Author: Rhys Gregory

Two popular businesses have temporary new homes as essential work is carried out to strengthen the Mumbles sea defences. The Gower Seafood Hut and coffee van Bibby’s Beans have moved off the prom to pitches in the neighbouring Southend Park as contractors Knights Brown undertake the work for Swansea Council. Both are open and ready for a busy Easter holiday. Another prom business – Village Creperie – plans to reopen in a new nearby location soon. Council cabinet member Andrew Stevens said: “We’re delighted that these popular food and drink businesses can continue to serve customers within a few yards…

A new build net zero carbon school – as part of the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Schools Challenge – is to be established in Neath Port Talbot. Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhosafan will be packed with energy efficient technology including a ground source heat pump system and photovoltaic panels plus the use of local supply chains and local materials. The use of carbon intensive materials will be discouraged where practicable in favour of natural and renewable materials and the use of recycled materials, where appropriate, will be encouraged. Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhosafan will be completely rebuilt and will include a Welsh Language…

A realistic exercise tested the emergency response to a major incident at Haverfordwest Airport last month. Using a scenario of a light aircraft colliding with a vehicle on approach to the runway, the exercise examined procedures of joint working and coordination between the airport and blue light services for aviation emergencies. The exercise gave participants invaluable experience of responding to a situation involving realistic sights, sounds and smells. In the unlikely event that crews need to respond to a real emergency at the airport, all involved will be in the best position to respond effectively. Such exercises are critical to…

RCT Council will begin preliminary work this week near the A4119 in Tonyrefail ahead of a major scheme later this year – to realign the river channel, carry out embankment repairs and replace the Tynybryn footbridge. The River Ely has caused significant scour damage at a location near the A4119 in Tonyrefail, between Tynybryn Road and Park Lane. Important work is required to realign the river away from the direction of private properties. The Council has appointed Balfour Beatty and their subcontractors to deliver the works – which also include other protections to the river and embankment. The Tynybryn footbridge…

Caerphilly County Borough Council unveils finalised renderings and branding of new market as the ambitious redevelopment of the town takes shape. Caerphilly County Borough Council have announced further information around the branding of the first of their regeneration projects, Ffos Caerffili, a modern market which is the first major project as part of the wider Caerphilly 2035 masterplan, with funding support from Welsh Government’s Transforming Town’s initiative. The new space has been lovingly named Ffos Caerffili, which translates to ‘moat’ in English, reflecting the town’s rich heritage and iconic medieval fortress that is Caerphilly castle. Ffos Caerffili will celebrate Caerphilly’s…

South Wales Police are investigating a serious sexual assault in Cardiff. Officers investigating a serious sexual assault which was reported during the early hours Saturday morning in central Cardiff have arrested two men on suspicion of rape. The men, a 20-year-old from Bridgend and a 19-year-old from Cardiff, are now on bail pending further investigation. Police have said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with this investigation.

The award-winning Oakdale Community Centre supports many local voluntary groups and continues to improve its facilities for all its users. They are at the heart of the community and offer a wide range of activities to suit all age groups, from pre-school to pensioners. The Centre supports an array of groups and organisations, including a lunch club, tai chi, art and craft groups, slimming groups, History groups and photography clubs. The Centre has also recently set up a Warm Welcome Hub, offering free refreshments and a warm space to address the isolation of many members within the community. The cost…

Powys County Council has announced the appointment of an interim Chief Executive as current Chief Executive, Dr Caroline Turner is absent due to ill health. Former City and County of Swansea Council Chief Executive Jack Straw OBE will take up the position of Interim Chief Executive on April 10. Powys County Council Leader, Councillor James Gibson-Watt said, “Jack is a very experienced local executive officer who is well known to Powys having chaired the council’s Improvement and Assurance Board in the past. “We look forward to welcoming him back to Powys and in the meantime wish Caroline all the very…

Monmouthshire-based Creo Medical Limited is expanding and creating 85 well-paid jobs over 3 years, thanks to a £708,000 investment from the Welsh Government, Economy Minister Vaughan Gething has announced. The high technology medical device company specialises in the emerging field of surgical endoscopy, which aids minimally invasive surgery by applying microwave and radio wave energy. The Chepstow-based company is set to build a new research and development (R&D) manufacturing centre on its current site. It will use the Welsh Government’s Economy Futures Fund investment to invest in expanding its premises and in state of the art manufacturing equipment. Innovating new…

In the UK, one in two people will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. This equates to around 1,000 people per day being diagnosed with cancer. Of those, 36% are of working age. This means that there are an awful lot of employees navigating their diagnosis, treatment, and life beyond cancer whilst still employed and/or going to work. As an employer, raising awareness of cancer should be just as important as supporting employees with cancer after they receive a diagnosis. By adopting a proactive cancer awareness strategy, you’ll create a more inclusive and understanding workplace culture, and demonstrate to…