Author: Rhys Gregory

The Legion playground in Penyard and St John’s Grove playground in Penydarren have suffered frequent and escalating vandalism and anti-social behaviour in recent months, resulting in the parks being closed for the safety of users. Broken bottles and ripped safety flooring have been a constant issue that our parks officers have worked hard to clear and repair, however as quickly as they are being put right, the vandals are striking again. A spokesperson for the Council said: “A difficult decision has been taken to close both parks until we are able to come to a solution to keep them safe…

The Minister for Education and Welsh Language will set out today how local authorities aim to increase Welsh-medium education in their areas. Local authorities across Wales are finalising their Welsh Education Strategic Plans (WESPs), which set out how they plan to grow Welsh-medium education in their areas over the next 10 years. The plans include 23 new Welsh-medium new primary schools across Wales. There are also plans to increase the capacity of 25 existing Welsh-medium primary schools. The Welsh Government has set targets for 26% of Year 1 learners to be receiving education in Welsh by 2026, rising to 30%…

Council tax in Wales is set to be made fairer under new plans put forward by the Welsh Government. The reforms, which are part of the Co-operation Agreement with Plaid Cymru, would ensure a more progressive approach to supporting the local services which council tax helps pay for, including schools, social care provision, policing, fire and rescue services, and road infrastructure. Proposals include a revaluation exercise to ensure people are paying the right level of tax. Council tax pays for around a fifth of spending by councils, but the current system is nearly twenty years out of date and contributes…

When you research this topic, you may find a broad range of responses and not all will be applicable to you or the property you are selling, purchasing or both. Traditional average conveyancing costs are applied from the onset, through to the end of the transaction and are usually taken from the proceeds of sale (on a sale) or form part of the balance to be paid by the buyer on a purchase. The cost can range from a basic cost of £697 + VAT to £2500 on a sale and £997 + VAT to £3000 on a purchase. The…

The FUW are calling for farmers to adopt more stringent security measures on farmland across Wales following a spate of burglaries from farm shops in the Mold area. Mold Rural Crime Team have issued a statement after a sharp increase in burglaries in Cheshire and Staffordshire were soon followed by break-ins in the Wrexham area. Targeting the premises after hours, it would appear that the burglaries are premeditated and planned, with the perpetrators forcing safes and tills open to gain access to any cash held inside. Speaking about the crimes, North Wales Police said: “Please take positive steps to protect…

Gareth Jones, Rhug Estate’s Farm Manager, will celebrate a significant work anniversary next year having been employed by Rhug Estate for 30 years. With that amazing milestone comes Gareth’s decision that it is time for him to hang up his boots and take life a little easier. Rhug Estate now has the difficult task of finding a suitable replacement for this prestigious position of Farm Manager for the high profile north Wales estate. A lot of changes have taken place during Gareth’s time at Rhug. When he started in 1993 the then Lord Newborough was farming conventionally. They had 3,000…

Richard Goodall and Anthony Collier of specialist business advisory firm FRP were appointed Joint Administrators of NWP Electrical & Mechanical Ltd on 8th July 2022. NWP Electrical & Mechanical Ltd, based in Saint Asaph, North Wales, provides electrical and mechanical services for the design and build, commercial and residential industries. Due to the ongoing economic conditions impacting the sector, significant pressure was placed on cashflow and profitability of the Company, leading to its insolvency. The Company ceased to trade upon the appointment of the Joint Administrators and regrettably, all 59 of the business’ staff were made redundant. Richard Goodall, partner…

Professor Catrin Thomas has been awarded the Connop Thirlwell Fellowship for her outstanding and distinguished leadership at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David Professor Thomas is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor responsible for the University’s academic development, who has served the University and its predecessor institution, Trinity College Carmarthen, for over 30 years. Educated at Gwendraeth Grammar School and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Carmarthen, Professor Thomas completed her undergraduate degree in Mathematics at Exeter University. She then studied for a doctorate in Fluid Dynamics at Swansea University followed by a year’s post-doctoral research contract sponsored by Rolls Royce. She started her teaching…

Helo Blod, a free Welsh translation and advice service is celebrating translating 1 million words  having introduced  more than 1000  businesses across Wales to the benefits of using more Welsh as part of a push to help double the daily use of Welsh by 2050. Launched in March 2020 to support the Welsh Government’s Cymraeg 2050 strategy, Helo Blod offers businesses and charities up to 500 words a month translated, free of charge. The fast and friendly service also offers text checking of up to 1000 words as well as practical advice, guidance, and support to help businesses use more…

Colin Dennis, who is currently the Chair of North Devon Homes and Citizen Housing, has been appointed by the Minister for Health and Social Services following a competitive selection process. Colin has had a distinguished career in the financial and aviation sectors and has a wealth of experience in non-executive roles in regulated sectors including the NHS, social housing and adult care and social services. He will replace the Trust’s outgoing Chair Martin Woodford, and will begin his four-year term on 01 October 2022. Of his appointment, Colin said: “I am delighted to be appointed to this Chair role. “Having…