Author: Rhys Gregory

The headline NatWest Wales Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – registered 48.1 in August, down from 51.6 in July, to signal a renewed fall in output across the Welsh private sector. The decrease was the first in 18 months, albeit only modest overall. Companies stated that lower business activity stemmed from weak client demand and a decline in new order inflows. The rate of decrease in output was quicker than the UK average. New orders received by Welsh private sector firms…

Essential resurfacing works, planned for the carriageways forming the Sarn interchange (M4 Junction 36), are due to start on Monday 12 September, with drivers being warned that some delays are likely. The work will be completed over approximately eleven nights, Mondays to Fridays, between 11pm and 5am – subject to weather conditions.  Although work will be undertaken during the night, drivers are encouraged to make use of alternative routes, as disruption for motorists is still anticipated. Drivers should also be aware of lane closures, leading up to and through the works, from 8pm each night. Roads affected by the overnight…

Caerphilly Council is receiving numerous complaints regarding livestock (predominantly sheep) roaming through villages in the Upper Rhymney Valley and Darran Valley. These animals cause damage to gardens, parks, cemeteries and public open spaces; and pose a serious risk to road users and others when they are on the highway. The council is working with local farmers, landowners and various organisations to alleviate the problems. Additionally, a contractor has been engaged to collect and impound straying animals on behalf of the council. You can help the council by: Reporting any damaged or vandalised fences, gates and walls by email [email protected] or…

Books of condolence opens in Powys so people can pay tribute to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. These give Powys residents the opportunity to pay their respects to The Queen and share their thoughts, feelings and memories about her 70-year reign. Books of condolence are open at the following locations: Y Gaer, Glamorgan Street, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7DW County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5LG Newtown Library, Park Lane, Newtown, Powys, SY16 1EJ The book of condolence at County Hall in Llandrindod Wells will be open from 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday and will remain open until 4:30pm on…

The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop, has confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in poultry at a large site in Pembrokeshire This is the second confirmed case of avian influenza in Wales this week. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone have been declared around the infected premises, to limit the risk of disease spread. Within these zones, bird movements and gatherings are restricted and all holdings that keep birds must be declared. The measures are stricter in the 3km Protection Zone. It is vital keepers of birds remain vigilant and ensure they have…

Tesla’s Model Y builds on Model 3’s success, offering SUV styling and proportions for those looking for a sport utility vehicle. From the front, the Model Y doesn’t look too dissimilar from the Model 3. However, as you pan around the vehicle you’ll spot the noticeable higher ride height and large boot opening. Like every Tesla, Model Y combines safety, efficiency, performance, utility and technology. The Tesla DNA means that Model Y combines a low centre of gravity, rigid body structure and large crumple zones providing unparalleled protection. Model Y’s aerodynamic design alongside leading battery technology makes it the most…

New figures released show the majority of Welsh adults support plans for Wales to become smoke-free. The figures come just weeks after Welsh Government unveiled its plans to reduce the number of adult smokers in Wales to 5% or less by 2030. The annual YouGov survey run by the tobacco control charity ASH Cymru gathers the opinions of over 1,000 adults in Wales and examines how society views smoking in terms of behaviour, attitudes and government action. The new figures reveal the majority of Welsh adults (68%) support Welsh Government in setting a target to end smoking in Wales, by…

Criminal Justice in Wales has launched its new Anti-Racism Action Plan, outlining the determination of partners to do all they can, individually and collectively to root out any form of racism across the Criminal Justice System. Events during 2020, including the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement, resonated across the world and reminded us of the importance of recognising and acknowledging that inequality and racial injustice are apparent across all aspects of people’s lives. This highlighted the real need for public services to not only define the challenge but to clearly articulate a collective response and…

When it comes to protecting the planet, an increasing number of companies are working to ensure they minimise their environmental impact. We look at eight national and international brands that care about sustainability and reflect this commitment throughout their business. Bizay Online printing company Bizay not only offers affordable, high-quality printing products, but also ensures it is as easy as possible for their customers to shop green. Their core printing range includes the option of recycled paper or cardboard, and they have an eco-friendly product collection. And for businesses and retailers, quality recycled items such as Bizay’s quality paper bags…

To get to know someone well, you don’t need to access their social networks. Nowadays it is enough to enter their sanctuary, their home. Thanks to the fashion for sticker or wallpaper, it is increasingly easy to identify the tastes of that person simply by looking at a wall. Painting every three or four years has become synonymous with old-fashioned. It is no longer fashionable to look at an infinite range of colours for a whole morning to discover, by divine inspiration, which colour is yours and which shade you are willing to live with for the next few years.…