Author: Rhys Gregory

Rhondda Cynon Taf has granted final approval for proposals to amalgamate two schools in Glyn-coch and build a brand new community primary school with first-class facilities – as part of its ongoing joint investment with Welsh Government. On Wednesday, June 22, Members agreed with officer recommendations to approve the proposals, that will improve the quality of education provision in Glyn-coch. Cefn Primary and Craig yr Hesg Primary will be amalgamated by 2026, and the newly-created, larger primary school will serve their combined catchment area. The new building will be located on the current Craig yr Hesg Primary site and adjacent…

Staff at a much-loved Mountain Ash restaurant, who served up a vital community effort during the Coronavirus pandemic, are delighted food, drinks and their famous carvery are now back on the menu. From June 28, Woods Restaurant will re-open seven days a week, offering a great range of light bites, steaks, burgers, classic meals such as scampi and steak and ale pie and, of course, its popular Sunday carvery roast. Woods Restaurant, which is based at Cynon Valley Indoor Bowls Centre, was completely taken over by the NHS at the height of the pandemic. The popular and buzzing restaurant/dining area…

Monmouthshire County Council has received Welsh Government Active Travel funding of £3.4m for the financial year 22/23 with the aim of reducing everyday car journeys, and making walking, cycling and wheeling the easiest option. Monmouthshire’s Active Travel strategic focus is on journeys shorter than 3.0 miles to education, employment, shopping, health destinations, bus and rail stations, and details of the schemes will be developed in partnership with local people. How is this funding being distributed across the county? Caldicot Construction of phase 1 of Caldicot Links (subject to planning) – Changing disused MOD railway into walking and cycling link. Scheme…

At Thursday’s Full Council meeting (23rd June), Monmouthshire County Council’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme received the third and final green light regarding Abergavenny’s proposed all-through 3-19 school, set to open its doors in 2024. Approval was granted to the inclusion of the new Abergavenny School on the Council’s Capital Programme. This followed the successful application for planning permission agreed on 8th June, and the Full Business Case being approved by Welsh Government in April 2022. The proposed school is being developed through the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, which is a One Wales commitment and a unique collaboration between…

Merthyr Tydfil Council are speeding up the growth of Electric Vehicle charging network points across Merthyr Tydfil to facilitate the growth of electric vehicles, supporting their commitment to becoming a Net Zero Local Authority by 2030. The Council will have 13 chargers built at various public car parks across the County Borough with the support of the Cardiff Capital Region Transport Authority and Connected Kerb Ltd who will install the chargers. With the Welsh Government’s “Climate Emergency” declaration, the Council have an important role in supporting net zero ambitions and strengthening sustainable practices across the County Borough. Regeneration Cabinet Member…

Welsh food and drink exports hit a record high in 2021 reaching £641m, Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has announced. Wales also had the largest percentage increase in the value of food and drink exports out of the four UK nations between 2020 and 2021 rising by £89 million, a growth of 16.1%. The highest value export category for Welsh food and drink in 2021 was Meat and Meat Products at £187m. Meanwhile, Cereal and Cereal Preparations saw a year-on-year increase of 173%, rising from £51m to £139m, and dairy and birds eggs hit £106m. The range of products exported…

The Welsh Government has published a new school improvement framework, ensuring that learner progression and wellbeing is at the heart of all efforts to deliver high standards and aspirations. This means that National Categorisation will finish and be replaced by a robust self-evaluation system where good practice can be shared and failure is urgently addressed. Parents will now be able to access more up-to-date, detailed and informative information. By moving away from categorisation, a summary of each school’s improvement priorities and development plan will be made public and published. Reviews have shown that pupil assessment and school accountability have too…

A new BBC One prime time crime thriller is being filmed across South Wales and today Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden had a behind the scenes look at filming at the iconic Enfys studios in Cardiff – and met with the trainees working on the production.  Based on Mo Hayder’s acclaimed Jack Caffery novels and produced by award-winning Hartswood Films and APC Studios, filming is now underway on this major new six-part crime thriller for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Written and adapted by Megan Gallagher, Ukweli Roach has been cast in the lead role of DI Jack Caffery along with cast including…

On Armed Forces Day, the Welsh Government has announced the continuation of the Armed Forces Free Swimming scheme. The scheme enables serving members of the Armed Forces and Veterans to swim for free at participating leisure centres and pools, using their Defence Privilege Card. The Armed Forces Free Swimming Scheme (AFFS) was first introduced in 2016 and represents the continued commitment to provide the Armed Forces community with access to services which meet their specific needs and recognise the service they have given to their country. Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, said: “I’m very pleased that we…

People eligible for the spring COVID-19 booster are being urged to get vaccinated before the cut-off date of Thursday 30 June. Since late March, people aged 75 and over, care home residents, and anyone aged 12 or over who is immunosuppressed have been able to get their spring booster to increase their level of protection against COVID-19. By taking up the offer of a spring booster now, this allows a sufficient interval between doses, if they are deemed eligible by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for an autumn 2022 booster. If someone eligible for a spring booster…