Author: Rhys Gregory

Refurbishment of the bandstand at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park will now focus on the surrounding fenced area for audiences. The bandstand area will be brought out of use on a temporary basis to ensure safe progress. Ongoing work to the bandstand is a key part of a wider project to rejuvenate the Grade II Listed park’s heritage features, made possible thanks to a £1.9m investment via the National Lottery Heritage Fund and contributions from the Council and Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns initiative. Contractor GKR Maintenance & Building Co. is progressing the project, which also includes the refurbishment of the sunken…

After a rollercoaster year of early morning swims in all weathers, family fun in the sun, and exciting new cold water sessions, Lido Ponty is wrapping up 2022 the traditional way – with a Boxing Day Swim. Tickets go on sale 9am on Monday, December 5, for the much-loved event, which offers a festive swim in the heated pools. Following the cold water swim trial, where water temperature dropped to 15 degrees, you’ll be pleased to know pool temperatures will rise back to 28 degrees for Boxing Day. Or, why not start 2023 as you mean to carry on with…

Newport City Council has received an award for its work to ensure Newport Market remains at the heart of the city centre. The project has topped the entries in the creating economic growth category at the Ystadau Cymru Awards 2022. Ystadau Cymru (formerly known as the national assets working group) encourages excellence in active management of the Welsh public sector estate through strategic collaboration and good practice guidance. The creating economic growth category seeks to recognise projects that, through collaboration, have created economic growth using the public estate. Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of the council, said: “It is more important…

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet has unanimously approved the next steps in its plans for decarbonisation of its fleet vehicles. Cabinet members endorsed the efforts made to date in delivering on the Council’s commitment to become net zero carbon by 2030, including the installation of three electric vehicle charging hubs situated at locations in Tiryberth and Penallta House in Ystrad Mynach. During a meeting held on 30th November, Cabinet members also approved a proposal to allow staff and visitors to use the electric vehicle charging hubs; subject to the development of a policy on how this will operate. The next…

Work to begin the second phase of an active travel route in Treowen, Newtown, will begin Monday 5 December. Identified following previous consultations on the county’s Active Travel Network Maps, the route will improve walking and cycling facilities on Heol Treowen, from Treowen Primary School down towards Kerry Road. The pavement will be widened to become a shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians. This will also improve the surface of the existing path and increase safety for all users, particularly for families and pupils going to and from school. Funded by Welsh Government, this is the second phase of…

Wales has once again published results for its bathing water quality standards, with 99% compliance reached in 2022. First-time entrants Penarth and Col-Huw beach in the Vale of Glamorgan made their debut by moving straight into the top ranked category, with the former’s application having been submitted by local resident and ‘wild swim’ enthusiast, James Tennet. Welsh Government is today reminding the public that anyone can put forward their local swimming hotspot for consideration as a designated bathing water, which would see Natural Resources Wales collect and analyse water samples from May to September. By having applications open to anyone,…

Bird keepers are being reminded new compulsory biosecurity and housing measures to further protect their birds against avian influenza come into force today (Friday 2 December). Last week, the Welsh Government announced new measures were being put in place as surveillance of avian influenza suggests a heightened risk of disease for Wales over the winter months. These steps build extra resilience to the important measures introduced in October through the Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone. From today, all bird keepers must keep their birds indoors or otherwise separated from wild birds.  Keepers will also be required to complete and act…

More than 500 people from Ukraine have moved into longer-term accommodation after being supported through the Welsh Government’s super sponsor scheme. Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt today said it shows Wales is truly a Nation of Sanctuary. The latest figures show almost 3,000 people fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine, who have been directly sponsored by the Welsh Government, have arrived in Wales. “I’m proud we have been able to welcome so many people here and humbled so many people are living independently in Wales,” the Minister said. “I also want to thank everyone who has opened their home…

Universal free school meals in primary schools across Wales and new measures to help people to live in their local communities are among some of the commitments delivered in the first year of the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru. The first annual report about progress under the Co-operation Agreement is published this week, a year after the deal was signed. Working together, the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru have delivered on a wide range of commitments in the bespoke agreement, including: An extra 45,000 primary school children now have the option of a free school lunch…

The all-new Hyundai Kona has been generating a lot of buzz lately, and for a good reason! This sporty crossover SUV is packed with features that are sure to please drivers and passengers alike. Whether you’re looking for a vehicle that is comfortable and spacious or one that is stylish and fun to drive, the Kona is sure to fit the bill. We’ve joined forces with Price My Car for a more comprehensive idea about this fantastic vehicle. Here are seven things that you’re sure to love about the Hyundai Kona: 1. Comfort and Convenience When it comes to comfort…