Author: Rhys Gregory

One of Wales’ leading work-based learning companies has held its first Apprenticeship Graduation Awards ceremony to celebrate the success of apprentices from across the country. Around 50 apprentices received their graduation scrolls in their cap and gowns at the ceremony organised by Welshpool-based Cambrian Training Company at the Metropole Hotel and Spa, Llandrindod Wells. Managing director Arwyn Watkins, OBE, revealed that more than 550 of the company’s apprentices would be receiving their apprenticeship graduation scrolls this week. Congratulating them, he appealed to the graduates to be ambassadors in their communities, promoting the benefits of an apprenticeship to progress their career.…

A leading North Wales social enterprise that provides jobs and training opportunities for people with learning disabilities in their own community is being hailed for supporting a bilingual workplace. Antur Waunfawr, based in Waunfawr and Caernarfon, employs 120 staff and supports 64 adults with learning difficulties, whilst also providing valuable reuse, recycling and health and wellbeing services to the communities it serves. The social enterprise aims to create an innovative, equal, productive and low carbon society by nurturing a family of sustainable local businesses to support resilient communities and wellbeing for all. Antur Waunfawr’s businesses recycle waste, provide a confidential…

Easyway Minibus Hire Ltd has informed Bridgend County Borough Council that it will cease trading after 31 July 2022. As no other commercial public transport operator has so far confirmed that they are able to take over the existing routes, the decision will mean that three specific bus services may no longer run after the end of that month. The affected services are the number 16 between Bridgend and Bettws via Wildmill, the Princess of Wales Hospital, Sarn and Brynmenyn, the 49 service between Bridgend and Oaklands via Bridgend Life Centre, Broadlands and Hanover Court, and finally the 81 service…

With petrol prices set to hit £2 a litre, food inflation predicted to reach a 20-year high of 11% this summer and gas and electricity bills rocketing, the UK is facing a cost of living crisis. But Cardiff Council is overseeing the distribution of almost £2.2m worth of grants to ease the burden on those households in the city who are most in need. The Council has been allocated the money as part of the Welsh Government’s £177m Cost of Living Support Scheme. Much of this is going towards a £150 payment to eligible households but £25m has also been…

Defibrillators, community good causes, food banks, and road improvements are in in line for a little extra help from councillors in the coming years. All 75 Swansea councillors are entitled to a £15,000-a-year community budget to spend enhancing their ward areas during their five-year term of office. The kinds of projects they’ve got involved in in the past have included life-saving defibrillators in community locations, bus shelter repairs, donations to local schools and community charities, minor footpath or road improvements and spending on floral displays. And, on top of that, councillors in multi-member wards have had the chance to join…

Swansea’s Wales Airshow is set to return on July 2 and 3 as the city continues to bounce back from the pandemic. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected on the city’s promenade and waterfront for the action-packed weekend. This year, as in previous years, there will be road changes to help keep people safe, including the closure of Oystermouth Road in both directions for the show’s duration. On Friday, July 1, Oystermouth Road will be closed westbound – towards Mumbles – from noon between the West Way and Brynmill Lane junctions. Diversions will be in place via Carmarthen Road. This…

Food businesses in Swansea and across the country are being reminded of their responsibilities to food safety as part of a nationwide campaign. Swansea Council is backing the Food Standards Agency (FSA) campaign running throughout June, starting with ‘World Food Safety Day’ which was recently held (June 7). Reports from local authorities indicate that food hygiene inspectors have observed significant drops in compliance by food businesses since the pandemic. Particular areas of concern include cleaning, pest control, food safety management and food substitution issues linked to allergies. The FSA has responded to this by launching their campaign, urging food businesses…

RCT Council has secured major Welsh Government funding and will soon begin work to deliver a significant flood alleviation scheme in Abercwmboi – to reduce the risk of flooding to properties and the main road at Bronallt Terrace. On Thursday, June 16, the Council Leader met with local ward Councillors to provide a briefing and overview of the works. The scheme, using Welsh Government funding for flood alleviation, will begin on Monday, June 27. The work will take place off the unnamed road (parallel to the B4275) where Pit Cottages are located. To the west of these houses, a watercourse…

A logo for a new all age school in Llanfair Caereinion has been unveiled. 14-year-old Alaw Francis, who currently attends Caereinion High School, came up with the winning design that formed the basis of the logo that will be used by Ysgol Bro Caereinion, which opens this September. Over 200 designs were received with eight being shortlisted by a panel made up of learners, governors, parents as well as members of Friends of School Ysgol Gynradd Llanfair Caereinion and Ysgol Uwchradd Caereinion PTA. The eight designs went forward to the Temporary Governing Body of Ysgol Bro Caereinion who chose the…

Children in Reception class will begin to receive universal primary free school meals from as early as September, the Welsh Government has confirmed. As part of the Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru, the Welsh Government is working closely with local authorities to meet the commitment for every primary school pupil to receive a free school meal by 2024. Today’s announcement confirms the progress that has been made on the delivery and rollout of the scheme to date. The Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru are committed to implementing the scheme as quickly as possible in response to the rising cost-of-living crisis,…