Author: Rhys Gregory

A new video has revealed major progress on the landmark living building scheme taking shape in Swansea city centre. The Biophilic Living Biome development is being led by Hacer Developments in partnership with Pobl Group and brings together the former Woolworths building on Oxford Street with a new adjoining 13 storey tower. Anticipated to be completed in the first half of 2026, the scheme is designed around sustainability and wellbeing. Once finished, it will include an urban style greenhouse set across four floors, an education facility, rooftop gardens, wildflower borders and a range of green spaces. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36EK0Y7eno0 The development will…

A foster carer, who has worked for Powys County Council for 18 years, has received an MBE in the New Year Honours. Mair Wilson, who says she is part of a team providing care with her husband Roy, their own children Nia, Rhys and Dale, and even family friends, said: “I keep on wanting to pinch myself, I’m going to wake up in a minute. “It’s really lovely. I’m very honoured and very humbled as well, I can’t believe it.” Mair and Roy, who live near Llandrindod Wells, have looked after 13 children on long-term placement and many more for…

An extra £2m has been allocated to help Welsh tourism and hospitality businesses install weatherproofing measures. The Year of Croeso Weatherproofing Fund received nearly 400 applications from businesses seeking grants between £5,000 and £20,000. The original £1.75m budget has been increased to meet overwhelming demand. The scheme supports micro, small and medium size businesses employing between 1- 250 people. Successful applicants will receive grants covering up to 75% of project costs. Visit Wales research in 2024 found that 55% of tourism businesses cited poor weather as the main reason for reduced visitor numbers. This additional investment will help businesses extend…

A vaccination programme to protect young children against chickenpox is being rolled out in Wales. All children aged 12 to 18 months across the UK will be offered a vaccine for chickenpox – also known as Varicella – for the first time. The programme is being introduced following advice from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which recommended a universal varicella vaccination programme should be introduced as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule. The vaccine will be offered in a two-dose programme at 12 and 18 months of age using a combined MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella)…

Wales is waking up to an icy and frosty start today, with further snow flurries expected in parts of the country and a Yellow weather warning for snow and ice remaining in place for several areas. According to the Met Office, a slow moving band of hail and snow showers will continue to affect western parts of Wales throughout the day. Some of these showers could be heavy at times, bringing further snow accumulations, particularly across Pembrokeshire. Elsewhere, conditions will be largely sunny but very cold, with ice lingering in places. Daytime temperatures are expected to reach no higher than…

Power banks are incredibly useful, especially when you’re travelling or going about your day out of the house and you know you need your phone to retain charge. However, finding one in the sea of options can be tricky, especially when it comes to online shopping. This article explains how a power bank works, which are the most trusted brands, and, more specifically, which are the best power banks, before outlining how to find the best power bank, charger, or batteries online.  How does a power bank work?  A power bank transfers energy that it processes from an external power…

Modern construction sites are complex ecosystems where management of hazards and dangers extends beyond hard safety equipment. A strategic, often undervalued, component in this equation is rigorous site hygiene. Disciplined hygiene protocols form a foundational pillar of a holistic health and safety strategy. They directly protect worker well-being, enhance operational productivity, and ensure unwavering regulatory compliance. This article explores how comprehensive hygiene practices can improve a construction site’s overall project safety and success. The Role of Advanced Hygiene Facilities Providing adequate, well-maintained, and appropriately specified facilities is the first critical step in construction site hygiene. This includes sufficient numbers of…

Online prize draw platforms have become increasingly familiar across the UK, with names such as Omaze and BOTB attracting large audiences through online competitions. Win A Million, which launched in 2025, operates in a similar space but with a different focus. Instead of offering houses or cars as prizes, the platform centres on cash-based prize draws, giving participants the chance to win significant sums of money through regulated online competitions. How it works The platform runs scheduled prize draws that can be entered online, alongside a free postal entry option in line with UK prize draw rules. Each competition includes…

The Llangollen and Corwen Railway marked an emotional and historic day as Malcolm Lees, one of its most respected and long-serving volunteers, completed his final duties after decades of service on the railway. Malcolm drove his last services on the final operational day of the year, bringing to a close not only a remarkable personal contribution but also an outstanding 50th anniversary season for the railway. Volunteers, colleagues and supporters gathered throughout the day to thank Malcolm for his dedication, marking the occasion with the presentation of a painting of the railway he has helped shape for generations. Malcolm is…

Detectives investigating a robbery in Barry are continuing to appeal for information after releasing moving CCTV footage of the suspect. South Wales Police confirmed that the robbery took place on Friday, November 28, between 7pm and 7.30pm, near a bus stop close to the rugby club exit on Merthyr Dyfan Road. A 40 year old man was walking home from the Family Shopper when he was approached and robbed of cash and a Rolex watch. Police released CCTV still images of the suspect on Monday, December 29. Officers have now issued moving footage in the hope that someone will…