Author: Rhys Gregory

Neath Port Talbot Council’s proposed budget for 2026/27 is set to deliver a record level of investment in schools and protect vital front‑line services at a time of continuing financial pressures. If approved, the £428 million budget would support essential day‑to‑day services, from maintaining roads and educating thousands of children to caring for vulnerable people and collecting household waste, while keeping the council tax increase among the lowest in Wales. The proposals include an additional £7 million to support pupils with additional learning needs, alongside a further £330,000 for building maintenance, which will include improvements to school facilities. Other key…

Councillors thank residents after consultation on plans for a major new investment at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda in Cymer. Around 40 people attended a public drop in event at the school in January, where local residents, staff, pupils and community representatives were able to find out more about the proposals and share their views. The council has now used that feedback to finalise its planning application, which has recently been submitted. Residents will have another opportunity to comment as part of the statutory planning process. Full details are available via the planning portal on Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s website. The…

Work started this week to turn an unused space into a dual-use basketball and netball court in Beechwood Park. Playing areas on disused tennis courts are being resurfaced, with rotating posts to cater for both sports, and there will be banked tiers for spectators. A Teqball table, a fun activity combining table tennis and football skills, is also being installed at the side of the court and a path leading to the new space is being widened. Councillor Mark Spencer, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for communities and sport, said: “This is a brilliant project to create new sporting opportunities…

Monmouthshire County Council’s Cabinet will discuss the final budget proposals in its next meeting on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. Ahead of this, the council has this week published its Final Revenue and Capital Budget Proposals for 2026–27, reflecting feedback received through an extensive programme of public and stakeholder consultation. For 2026-27, the council is planning a budget of £230 million, funded through a combination of Welsh Government grant, council tax, fees and charges. The draft budget was published earlier this year to invite views from residents, businesses, councillors, partners and community organisations. Responses were received through a survey, engagement and…

Bold plans to transform education in mid Powys have taken a major step forward this week, after Cabinet approved proposals that pave the way for a brand-new Welsh medium all age school and significant investment in two school buildings. Powys County Council’s transformation proposals for Ysgol Calon Cymru and Builth Wells C.P. School as part of its Transforming Education programme were approved by Cabinet on Tuesday, February 24. These ambitious plans will help the council reach its goals for Welsh-medium education and support its vision for transforming education. Thanks to the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, these schools…

Mental health awareness training is being rolled out to rugby clubs across Wales as concerns grow about the rising number of men struggling in silence. The course helps teams, coaches and players to recognise and offer support to people who may be experiencing mental health difficulties. The highest rates of suicide in Wales are in men between 35 and 55. It’s anticipated that providing them with a space that focuses on both positive mental and physical wellbeing will be beneficial. More than £2m is also being invested in the National Centre for Suicide Prevention and Self-harm Research at Swansea University.…

An energy saving grant scheme has invested over £5.4million to help sports clubs across Wales make improvements that lower energy costs and make their buildings more efficient. From keeping clubhouses cosy in winter to solar panels slashing electricity bills, more and more sports clubs have been able to make smart upgrades to become better at energy efficiency and save money thanks to the Energy Saving Grants scheme, run by Sport Wales and funded by Welsh Government. The sports awarded the funding vary from bowls and boxing, to cycling, skateboarding and cricket – and cover every local authority area in Wales.…

A programme to improve maternity and neonatal services is being launched as the Welsh Government accepted the recommendations of a major assessment of services. The independent assurance assessment, which examined all services in Wales, identified many strengths and received positive feedback from expectant women and their partners. But it also highlighted areas where the NHS must do better. The comprehensive assessment, which was led by former Children’s Commissioner for Wales Professor Sally Holland, is being published today. It was carried out after the independent review of maternity and neonatal services at Swansea Bay University Health Board and in the wake…

Clad in a Swansea City beanie and hoodie, Snoop Dogg recently spent an evening performing his greatest hits at a private party on the outskirts of the city. The legendary rapper, who has sold over 35 million records globally, was not just in town for a performance; he was preparing for his debut appearance at the Swansea.com Stadium. Since becoming a minority investor in the Championship club, the hip-hop icon has brought a level of global attention to South Wales that few could have predicted. His arrival marks a new chapter for the team, similar to the Hollywood transformation seen…

Over the past fifteen years, prom nights have become one of the most important social events for teenagers in Wales. What was once seen as an American tradition is now firmly part of the Welsh school calendar.  Most secondary schools now organise a formal prom for Year 11 pupils finishing their GCSEs, and many sixth forms hold one for Year 13 students as well. For many teenagers, prom is no longer optional. It is seen as a key milestone that marks the end of school life and the start of adulthood. Prom has grown into a rite of passage. Pupils…