Author: Rhys Gregory

More than £58m will be invested into ways to help us choose to walk and cycle for local journeys, Deputy Climate Change Minister Lee Waters confirmed today (Thursday, June 15). Speaking on Clean Air Day, the Deputy Minister with responsibility for transport outlined how the huge investment would fund new and improved active travel routes across Wales. Since 2018, the Welsh Government has increased active travel funding from £15m to £70m – now more than £22 for every person in Wales, compared to dedicated active travel spending in England of about £1 per head in the same period. The Deputy…

Delays, cancellations, and overcrowding are just some of the reasons Deputy Minister Lee Waters decided to take a trip on the Wrexham to Bidston line. The Deputy Minister with responsibility for transport wanted to experience problems that have been reported by passengers over recent months and front up to criticism. On the train he was able to learn more about the issues from members of the Wrexham-Bidston Rail Users’ Association. He was then able to discuss with leaders of Flintshire and Chester and Cheshire West Council and has now tasked Transport for Wales with developing a plan to improve the…

Welsh legislation that will better protect scheduled monuments and listed buildings has received Royal Assent. It is the first piece of consolidated legislation to be produced as part of the Welsh Government’s programme to reform Welsh law and make it more accessible. The Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023 brings together the main pieces of legislation relating to Wales’ historic environment, modernising and organising the law and ensuring it is written in simple, everyday language. For the first time the law for the historic environment will be published in a fully bilingual format. Following the official sealing ceremony, the Welsh Government’s…

The e-commerce landscape is on the verge of retail domination. As we recover from the effects of the global pandemic, more smartphone users than ever before are tapping into an online high street to interact with their favourite brands.  In fact, by 2026 alone, one-fifth of retail purchases globally will be made with a click of a button.  Embarking on an e-commerce adventure could be the next big move for your small business. From opening your doors to a global audience to gaining recognition on social media, launching your store in an online domain could skyrocket your conversion rate in…

Like much of the UK, Wales has been in the midst of a difficult cost of living crisis, and that has had a direct impact on rent. Reports by WalesOnline indicate a very challenging rise in the number of people contacting homelessness teams, reflecting a lower level of income and greater difficulty with paying even the basic bills. It’s not a case of greed, either, as rising interest rates have forced landlords to increase prices or sell up. In reaction to this, the Welsh government has decided to consult on rent controls for private tenants. What remains to be seen is whether…

Once again Royal Ascot descends upon Berkshire’s picturesque course with a plethora of talented horses, jockeys and trainers all looking at writing their names in the history books as part of flat racing’s biggest events. An event that Britain’s most prestigious characters will have ringed out on their calendars for months, the five-day Festival is an expression of supreme flat racing talent, with Thursday’s Gold Cup one of the main events. Indeed, the third day at Ascot is perhaps the pinnacle for talent and with last year’s winner Kyprios officially ruled out of the race, the Paddy Power racing odds…

Since the dawn of time, the charm of gaming has enticed the hearts of many. Wales, with its picturesque green meadows and vibrant city life, is a living example of this age-old magnetism. A colorful array of gambling options, especially online slots, have experienced a boom, drawing crowds to their virtual worlds. Nonetheless, the exhilarating thrill of gaming mustn’t overshadow the vital importance of playing it safe. Keep a keen eye on your betting expenses, be alert to any warning signs of gambling issues, and equip yourself with information on where to get help if needed. This guide lays out…

A Newtown businessman has announced a major £50,000 investment to mark his company’s 21 years in business. Joe Varley, owner of Varleys of Newtown, supplies everything for a fitted kitchen and bathroom, bespoke bedroom furniture and beds, a huge range of tiles and flooring under one roof. He will unveil a brand new showroom for stylish LochAnna kitchens and a separate display of bespoke bedroom furniture and beds at an open day on Saturday, June 24 between 9am and 4pm at Units 11-14, Dyffryn Enterprise Park, and Pool Road, Newtown. Every customer who places an order for a kitchen at…

Pembroke Octopush Club has been awarded a chunk of National Lottery funding to help more local people become immersed in the excitement of underwater hockey. A sport for all ages, octopush is played at the bottom of a swimming pool with players using small sticks to push a weighted puck into their opponent’s goal. Pembroke Octopush Club has been making waves since 1989 and have bagged the title of Welsh champions twelve times since 2007. Many of their members have gone on to play for Team GB at the European and World underwater hockey championships. Now, they’re hoping to get…

In celebration of Pride Month this June, St David’s Dewi Sant is hosting a ‘Tree of Pride’, inviting visitors to decorate the tree with their pledges to work toward a more inclusive and loving future. The community art piece will be touring the country gathering the public’s promises, blooming with messages of love, unity, and acceptance on its journey. Guests are encouraged to commit to one of the suggested pledges or to leave a positive sentiment that feels right to them, such as a dedication to a loved one. In honour of the Tree of Pride and Pride Month, St…