Author: Rhys Gregory

Changes to the way Cardiff residents recycle their waste could be rolled out across large parts of the city as they seek to improve recycling rates and act on climate change. The climate crisis is causing cities across the world to change the amount of energy and resources they use, so as well as improving how much we all recycle, the new strategy will also seek to reduce the overall amount of waste we all generate, and re-manufacture our recycled materials so it can be repurposed and used again. The new recycling strategy follows the ‘blueprint’ designed by Welsh Government…

Swansea’s basketball players have been given a boost, with new facilities in Victoria Park. The park court’s two posts have been replaced with new ones – and two additional posts have been installed, extending the basketball area. This is thanks to work by Swansea Council and Basketball Wales using funding from Sport Wales. Players there can now enjoy for free the full-sided game plus the sport’s growing #3×3 version. A second phase of the work in the coming months will see professional-look painted court surfaces. Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “Victoria Park is the best used of our outdoor…

Funding is now available to help Swansea businesses save money on their energy bills and improve their online visibility. Ranging from £500 to £1500, the Swansea Council grants are aimed at supporting existing businesses which are looking to grow. Schemes that could be covered by the Green Innovation Grant include investment in measures like LED lighting that reduce energy usage. Energy audits could also be covered, as well as changes in manufacturing processes that deliver a reduced carbon footprint. Creation of a first-time website, development of an existing website or support with online marketing campaigns are among the areas potentially…

Skateboard facilities in Swansea are in line for a revamp as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to improve play equipment. Swansea Council has announced its plans to review existing skateboarding facilities and are looking to attract a consultant who can work with the Council on the exciting project. An initial assessment has already been completed on a number of sites around the city where some skateboard and BMX facilities are located – including at Parc Melin Mynach, Coed Bach Parc and the Elba Sports Complex. Many of the sites feature ageing half-pipes and ramps which have deteriorated through exposure…

A freeport bid consortium consisting of Associated British Ports, Neath Port Talbot Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Port of Milford Haven has been launched to explore the case for a green freeport in South-West Wales. Both Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire have exciting, shared opportunities for nationally significant energy infrastructure to support the development of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, hydrogen and sustainable fuels. Combining this potential with the region’s skill base, existing facilities and proximity to key markets offers a compelling argument for a potential freeport bid. A South-West Wales freeport would bring together the ports…

The council’s Community Empowerment Fund is a funding pot that has been created to enable communities to develop and deliver projects aimed at meeting the needs of their residents. The fund has been allocated in order that each of the council’s ward areas can benefit from receiving funding through the Community Empowerment Fund for local community-based projects. Projects will aim to support communities to: Build community capacity and better understand and identify local aspirations and priorities, Make good use of existing assets, with the projects having the support of local residents Develop projects that are capable of becoming sustainable community…

Energizer Holdings will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its U.K. auto care products manufacturing site this week. Located in Ebbw Vale, the facility was established in 1997 as STP Products, later becoming Armor All Products in 2001. In 2019, Energizer Holdings, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of primary batteries, portable lights, and auto care appearance, performance, refrigerant, and fragrance products including the Energizer, Eveready, Rayovac and VARTA brands, acquired the business. The plant employs nearly 50 skilled staff and produces more than 700 automotive fragrance and appearance products ranging from fuel additives, to car wash products which…

Are you aged over 65 and living in Powys? Mature drivers are being given the opportunity to revise and improve their road knowledge by taking advantage of a free, online driver theory course, organised by the county council. The newly updated course will cover the recent changes to the Highway Code and how these effect road users. Powys County Council’s Road Safety Unit will be holding its Driver Theory Refresher workshop on the following days: Wednesday 19th October 2022 Wednesday 16th November 2022 Wednesday 14th December 2022 The course is a two-hour, online informal workshop designed to update your knowledge…

As the M&D Care Llanelli Half Marathon edges closer, participants are starting to feel the excitement in the build-up to race day. The event, which takes place on Sunday 25th September, will be the first time it has been hosted in September. It is hoped that runners will experience better race conditions than any previous event.  Tash Smith, Race Director, said  “We can’t wait to bring back the Llanelli Half Marathon this Sunday. It is always a great event for athletes and club runners, so I’m looking forward to a spectacular day. As a coastal race it can be a challenge and subject…

BBC Radio Wales Breakfast news programme presenter Claire Summers will be hosting next month’s Powys Business Awards for the second time. Claire, who last hosted the premier annual event for Powys businesses, social enterprises and charities in 2018, will be leading the award ceremony at Dering Lines, Brecon on Friday, October 7. An experienced journalist, she was a key member of the BBC Wales Today team for many years, anchored big events including the Ryder Cup, the London Olympics and Commonwealth Games and has been the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year presenter. Thriving on a live event, Claire…