Author: Rhys Gregory

Ambitious plans have been unveiled for a new low carbon estate of 131 affordable homes in North Wales. The 12-acre site in Pensarn, near Abergele, was acquired by housing association Cartrefi Conwy earlier this year. It will be the biggest housing scheme ever undertaken by Cartrefi if it’s given the green light by planners at Conwy County Borough Council. The former Inter Leisure site in Towyn Road already has planning permission for housing  after it was secured by the previous owners. Cartrefi will be applying for permission to amend the existing planning permission and have asked for more time to…

A group of talented musicians pumped up the volume to inspire schoolchildren to start taking music lessons. Pupils in Denbighshire, Wrexham and other parts of Wales were rocking in the aisles as the band, Make Some Noise, played a series of concerts as part of a virtual tour that took in 200 schools. The band includes nine tutors who work with the North Wales Music Co-operative, a not-for-profit organisation that provides hiqh quality music tuition for children and young people. The service, which comprises sister co-operatives in Denbighshire and Wrexham, is now expanding thanks to extra funding that’s come via…

The shortlisted finalists for this year’s prestigious Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2022 have been announced. Highlight of the year for apprentices, employers and work-based learning providers and practitioners, the awards are organised by the Welsh Government and supported by the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW). Headline sponsor for the third year is Openreach. The judging panel had the difficult task of whittling the large number of applications down to 23 finalists in nine award categories. The winners will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony on November 10. The awards highlight the outstanding achievements, during unprecedented times, of employers, apprentices…

THE CEO of Crimestoppers has issued an appeal for anyone with information about the murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel to come forward. A £200,000 reward is being offered to help find the nine-year-old girl’s killer. But there are fears in Liverpool, where the murder happened, that many are staying silent amid fear of reprisals from those responsible or linked to the crime. Seeking to offer reassurance, Mark Hallas,  Crimestoppers CEO, told GB News large rewards “don’t always work” but that in this case it could be vital. He said: “Sometimes rewards do work, and sometimes they don’t. In this case, I…

The South Wales Business Awards is delighted to announce Swansea Building Society as feature sponsor for the 2022 awards. Swansea Building Society is one of the UK’s most progressive building society’s and is experiencing another excellent year in 2022 following record results in 2021. Richard Miles – Head of Savings & Area Manager (East Wales) said “Swansea Building Society is delighted to become feature sponsor of the South Wales Business Awards. Swansea Building Society is deeply committed to the communities that we serve and to see such a vibrant and strong business community is fantastic. With the difficult economic headwinds,…

The M&D Care Llanelli Half Marathon returned with a bang on Sunday with over 1,000 participants taking part. The runners went all-out to beat their previous record. Everyone seemed to be running on a high this year with hundreds managing to achieve their personal bests. Participants took to the route on closed roads, in what was considered perfect running conditions with little to no wind. Amongst the crowds were the (un)official running club of the event, the Running Punks, who helped create an amazing atmosphere for everyone on the day. Tash Smith, Race Director said:  “It was wonderful seeing everyone take part…

Cardiff Council has revealed plans to increase cab fares by between 18% and 41% on journeys within the city, but is to consider an alternative proposal from a leading taxi company before it makes its final decision. The rises, proposed by Cardiff Council’s Cabinet in June and set in response to the sharp increases in fuel costs and second-hand cars, with public consultation taking place between July 11th and July 25th. In that time, the council received 226 individually signed but identical letters of support from licensed Cardiff drivers, and one objection – from Dragon Taxis in Cardiff, which also…

Cardiff Council has endorsed the Welsh Government’s plan to eradicate the HIV virus in Wales and achieve zero tolerance of HIV-related stigma by 2030. A report due to go before the council’s Cabinet on Wednesday, September 28, outlines the HIV Action Plan for Wales and explains the history of the virus, which began infecting people in the 1970s. Today, more than 35 million are living with HIV/AIDS across the world, although huge progress has been made in the fight against it. There is no cure, but infection rates have fallen or stabilized in many countries and with effective prevention, diagnosis,…

A flood defence system, designed to protect properties in south-east Cardiff from rising sea levels for the next 100 years is set to be approved by Cardiff Council. Construction of the scheme, 85% of which will be paid for by the Welsh Government, with Cardiff Council contributing the remaining 15%, is set to begin early next year, with work due to be completed by the latter end of 2025. When built, it is expected to comprise: A rock barrier along the coast to manage erosion and high tides Sheet piling along the Lamby Way roundabout Maintained earth embankments, and Rock…

Close to 90 projects have now been approved as part of a major on-going investment helping Swansea residents, communities and businesses recover from the impact of the pandemic. Schemes to have benefited from Swansea Council’s Economic Recovery Fund include an Energy Awareness Hub which gives free advice to householders looking to save money on their energy bills. Since its launch earlier this year, the hub has directly engaged with about 300 local people, helping deliver estimated potential savings worth a combined £48,000 over 12 months. Now extended to run until the spring, the hub, which is being run by Swansea…