the Achievement Awards 2022. The event also recognised the team who helped to inspire, enthuse and support learners to achieve their full potential. Skills Futures, delivered by the Council’s employability and skill service, Futureworks, helps local people on their career journey, either into work or to progress whilst in work. Learners and their loved ones, partners, employers and the Futureworks’ team gathered on…

Cabinet will shortly receive a draft Budget Strategy for the Council that sets out the financial position for Rhondda Cynon Taf in 2023/24, following the provisional Local Government Settlement announced by Welsh Government in December. At their meeting on Monday, January 23, Cabinet Members will consider the draft Budget Strategy report that will outline recommendations of the Council’s Senior Leadership Team in relation to setting a legally-balanced budget for next year. If agreed, phase two of the budget consultation process will ask residents for their feedback on the draft Budget Strategy. The budget process for 2023/24 is set against the…

Caerphilly County Borough Council recently endorsed a report outlining the successes and challenges in delivering social services during the last financial year. The Annual Report of the Director of Social Services and Housing, which was endorsed at a full Council meeting on Tuesday 17 January, reflects on performance during 2021/22 as well as outlining priorities for the future. Key achievements listed in the report for 2021/22 include: The establishment of a group of parents of people with autism to help inform services. Supporting staff to further develop their knowledge and skills by undertaking a Social Work Degree. Support for unpaid…