Author: Rhys Gregory

Pembrokeshire County Council has informed residents and visitors that Narberth Castle will remain temporarily closed beyond the initial conservation period, as additional essential safety works have been identified. Following the recent programme of stabilisation and conservation, further inspection has revealed additional structural concerns that require urgent attention to ensure the long-term safety and preservation of this important heritage site. The site, including the public footpath, will remain closed while further works are undertaken. These will include reinforcement of unstable masonry, removal of hazardous debris, and installation of protective measures to prevent future deterioration. Due to the nature of the terrain…

The Welsh Government has signed an agreement with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to support businesses and help drive greater investment in creativity and innovation. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) recognises the important role that effective intellectual asset and intellectual property (IP) management has in stimulating economic growth. It sets the foundations for the two organisations to work closer together to provide targeted IP support and guidance for innovative Welsh businesses.  This will deliver social and economic benefits for people across Wales. This agreement forms part of the Welsh Government’s vision to create and nurture a vibrant innovation culture for…

Cardiff Council is restricting junk food advertising on all Council owned assets, following the approval of an updated advertising policy by Cabinet at its meeting last week. The policy, aimed at supporting public health, sustainability, and community wellbeing, sets out new standards and has a particular focus on the promotion of healthier food and drink options. Advertising products and services that are harmful to health or the environment, vehicles powered by fossil fuels, payday loans, and tobacco products including e-cigarettes and vapes are also prohibited under the policy. Alcohol and religious advertising are subject to strict controls and must comply…

As many people across Wales return to the grind after summer, a new report reveals sickness absence in the workplace is climbing at an alarming rate. According to the CIPD’s latest Health and Wellbeing at Work report, employees are now taking an average of 9.4 days off each year. This is a sharp increase from 7.8 days in 2023 and 5.8 in 2022 – a near doubling of absence in just three years. The findings come at a time when more organisations than ever are adopting wellbeing strategies. Some 57% now have a formal wellbeing plan in place, up from…

A by-election will take place in Caerphilly next month to fill the vacant Senedd seat left by the sudden death of Labour politician Hefin David. A by-election happens when a seat becomes vacant between general elections, giving local voters the chance to choose a new representative. The Welsh Parliament has confirmed that the vote will be held on Thursday 23 October 2025. Mr David, who had served as the Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly since 2016, died suddenly on 12 August at the age of 47. Labour has held the Caerphilly seat since the Senedd, then known as the…

More than 80 guests gathered on Saturday to mark the official opening of the Eddie Butler Performance Centre, a world-class facility dedicated to sport, wellbeing and the enduring legacy of one of Wales’s greatest rugby figures. Members of Eddie Butler’s family, including his children and grandchildren, joined Old Monmothians, distinguished alumni and representatives from Sport Wales, Team Wales and the Welsh Rugby Union, alongside staff and students, for the occasion. The celebrations featured speeches from Headmaster Melvyn Roffe MBE, Lord Colin Moynihan and Director of Sport Richie Rees, as well as an emotional film voiced by Eddie himself. Eddie’s son,…

Cardiff residents are being invited to get moving on Wednesday 24 September as local leisure centres mark National Fitness Day with free and discounted activities. Eastern, Fairwater, Llanishen, Maindy, Pentwyn and Western Leisure Centres will all be taking part, with sessions ranging from gym challenges and cardio masterclasses to Pilates, yoga and group cycling. Visitors can also try junior and adult gym tasters, badminton and pickleball drop-ins, junior multi-sports and adult swimming lessons. Western Leisure Centre will be hosting a special superhero-themed circuits class, encouraging participants to dress up for the occasion. There will also be the chance to take…

Three early-career vets – Rosemary Charnley, Jade Urquhart-Gilmore and Leah Hunter – have been announced as the finalists for the prestigious British Veterinary Association (BVA) Young Vet of the Year Award, which is sponsored by Zoetis and celebrates inspirational vets in the first stages of their professional career. The award judging panel – BVA President Liz Mullineaux, last year’s Young Vet of the Year David Charles, Diagnostics National Veterinary Manager Sophie Duguid from Zoetis and RCVS President Tim Parkin were impressed by all three of the entrants and their hard work, achievements in their careers so far and their dedication…

A scheme which has been transforming the lives of parents and families for more than a decade was one of the winners at the annual Inspire! Adult Learning Awards. Learners are being celebrated for their hard work and commitment to education at a national award ceremony in Swansea, as part of Adult Learners’ Week. One of the 11 winners is the Parent Learning Group at Cathays High School in Cardiff. It has been operating in a school where 43% of pupils are eligible for free school meals and more than 65 different languages are spoken since 2014. The scheme empowers…

Rhayader 2000 has unveiled a refreshed direction and identity, relaunching as Rhayader Tourism Partnership with a new chair. The organisation has also welcomed two new board members to strengthen the town’s visitor economy and community engagement. The town is branded as the Outdoors Capital of Wales. Rhys Thomas takes over as chair from Bill Stow, who will continue to serve the organisation as a director. Rhys co-owns Mid Wales Holiday Lets and is a member of Rhayader Town Council, serving as a portfolio holder for tourism and economic regeneration. The partnership has added the expertise of Sam Lunn of Narrative…