Author: Rhys Gregory

Rail passengers are being warned to prepare for disruption across the Wales and Borders network during December and January. The National Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers (RMT) have announced strike action will take place on 13-14, 16-17 and 24-27 December and 3-4 and 6-7 January. This will significantly disrupt the rail network across the whole of Wales, England and Scotland. Transport for Wales is not involved in the industrial action. However, the industrial action resulting from the dispute between the unions and Network Rail means TfW will be unable to operate rail services on Network Rail infrastructure. Industrial…

With hospitals and GP surgeries reporting huge pressures upon their services, Public Health Wales is reassuring local communities about Group A Streptococcal infection (Strep A). Typically, Strep A causes infections of the skin and throat, such as impetigo, tonsillitis or pharyngitis, which are all usually mild illnesses. Scarlet fever is also caused by Strep A and can be easily treated with antibiotics. In very few cases, Strep A can cause ‘invasive Group A Streptococcal infection’ (iGAS), a rare complication which affects less than 20 children in Wales each year. Although iGAS is a worrying condition, the majority of these children…

Plans to improve Roath Park Dam by replacing the existing spillway, which is the waterfall beside the café, with a new wider and deeper spillway and adding a flood wall along the promenade have been published. Cardiff Council is responsible for the lake’s maintenance and is required to undertake regular inspections (under the Reservoirs Act (1975)).  The last inspection found that the spillway would not be large enough to withstand an extreme flooding event and improvements are therefore required. The plans have been developed following a study by engineering consultancy company Arup to identify the best options for ensuring the…

Swansea has become Wales’ first Human Rights City following a year of action to recognise their importance to the lives of all residents and organisations. First Minister Mark Drakeford joined Swansea Council leaders and senior representatives from other key organisations and businesses at the Swansea.com Stadium for the declaration on Monday (Dec 12). Organisations have been working together to embed human rights into their everyday working practices and raise awareness of rights among people in Swansea. Mr Drakeford said: “It is a great pleasure to celebrate Swansea’s achievement of becoming the first Human Rights City in Wales. “Swansea has recognised…

A rogue trader has started a prison sentence of 19 months after admitting a series of charges following a prosecution by Pembrokeshire County Council Trading Standards, Public Protection Division. Ashley Price pleaded guilty to 16 charges and appeared before Swansea Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, 25th November. The catalogue of offences, dating from February 2019 to January 2022, included theft, fraud, fly-tipping incidents and multiple counts under consumer protection legislation. The investigation also involved officers from Dyfed-Powys Police and the Waste Management Team of Pembrokeshire County Council. The court was told that Price, of Waterston Road, Milford Haven, took…

RCT Council has successfully secured its first Anti-Social Behaviour Civil Injunction (ASBI) after a young person from within Rhondda Cynon Taf was issued with an Injunction at youth court recently (Tuesday, November 22, 2022). The case is also significant as it is the first Civil Injunction application that RCT Council have made to a court and the first to be granted in the South Wales Police area. It sends a message to perpetrators of anti-social behaviour that such acts will not be tolerated and will come with consequences. The young person has caused significant alarm and distress to their local…

Caerphilly County Borough Council has this week launched its ‘Care in Caerphilly’ campaign across different platforms to encourage individuals into a career in care. The campaign is also designed to celebrate the hardworking care staff who make a difference to the lives of residents every day. The campaign aims to shift perspectives on adult care as well as inspiring compassionate people to consider a caring role. Care in Caerphilly will underline the rewarding nature of care and showcase Caerphilly as a great place to work. It is estimated that domiciliary care and adults residential care workers make up the highest…

Caerphilly County Borough Youth Service has been awarded the Bronze Level Quality Mark for Youth Work in Wales. The Quality Mark for Youth Work in Wales is a unique tool for self-assessment, planning improvement and gaining further recognition in the field of education. The Bronze Level of the Quality Mark is awarded for demonstrating appropriate leadership and governance, the use of appropriate and effective monitoring and evaluation processes, that the organisation safeguards young people and that it acts within the relevant legal and policy framework, providing a welcoming and safe environment for young people who can access trusted and skilled…

Monmouthshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr. Mary Ann Brocklesby has announced the appointment of the Council’s first LGBTQ+ Champion. The role has been accepted by Cllr. Ian Chandler, Ward Member for Llantilio Crossenny, who will be representing the rights and interests of the LGBTQ+ community in all Council business and meetings. Council Leader, Cllr. Mary Ann Brocklesby said:  “I am pleased to appoint Councillor Ian Chandler as our LGBTQ+ Champion. We are committed to ensuring that all our work is inclusive and that all LGBTQ+ people in Monmouthshire can fulfil their potential and feel safe here.  Saturday 10th December is Human Rights…

All Powys leisure centres could have an extended break over the Christmas and New Year period, and some could be temporarily closed until the end of the financial year to counter escalating energy costs. The action is being proposed by Powys County Council and not-for-profit leisure operator Freedom Leisure in response to the cost-of-living crisis and a catastrophic increase in energy costs and will be considered by the Cabinet today (Tuesday). Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, Cllr David Selby said, “The current energy crisis is having a devastating impact on our leisure services at a time when many…