Author: Rhys Gregory

Narberth Library is closed until further notice for essential building maintenance. Library members who currently have books on loan will not be charged any fines during the closure (their books will be automatically extended during this time). “We apologise for any inconvenience caused to library users,” said Mike Cavanagh, Head of Cultural Services. “The library is likely to be closed for a number of weeks until the work is completed. “We will keep customers updated on progress via our web pages and social media.” Library members are welcome to use other local libraries while Narberth is closed (membership automatically enables…

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet has unanimously approved a new education strategy – ‘Pursuing excellence together’. The strategy was developed following a rigorous self-assessment process and consultation with key stakeholders, including staff and learners across educational settings. Included within the strategy are twelve key objectives for the next three years.  These include providing robust approaches to safeguarding, enhancing leadership, accelerating the progress of vulnerable learners, increasing attendance, and reducing exclusions, improving post-16 provision, and closing the attainment gap between learners from different backgrounds. Cllr Carol Andrews, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Communities, said “We recognise the impact of…

Monmouthshire County Council has taken another step forward in developing its proposals for a Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP). The Council agreed to publish its new Preferred Strategy for public consultation and engagement from 5th December 2022 to 30th January 2023. Comments are also invited on the Candidate Sites Register, which lists all of the sites put forward by landowners, developers and other groups for potential inclusion in the RLDP. The new strategy makes provision for up to 2,200 new homes by 2033 in addition to the 3,700 homes already in the pipeline or completed since 2018.  On new site…

A £3m funding scheme to support the fisheries, marine and aquaculture sectors is now open for expressions of interest, Minister for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths has announced. The funding is available over two years and replaces the previous European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. The aim of the Welsh Marine and Fisheries Fund is to support seafood producers, coastal communities and the marine environment to thrive, by investing strategically for the long-term benefit of the sector. In this first funding round of the scheme the focus is on assisting with finding new markets for fishery and aquaculture products, promote the quality…

Statistics published this week show that over a million people in Wales have now received their COVID-19 booster vaccination this autumn. Public Health Wales’s weekly data, published today, shows the number of people who have now received their booster reached 1,023,594 last week. It has also been confirmed that all eligible people in Wales should by now have received an invitation for their latest booster vaccine. The Welsh Government has urged anyone who is eligible for a booster, but has not received an invitation, to check with their local health board. This year’s autumn vaccine programme has been offered to…

he retail sale of peat in horticulture will end in Wales, Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has announced. The announcement follows a public consultation which shows 92% of Welsh respondents supported an overall ban of the sale of peat compost. Whilst there is no current peat extraction in Wales, today’s action will be crucial in protecting Welsh peatlands in the future. Preventing sales of peat containing products is also in line with the Well-being of Future Generations Act commitment to be globally responsible. Peatlands are the UK’s largest stores of carbon, support key habitats and species, and can hold large…

Christmas is fast approaching, and it’s set to be the most wonderful time of the year for many families around the UK. But the festive season can pose a few additional problems for our four-legged friends, and the change of routine and new experiences can be worrying to dogs. It’s estimated that six out of 10 households now include a canine companion, so dog welfare charity Dogs Trust has issued its top ten tips so the nation’s dogs can enjoy Christmas too.  Decorations hanging on a tree are incredibly tempting toys for our canine friends, but tree decorations can be…

Jollyes is putting the finishing touches to its first store in south Wales as it prepares to open in Llanelli just in time for Christmas.  The nationwide pet retailer will open its doors at Parc Pemberton Retail Park,Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, at 10.00am on Saturday 10 December. The official opening ceremony will be performed by the chair and consort of Carmarthenshire County Council, councillor Rob and Mrs Nysia Evans. The 5,500 sq ft store will employ ten colleagues and offer customers a wide range of pet products, from food and treats to toys and accessories. It will host a community pet clinic…

Following Estyn approval, Christ College Brecon will be accepting children from the age of four from September 2023. The expansion is part of Christ College’s planned reconfigurations to its dedicated lower ‘Prep’ school, St Nicholas House, and follows the introduction of a Key Stage 1 class this academic year. The next phase of the development will see the integration of its junior section and Year 7-8 classes. St Nicholas House was established in September 2014 and accommodates 60 pupils across five classes up to Year 6. St Nicholas House Lead Teacher, Gareth Bufton, said: “We are passionate aboutmaintaining smaller ratios…

Newport-based Kilsby Williams has appointed a new Tax Associate as it continues to consolidate its position as one of the country’s leading independent accountancy firms and business advisors. Rob Meredith joins the firm from PKF Francis Clark in Bristol. He grew up in South Wales and trained as a Chartered Tax Advisor in Cardiff before spending 12 years with Big Four and Top 12 accountancy firms in London. He is a corporate tax specialist and will be providing tax technical and general business advice to the firm’s diverse range of clients. His appointment is the sixth into the firm’s growing…