Author: Rhys Gregory

The Senedd’s Local Government and Housing Committee has launched a “hugely welcome” inquiry – looking at whether people with pets face barriers accessing private rented housing in Wales, following tireless campaigning by the RSPCA. The animal welfare charity has long called for a change in law to prevent private landlords initiating blanket bans on the keeping of pets in private rental properties. RSPCA Cymru believes allowing pets in private rented properties can yield wide-ranging social benefits, help promote responsible animal ownership and facilitate happy, healthy tenants. However, too many tenants in Wales are either blocked from getting a pet -…

Macmillan Cancer Support has welcomed an improvement in cancer treatment waiting times but warns that far too many people still face anxious delays in Wales. Responding to data released today, the charity highlights how performance against Wales’ national treatment targets increased in February to 52.5% compared to 50.1% in January, which was the poorest performance on record. Macmillan warns that while the improvement is welcome, the fact remains that almost 1 in 2 people with cancer are not being treated on time, with February alone seeing 747 people with cancer being left to face anxious delays in their care. The…

The Otter pub in Newport is due to receive a new look with the pub undergoing a £115,000 investment into its refurbishment. Situated on the edge of Newport town centre, the Otter has a family-friendly feel and is suitable for dogs. It also boasts an outdoor patio area and beer garden. The Otter pub offers a varied menu of pub favourites such as hand-battered Atlantic cod served with chips and tartare sauce and new additions such as mac & cheese topped with popcorn chicken and classic lagers on draught, cask ales and a variety of cocktails and G&Ts. The pub…

IoD Wales has revealed the finalists for its Director of the Year Awards, with a shortlist featuring leaders representing a wide spectrum of organisations and sectors across Wales. Winners of the prestigious awards, in partnership with Cardiff Business School, will be announced during a ceremony at ICC Wales, Newport on 12 May. Richard Selby, Chair, IoD Wales said: “We always look forward to the Director of the Year Awards and the opportunity to recognise and celebrate leaders across all industries and sectors in Wales. “Businesses have endured another challenging year, so it’s wonderful to see so many high-calibre finalists named…

For safety reasons National Trust Cymru have removed the fisherman’s ladders at Rhiw Goch near Dolwyddelan, Conwy. Following promotion of the site in the press and on social media – there was a rapid increase in visits to the ladders. The sudden popularity of a once little visited site has caused many issues ranging from deterioration of the structures, damage to boundaries, trespassing and dangerous parking along the A470 trunk road. Trystan Edwards, General Manager, Eryri (Snowdonia), National Trust Cymru said; “The structures were rusty, rickety, and located high above a river, they were unsafe. We realise that this is…

Judgement Day will be taking place at Principality Stadium this Saturday and to ensure all ticket holders can into out of the stadium safely, there will be a partial road closure in place between 11am and 9pm in the city centre, but Castle Street will remain open to traffic. Those attending these rugby matches are strongly advised to plan their journey in advance and get into the stadium early. Please pay attention to the prohibited items listed at principalitystadium.wales,in particular the bag policy (no large bags permitted) before travelling into the city. Road closures The following roads will be closed in their…

A former director of a large wholesale cash and carry business based in Bessemer Road in Cardiff has been ordered to pay a total of £2,517 due to a rat infestation at his premises as well as failing to get the necessary approval from the authorising authority to supply foods of ‘animal origin’ including meat products for human consumption over a 30-mile radius. LS Wholesale Ltd, based at Unit 16d Wholesales Fruit Centre in Bessemer Road, Cardiff, is a wholesale business that supplies spices, vegetables, meat, fish and other foods of ‘animal origin’ to nearby shops and restaurants. Between December…

Swansea Council is also working with Swansea BID to enable its members to apply for 700 low-cost parking season tickets, meaning each season ticket holder can park in the city centre for the equivalent of just £1.35 a day. Park and Ride services are also remaining £1 a day car parking at both sites, allowing for the driver and three passengers to benefit from the cheap transport service into the city centre. Russell Greenslade, director of BID, welcomed Swansea Council’s latest action on car parking. He said: “I am really pleased we were able to work in collaboration with Swansea…

A major programme of road safety improvements is due to start this summer in Narberth. The Pembrokeshire County Council programme will focus on three key schemes in the town, which aim to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Measures include new footpaths, pedestrian crossings, new dropped kerbs and better safety at junctions. Funded by a £411k Welsh Government Safer Routes in Communities grant, the work is due to be completed by March 2024. Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said that the schemes form part of the overall Narberth Safer Routes in Communities work that has been ongoing for…

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Animal Health and Welfare team – as part of a multi-agency operation on Tuesday 18th April – seized livestock and dogs from land at the Ridgeway, Lamphey. The operation was to prevent suffering under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. In total 94 animals were removed: one cow, five dogs, 19 various poultry, 26 sheep and 43 pigs. Council Officers worked alongside Dyfed-Powys Police, RSPCA, local veterinary surgeons and Animal and Plant Health Agency vets. The background to the operation involves the previous prosecution of Richard Scarfe of Pembroke Dock. Scarfe was convicted of multiple animal welfare offences…