Author: Rhys Gregory

Pupils in the Vale of Glamorgan have become the first in Wales to benefit from new science education workshops provided by Wales’s home-grown internet company, Ogi. Delivered in collaboration with leading interactive education practitioners, Science Made Simple, the new programme brings broadband technology to life, helping schools to embed ultrafast connectivity and showcase the real-life application of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects throughout the new curriculum. The initial pilot programme launched during the autumn term with three schools in Llantwit Major, coinciding with the completion of Ogi’s initial broadband works programme in the Vale of Glamorgan town. Classes of pupils…

The Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council has approved the Bridgend Biodiversity Duty Plan, 2022 to 2025, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to promoting the resilience of ecosystems. Following a review of the previous plan, involving feedback from relevant departments across the council, one of the key achievements highlighted was the landscape projects that have been delivered. Biodiversity enhancement activities at the disused coal washery site in Ogmore Vale, Ogmore Washeries, resulted in identifying a new species – namely the Brown Banded Carder bee. Another example is the ‘Dunes 2 Dunes’ project, which involved a collaboration of nature reserve managers, volunteers…

More than 30 community organisations in Swansea have now been added to a directory highlighting safe, warm and welcoming places where people can go to during the winter. Council services such as libraries and community hubs are also included in the list of Swansea Spaces where people can be assured they will be welcomed and treated with dignity and respect. Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Well-being Alyson Pugh said: “It is just over a week since the Swansea Spaces Directory went live and there has been a huge response from community groups, charities and other organisations who are providing spaces.…

Swansea Council is urging people aged 66 and over to check if they qualify for Pension Credit. Pension Credit gives extra help with living costs to people over state pension age and on a low income. People might get extra help if they are a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. Hayley Gwilliam, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Support, said: “The cost of living crisis is hitting us all and we know that there are pensioners in Swansea who are struggling to make ends meet yet are missing out on money that they are…

What’s known as the Milbourne Chambers building is a well-known sight in Merthyr Tydfil town centre — with its recognisable clocktower and central location. Despite having multiple occupants over the decades, the building is soon to begin a new chapter — with the arrival of Italian restaurant, Casa Bianca; the first eatery to occupy the space. The new venture has been made possible by an investment from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Placemaking scheme — delivered in conjunction with our dedicated town centre regeneration team at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and topped up by the business owner’s own investment.…

Work to introduce an improved walking and cycling route between Llanelwedd and Builth Wells will begin early next month (5 December). The route for the shared use path was identified and agreed during previous public consultations on the county’s Active Travel Network Maps. To be funded by the Welsh Government Safe Routes in Communities Grant, this scheme will mark the first phase of establishing an active travel route connecting Builth Wells and Llanelwedd, and the beginning of a local active travel network. Expected to be completed in approximately eight weeks, the scheme will consist of two safe highways crossings, one…

From Pembrokeshire to Barry Island, there are more amusement and theme parks in Wales than you may realise! The area is teeming with places to go and things to see, but if you want good, clean fun, it also has plenty in store. These amusement and theme parks are open all year, and if you want the kids (and adults) to have fun, we’ve got just the thing – and the best part is, they’re spread out all around Wales, so an hour’s drive (or less) will take you there. Here are the most popular theme parks in Wales today.…

In the latest of a series of lettings that form a key part of Schroders Capital’s strategic repositioning of Mermaid Quay, Schroders Capital UK Real Estate Fund (‘SCREF’) has agreed a deal to bring Thai tapas chain Giggling Squid to the popular 150,000 sq ft mixed-use destination on Cardiff Bay’s waterfront. Giggling Squid will occupy a high-profile, 4,800 sq ft unit on the terrace level of the scheme, overlooking the recently refurbished central Tacoma Square and the Bay. The restaurant will be created by combining units previously occupied by Bayside Brasserie and Bellini’s Italian restaurants operated by independent restaurateur Babak…

New figures suggest that properties in Wales may be more likely to experience drastic price drops than elsewhere in the UK. According to Zoopla, Wales is particularly vulnerable to a fall in property prices due to the high level of growth seen in the last two years. Welsh properties have seen values rise by an average of 27 percent since the pandemic. Danny Luke, managing director of property buying company Quick Move Now, explains: “Figures suggest that Wales experienced greater property price growth than elsewhere in the UK. It is estimated that Welsh property prices have grown by an average…

Three men from Swansea who have already been convicted of drug trafficking and robbery offences, have had more than £6million worth of assets – including a Lamborghini sports car – confiscated during a Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing. The hearing, the latest linked to the Operation Tilbury investigation, took place at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, November 18, and considered three men from Swansea, who were part of a county lines criminal gang which sold illegal drugs. They were jailed in 2021 for a total of 39 years and three months after a 15-month long investigation. Daniel Harris, 40, from…