Author: Rhys Gregory

Gwynedd and Ynys Môn account for 18% of Employee Ownership Wales’ current companies, according to new research from the employee ownership (EO) support and advisory service. The region also accounts for 13% of all enquiries to the EO service in the past year. Currently, the team is working with a high number of businesses based in Gwynedd and Ynys Môn, who are looking to complete their transition to employee ownership by April 2026. In the region, jobs have been safeguarded thanks to those companies transitioning into employee ownership and keeping jobs in Gwynedd and Ynys Môn, rather than possibly being…

A leading Welsh housebuilder is predicting a strong housing market in Wales in 2026 after reporting a significant rise in enquiries and reservations following November’s Budget. Talbot Green based Llanmoor Homes says buyer confidence has begun to return after what it described as a “challenging” year for the housing market in 2025, driven by political and economic uncertainty. Tim Grey, Sales Director at Llanmoor Homes, said the past year had seen many potential buyers delay decisions amid concerns over the economy and possible tax changes. “While Llanmoor performed well and saw healthy visitor numbers across our developments, 2025 was undoubtedly…

A powerful international heritage project is underway, connecting Rhondda Cynon Taf to the legacy of the Spanish Civil War through newly uncovered historical links. On September 16, 2025, a heritage officer from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council – with a professional background in archaeology – travelled to Spain to take part in a collaborative research initiative with Porta de la Historia Co-operative, a historical association based in Spain. This collaboration has uncovered compelling new findings from the Spanish Civil War as part of an excavation project, revealing direct connections to Wales and to Rhondda Cynon Taf in particular. The visit was…

A man and woman from Swansea have been jailed after being caught dealing Class A drugs. 27-year-old Sion Harrison and 35-year-old Kelly Hopkins, both from Sandfields, Swansea, were seen in a vehicle which officers observed known drug users approaching on Tontine Street. When searched, Hopkins was found to have four wraps of heroin in her pocket. Suspected crack cocaine was found in the driver side door. A mobile phone was also found, which an investigation revealed both Harrison and Hopkins had been using to arrange drug deals via text and Facebook Messenger. Harrison pleaded guilty to being concerned in the…

Schoolchildren have helped create the name of a new primary school opening in September 2026. Millbrook and Monnow Primary Schools are amalgamating and pupils from both have been busy researching and working on a name for the new school. Following lots of hard work, the suggestions were whittled down to four before they all voted on their favourite. Lisa Bowden, currently head of Monnow who will lead the new school, said: ““The children are thrilled to announce the name of their new school as Pont Y Gamlas. The pupils played a key role in choosing the name, researching our local…

With further Welsh Government funding secured to extend and improve the active travel routes within the county, work on the schemes in Newtown and Llanidloes will begin in the new year. The latest Welsh Government Safe Routes in Communities and Active Travel funding, with support from Transport for Wales, will enable work to begin on the following two schemes from as early as January 2026: Newtown Dolfor Road Active Travel scheme This scheme will make improvements to the existing footway on Dolfor Road, between Plantation Lane and the railway bridge. The project will also install a road crossing to connect…

Tredegar Comprehensive School has been praised by Estyn for creating a caring, safe, and inclusive learning environment that inspires pupils and raises aspirations across the school community. Amongst the many highlights, the report noted: A caring, safe and inclusive school community Staff and pupils who show a strong commitment to their school and community Teachers that establish calm, well-managed environments and apply strong subject knowledge A strong commitment to promoting good attendance A strong commitment to supporting pupils with Additional Learning Needs Calm, purposeful leadership with a clear focus on raising aspirations and outcomes Experienced and enthusiastic governors Headteacher Charlotte…

A new study exploring the secretive lives of feral and free-roaming cats in Wales could shed light on wildcats’ return to the country. Scientists at Aberystwyth University, Queen’s University Belfast, and Vincent Wildlife Trust are investigating the role that elusive free-roaming cats may play in the transmission of diseases to humans and other animals. The study will inform ongoing work by Vincent Wildlife Trust to investigate the feasibility of restoring the European wildcat to areas it used to inhabit in Wales. The true size of the UK’s population of feral and free-roaming cats is unknown. Living independently and often avoiding…

People over-60 now have access to 125 free or discounted sports and fitness sessions at leisure centres, outdoor spaces and community venues across Wales. The 60-plus Active Leisure Scheme has delivered more than 10,750 sessions since 2021, with 154,500 attendances recorded. Activities range from pickleball and climbing to swimming, yoga, tai chi, walking groups and strength training classes. Last year alone, more than 5,550 people took part in the programme, with 125 different types of exercise available. The scheme is jointly funded by the Welsh Government and Sport Wales and is delivered in all 22 local authorities. Beyond physical health…

An independent opticians with practices across South Wales has recently been recognised at a national industry awards ceremony, celebrating its ongoing commitment to clinical excellence and patient care. Julian Davies Opticians, which operates seven practices across the region, was named Best Practice Group at a recent optical industry awards event. The accolade recognises the collective efforts of the team across all locations to deliver consistently high standards of eyecare within their local communities. In addition to the award win, Julian Davies Opticians was also shortlisted as a finalist for Independent Practice of the Year and Technology Practice of the Year…