Author: Rhys Gregory

RSPCA Cymru is launching an investigation after a number of birds were shot and left dead at a pond in Newport. One pigeon, two ducks and one coot have been found dead, with another coot found injured at Liswerry Pond off Liswerry Park Drive. One of the dead ducks has left behind a nest of eight eggs. The incident took place between 5pm on Monday night and 7.30am Tuesday morning (1 March). RSPCA deputy chief inspector Emma Smith said: “This needless, cruel attack has left several birds dead and one injured with the dead pigeon found in a Footlocker carrier…

Applications are now open for the brand new Atsain music fund from Anthem. Cronfa Gerdd Cymru Music Fund Wales which will support music organisations and address barriers to music for young people in Wales. Atsain will fund work for young people engaging in music who experience barriers through life circumstances, geographical issues, identity or background, and is backed by investment from Youth Music, thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and Anthem’s resources with support from founding patrons and Welsh Government. Organisations will be able to apply for up to £10,000 to help them deliver specific music projects for young…

The former Plumbsave unit in Lon Y Twyn, Caerphilly has been redeveloped and transformed into brand-new high specification brewhouse and microbrewery. The newly renovated building will be utilised as a brewery bar, serving fresh craft beer and food, whilst offering its customers an unprecedented 270 degree view over the brewhouse. The developers behind the project hope that the new venue will become a much-utilised community hub and a respected tourist destination, producing high- quality award winning beer and Caerphilly’s only craft beer bar. The building at Unit 1, Lon Y Twyn, Caerphilly benefited from a funding boost of £180,909 from…

Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Cabinet has agreed an additional £14.5m investment for Council priority areas next year as part of its £149m three-year Capital Programme – identifying funding for highways, parks, schools, play areas, EV charging and empty properties. At the Cabinet meeting on Monday, February 28, Members considered two reports relating to Council spending next year. The first presented feedback from a recent consultation on the Draft Revenue Budget Strategy, which was based on 8.4% increase in funding after a favourable Welsh Government settlement. Key elements of the Strategy include the most favourable Council Tax position for many years (a 1%…

This World Book Day, Education and Welsh Language Minister Jeremy Miles has announced plans to set up a bilingual educational resources company. The new venture will ensure a range of Welsh and bilingual language resources are available to support the new Curriculum for Wales. The company will help schools and practitioners create resources that support their local curriculum as schools prepare for the introduction of the new Curriculum for Wales. It will be an easily recognisable ‘go-to’ service that will help teachers, publishers, stakeholders and other organisations to work together to create the most useful resources possible for schools and…

The Welsh Government has this week published its three-year budget to strengthen public services, tackle the climate and nature emergencies, and improve educational opportunities. The final budget was published on St David’s Day and comes ahead of a vote in the Senedd next week. Nearly £2bn of targeted green investment will strengthen Wales’ response to the climate and nature emergencies. The Welsh NHS will receive £1.3bn in direct funding, helping its recovery from the pandemic and its ability to provide effective services in the long-term. Almost £0.75bn extra is being invested in local authorities. This funding will strengthen social care,…

The Welsh Government will provide £4m in financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine to help support those in desperate need. Speaking in the chamber, First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “We stand in support of the Ukrainian people who are bravely resisting this unprovoked and brutal act of war. “The Welsh Government will provide £4m in financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, which will help to provide crucial support to many who are in desperate need. We are also assessing what surplus medical equipment could usefully be sent to the country. “Wales, as a Nation of Sanctuary, stands ready to welcome…

The Welsh Government has announced an increase to the maximum level of council tax premiums for second homes, as well as new local tax rules for holiday lets. The changes represent more steps taken to ensure people can find an affordable home in the place they have grown up. The measures are part of a wider commitment to address the issue of second homes and unaffordable housing, as set out in the Co-operation Agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru. The commitment is to take immediate and radical action using the planning, property and taxation systems. The maximum level…

The route for the first ever Parc Margam 10k run has been revealed. The mixed terrain run is set to take place on Sunday 13th March (10am start) in support of the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot’s Charity Fund. The scenic 5k loop will start and finish at the 19th Century Tudor Gothic Mansion, and will showcase the very best of Margam Park. Runners will pass alongside three of the park’s lakes before meandering through its woodland trails and past the fields home to the famous Margam Deer Herd. Entrants can choose between 10k and 5k routes, and as well…

A production due to take place in November has been cancelled following the war in Ukraine. The Swan Lake & Sleeping Beauty performance at Swansea’s Grand Theatre, was due to take place on Nov 17/18. It was originally branded as presented by The Russian State Ballet and Opera House A statement released by the theatre this week, said: “Although the promoters have stated that they have no connection with the Russian political state, we consider it inappropriate to stage the shows at this point. “We have informed the promoters that the shows are cancelled. Those who have bought tickets will be…