Author: Rhys Gregory

Four thousand square kilometres of the world’s tidal wetlands have been lost over twenty years, but ecosystem restoration and natural processes are helping reduce total losses, according to Aberystwyth University researchers. An international group’s analysis of more than one-million satellite images shows that global change and human actions are driving rapid changes of tidal wetlands. The global intertidal change data indicates that 13,700 square kilometres of tidal wetlands — tidal marshes, mangroves and tidal flats – were lost around the world, offset by gains of 9,700 square kilometres. This meant there was a net loss of 4,000 square kilometres over…

It’s only a matter of days now until the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd will once again be bustling with activity as we welcome visitors back to the Smallholding and Countryside Festival. Taking place next weekend (21st and 22nd May) the springtime event is a celebration of rural life and country living with smallholding pursuits at its heart. Tickets are available online and selling fast, so make sure to grab yours now to avoid disappointment! The Festival is a showcase of the real diversity of the Welsh countryside and a great day out for young families, countryside dwellers and anyone…

One of the three successful candidates who stood for the Bridgend Central ward in the recent 2022 local government election has confirmed that he will not be taking up his new role as a county borough councillor. Stuart Baldwin has confirmed to Bridgend County Borough Council that he no longer intends to act as an elected member, and is stepping down from local politics. This means that a new by-election will need to be held for the vacant seat in the Bridgend Central ward. Bridgend County Borough Council is currently seeking advice on the timing for a by-election, and will…

Local employers are joining forces to showcase a wide variety of exciting, rewarding and long-term career opportunities at job fairs in Haverfordwest and Pembroke Dock in May. Supported by Pembrokeshire County Council and the Regional Learning and Skills Partnership South West Wales, the job fairs will be held at: Haverhub, The Old Post Office, 12 Quay St, Haverfordwest SA61 1BG on Tuesday 17 May from 4pm to 6pm The Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembrokeshire Science and Technology Park, Pembroke Dock SA72 6UN on Thursday 19 May from 10am to 2pm. The Pembrokeshire Job Fairs are free with no registration needed and offer…

Calling all Lido Lovers! Daytime swims and after school fun at the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty, are back next month. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Monday, May 16 for all sessions taking place up to and including June 30, 2022.  As usual, it’s online sales only via www.lidoponty.co.uk The main 2022 season at Lido Ponty will see the school holiday timetable in place from Saturday, May 28 to Sunday, June 5 for the Whitsun half term. This means two early morning swims every day (seven days a week) and then six family fun sessions where all…

RCT Council has confirmed that the planned repair and refurbishment scheme to White Bridge in Pontypridd will begin from May 23 – in order to secure the structure for the future following severe storm damage. Berw Road Bridge, known as White Bridge, was damaged by Storm Dennis, and was closed with immediate effect in February 2020 to ensure safety. The Council has worked closely with Cadw to gain consent for major repairs to the Listed structure, which also supports a gas main through a pipe on the bridge. A series of initial repairs were carried out last year, with the…

Newport City Council has successful prosecuted a former company director for offences relating illegal tobacco products. Soran Omar was previously a director of Global 2015 Market Ltd in Commercial Road. Following an investigation by the council’s trading standards officers, items were seized which had an equivalent retail value of nearly £6,000. In April, Omar, of Commercial Road, pleaded guilty to offences relating to counterfeit and illicit tobacco products. On 12 May, he was given a 12-month community order for 100 hours of unpaid work. The company was fined £5,000. Illicit cigarettes are much easier for children to buy, as they…

Delivering a plan to change the cultures that lead to abuse and violence, is among the actions that Powys County Council has committed to by becoming White Ribbon Accredited. It has also agreed to promote gender equality. The council is linking up with White Ribbon UK, which is part of the global White Ribbon movement seeking to end men’s violence against women, by making these pledges. Its plan for gaining accreditation includes a new Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Policy/Sexual Harassment Policy for employees, while ambassadors have been identified, from among its staff, to carry the message…

A key Welsh Government-funded programme to help people most disadvantaged in the labour market into work will be expanded in 2023, following the winding-up of two existing EU-funded programmes, Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, has announced today. The Welsh Government is stepping in to fund the expansion of the Communities for Work Plus (CfW+) employability programme following the UK Government’s failure to honour repeated promises Wales would not be a penny worse off following the UK departure from the EU. Under the EU Structural and Investment Funds, the Welsh Government invested funds in a range of schemes led by the public,…

“Tourism and hospitality is a great sector to work in” – that’s the message from Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, to mark the start of Wales Tourism Week 2022 (15 – 22 May). The week will help shine a spotlight on careers and job opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector in Wales. One of the challenges facing the sector following the Coronavirus pandemic is recruitment, with many businesses seeing a shortage of staff. The Welsh Government has been working with the sector on a recruitment campaign to highlight the potential career paths and a whole of range of personal development…