Author: Rhys Gregory

The number of hospital patients waiting for support from Powys County Council, before they can return home, has been cut by a third, after extra social care staff were recruited. A £1.3 million Pathways of Care Transformation Grant, awarded by Welsh Government, has been used to fund additional social workers, occupational therapists and enablement assessors. And follows work by the council, throughout the year, to strengthen the home care market. Twelve-months-ago there were 60 Powys patients waiting for social care to be provided before they could leave community hospitals in the county, or larger district general hospitals in England (Shrewsbury,…

As cold weather warnings are issued by the Met Office across Wales, Dogs Trust Cardiff is urging owners to take extra care and keep dogs well away from frozen lakes, ponds and waterways. Many dogs enjoy swimming, but during freezing conditions, their usual splash spots can quickly turn to ice. Although it may look solid, Dogs Trust Cardiff warns that most frozen surfaces are often not strong enough to support a dog’s weight. If the ice breaks, dogs can plunge into icy water below, putting them in serious danger. The charity is also reminding owners never to enter the water…

Avantis Group, a provider of specialist engineering services to the maritime and energy industries, today announced that it has secured a strategic investment from funds advised by Leon Capital LLP, the London-based European private equity investment firm, to support its international growth strategy. Thomas David, CEO, Chris David, Chairman and the existing leadership team will retain a controlling interest and operational control of the business. They took over Avantis in 2022 following a management buy-out that was part-funded by the Development Bank of Wales. The investment reflects strong confidence in Avantis Group’s market position, experienced management team, and proven ability…

Six South Wales Police officers have been recognised after rescuing a woman in difficulty at Aberavon Beach. At around 9:40pm on Thursday December 11, in very poor visibility and in extremely challenging weather conditions, Sandfields PC Molly Cana located the 66-year-old woman from Aberavon trapped and upside-down, in-between the wave-breakers and the pier. Unable to move, the woman’s life was at extreme risk as waves battered the pier, repeatedly leaving her head completely submerged. Officers were unable to physically reach the woman due to the risk of them being swept out to sea. However, with the assistance of the woman’s…

A 64-year-old man has been prosecuted following an incident at a memorial service event last November. Jonathon Carley, of Twthil, Harlech, appeared at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Monday, 5 January), charged with offences under the Uniform Act. The charge related to an offence under Section 2 of the Act – wearing military uniform bearing the mark of His Majesty’s Forces without authorisation. Carley attended a Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Llandudno on 9 November whilst dressed in the naval uniform of a high-ranking officer. He also wore military service medals (pictured above), which he subsequently admitted he had purchased online. Concerns…

Rail and bus passengers across Wales and the Borders are being advised to check before they travel as Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice remains in place into Tuesday. Scattered sleet and snow showers, combined with icy patches, may cause some travel disruption overnight into Tuesday morning. Transport for Wales and Network Rail are closely monitoring conditions across the network. Customers should also take extra care when travelling to and from stations and allow themselves extra time where possible as car parks and platforms may be slippery underfoot. Due to poor road conditions rail replacement services and TrawsCymru routes…

Two Cardiff shops have been closed for selling illegal tobacco and vapes, following a series of test purchases from these stores by Shared Regulatory Services (SRS).Vape Zone, a ground floor retail unit on Clifton Street in Adamsdown and Mini Mart Store, on Countisbury Avenue in Llanrumney have both been closed for three months following court orders from Cardiff Magistrates’ Court. The court heard that both premises were persistently selling illegal tobacco and vapes to their customers and despite both retailers’ receiving business and advice and formal warnings from SRS, continued to sell counterfeit tobacco and illegal vapes, so enforcement action…

Police are investigating a spate of van break ins across the Vale of Glamorgan, with power tools worth thousands of pounds stolen. South Wales Police say at least 10 thefts have been reported since December 15, with most incidents taking place in Penarth and Barry. The offences have largely happened overnight and during hours of darkness. Officers say thieves are targeting vans to steal power tools, which are often then sold on, with little regard for the impact this has on the livelihoods of those affected. Police are urging residents and tradespeople to remain vigilant while enquiries continue to identify…

A road in Cardiff has been closed in both directions following a road traffic collision. South Wales Police are currently at the scene of the incident on Hadfield Road in Leckwith. The closure is in place between the junction with Penarth Road A4160 and Bessemer Road. Motorists are being advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes where possible while emergency services deal with the situation. There is no further information at this stage on the cause of the collision or whether there are any injuries. South Wales Police have thanked the public for their patience and cooperation while…

Following a period of wintery weather and with conditions forecast to remain cold for the next few days, work to grit the primary road network across the Powys across the county continues. Depending on detailed forecast and data from temperature sensors, the decisions are made to plough and grit the roads of Powys as necessary, with crews making up to three scheduled runs a day and remaining on a standby rota 24/7 to retreat as required. The fleet of gritters cover over 1,400km each time they grit the county’s primary routes. In between gritting roads, crews are treating footways within…