Author: Rhys Gregory

A £2.6 million challenge to encourage innovation in the production and supply of locally grown food has been launched. The project, which is a partnership between Cardiff Council, Monmouthshire County Council, the Cardiff Capital Region Challenge Fund, Welsh Government, and the SBRI (Small Business Research Initiative) Centre of Excellence, aims to identify and support projects that can harness the potential of land, technology and people to increase the sustainable production and supply of locally grown food in the Cardiff Capital Region. The Challenge requires applicants to clearly demonstrate: How they will increase the sustainable production of food in the region…

The people of Swansea are about to take a journey of discovery through a public art trail exploring their shared history – and how we can all help make racial justice a reality. From August 13-October 31, The World Reimagined project will transform city centre streets with its free trail of globe sculptures. Each is being designed by an individual artist. The trail takes place at the same time as trails in six other UK cities as The World Reimagined invites people to acknowledge this history, and support the work of brilliant community activists and organisations. Supported by the council,…

A month on from its formation, Neath Port Talbot Council’s new Rainbow Coalition – Clymblaid yr Enfys – has this week (Wednesday July 13th) set out its initial priorities. The council’s new Leader Cllr Stephen Hunt told the council meeting that the Coalition will make the improvement of towns, valleys and villages an immediate priority. Cllr Hunt said: “Residents want safe, clean and attractive neighbourhoods. The Coalition is going to respond to that and will be making early provision in capital and revenue budgets to improve the quality of our public realm, working with officers to review services and policies.”…

New areas of wildflower meadow are to be created and enhanced in and around Haverfordwest, thanks to the purchase of a new shared community tractor and mower. The upper and lower Racecourse will be making the most use of the tractor for meadow management in the years to come, but it is also available for use at the Priory Saltings and Bridge Meadow. Aethne Cooke, from the Pembrokeshire Nature Partnership (PNP) said: “Wildflower meadows are some of our rarest and most species-rich habitats. They are beautiful, pollinators love them, and they need less mowing that conventional lawns. “This tractor will…

Planning permission has now been granted to develop the Hawthorn High and Hawthorn Primary school site by 2024 – an important landmark to deliver new first-class, multi-million pound education facilities for staff and pupils. At the Planning and Development Committee meeting on Thursday, July 7, Members approved the application in line with officers’ recommendations. The officer report to the meeting noted that the development’s principle is compliant with planning policy and considerations, and is consistent with the Council’s aim to improve education provision in Rhondda Cynon Taf and to provide facilities that are fit for the 21st Century. The application…

A new playground on Pendre Field next to Priory Church in Wales school in Brecon is now open and being enjoyed by local children and families. Welsh Government Flying Start and Brecon Town Council funding was secured to support the project. The playground has an enclosed area for 0-4 year olds, with inclusive equipment to enable children to develop their physical skills and creativity. This area will also act as an extended outdoor space for the new Flying Start setting that is due to open later this year. The new Flying Start setting will border Pendre Field on the Priory…

The Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales is urging people to take extra precautions and to plan ahead to keep themselves and others safe as the Met Office warns of extreme heat. The Amber warning, issued for Sunday 17 July, Monday 18 July and Tuesday 19 July, suggests some parts of east Wales could see temperatures reach early to mid-thirties. The Welsh Government is working with emergency services, local authorities, schools and businesses to keep the public safe during the Met Office warning period. Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales (DCMO) Chris Jones said: “Extreme heat warnings are not issued lightly…

A £450,000 project will explore whether water from disused mines has the potential to play a vital role in supplying Wales’ energy needs for years to come. Wales’ mines were crucial in firing up the industrial revolution, but once abandoned, the pumps that kept them dry were often switched off and the mines filled with water. Climate Change Minister Julie James has confirmed the funding would allow the Coal Authority to investigate whether this water, which is heated by geological processes, could be used to heat homes, businesses and industry across Wales. Sites will be mapped to give a high-level…

If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, you may see it as just a place to set up your washing line and store your rubbish bins, but it’s so much more than that. Your outdoor space isn’t just for getting some exercise and fresh air – your rental agreement may require you to maintain it. In fact, confusion over who is responsible for garden maintenance is a common headache for landlords and tenants alike. Who is Responsible for Garden Maintenance? Clarifying who is responsible for garden maintenance at the beginning of a tenancy reduces the chances of a dispute…

Disney’s award-winning The Lion King is everything that you’d expect from perhaps one of the most well known and popular musicals of our time. It has been experienced by 110 million people globally and is still drawing sell-out crowds, including the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, so if you are tempted, I’d throughly recommend you get on and book tickets to secure seats now. What hits you first is the captivating rhythms of Africa and the magnificent costumes with their array of colours. In fact, as you are transported to the Serengeti Plains, there is no missing the jungle animals as…