Author: Rhys Gregory

Businesses in North Wales are being urged to stay alert following a sharp rise in cybercrime including a £1.3 million theft from one company. According to North Wales Police, online crime now surpasses street crime, with ransomware attacks – where hackers encrypt files and demand hefty payments to unlock them – also on the increase That will be the key message from Detective Constable Roheryn Evans of the force’s Cyber Crime Team, when he addresses the next meeting of Wrexham Business Professionals at Hotel Wrexham on Thursday, September 11. As part of his talk, DC Evans will outline the growing…

Today the Government has confirmed that six new electric vehicles, including two Ford models with the maximum £3,750 discount, are now eligible under the Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme. A total of 28 models are now on the list for grants of either £3,750 or £1,500. The latest additions form part of the government’s £650 million plan to put money back in people’s pockets and make it cheaper and easier than ever before to own an EV. The plans hope boost the UK’s automotive industry, a key sector identified in the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy, which supports 133,000 jobs in…

A man from Neath Port Talbot has been sentenced after carrying out two arson attacks earlier this year. 18-year-old Josh Smith, from Waunceirch, committed the offences when aged 17. On January 4, he set fire to clothing belonging to his ex-partner, filming the act and later sharing it to Instagram. Two days later, Smith deliberately started a fire in the toilets of the Somerset Arms, Commercial Road, Taibach. After pleading guilty to both offences, Smith has been made subject of a five-year restraining order against the victim and has been sentenced to 16 months in a Young Offenders Institution. Smith…

An ambitious regeneration project which is set to transform the former Ewenny Road industrial estate in Maesteg with new homes, shops and community facilities has moved a step closer. Contracts have been exchanged between Bridgend County Borough Council and Avant Homes for the purchase of land at the derelict site which will be used to build up to 200 new houses on behalf of Bridgend-based housing association, Valleys To Coast. Supported by law firm Hugh James, the £41.8m scheme will be the housing association’s largest development undertaken to date and aims to provide a mix of low-cost home ownership properties,…

The UK Government will send a test Emergency Alert to mobile phones across the UK at around 3pm on Sunday, 7 September 2025. The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. It allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in an emergency. During the test, mobile phones will vibrate and make a loud siren sound for roughly ten seconds, even if they are set to silent. A message will also appear on phone screens, making it clear the alert is only a test. The test will…

Neath Port Talbot Council will present the findings of a feasibility study into a proposed new swimming pool in Pontardawe at its Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 3rd September. The feasibility study identifies a preferred location and places the council in a strong position to respond to future funding opportunities as they arise. Recognising the importance of swimming provision for Pontardawe and the surrounding communities, the Council agreed to undertake a feasibility study to explore options for a replacement pool. The study assessed a wide range of factors including potential facility mix, site options, design and operational models, financial implications, environmental…

Newport Council is hosting a fun, free, family-friendly eco-event at the Riverfront Theatre this October. Newport EcoFest, sponsored by Wizard Eco, will celebrate sustainability, with tips and ideas for residents and businesses on how to help the environment, reduce energy and living costs, and improve health and well-being. The event, which will be on Saturday 4 October from 10am-3pm, follows on from our two big eco-events last year: Newport: Saving Energy Event, and Net Zero Newport: The Electric Experience. There’ll be lots of family-friendly activities to enjoy, such as a library corner, toy play area, painting and crafting sessions, and…

Ponthir’s local Sports and Community club has been transformed into a vibrant multi-use facility supporting sport, education, and community life. Ponthir Sports and Community Club, a not-for-profit organisation at the heart of the Torfaen village, has used the funding to build a brand-new clubhouse with flexible rooms for community use, and to convert the original building into four modern changing rooms. Additional funding has helped resurface the car park, making the site more accessible and welcoming for all. In total, the club has received more than £309,000 through the Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Programme. Additional funding came through local fundraising…

Wales’s premier food and drink festival returns to Margam Country Park in Port Talbot this September 6th-7th. The culinary event will see a whole roster of chefs and food experts ready to demonstrate tricks of the trade alongside street food vendors preparing the most mouth-watering global cuisine. The Artisan Market is a great way to discover new producers including vegan and gluten-free treats amongst the many stalls. Explore food trends and tantalise your taste buds with street food. Chef demonstrations will include Tony Alberti, a chef, cookbook author, and television personality known for his bold, flavour‑driven approach to Italian cuisine and…

The Safer Communities Awards are back to celebrate the work of projects, partnerships and people actively making communities safer across Wales. The Wales Safer Communities Network will be hosting the awards on Thursday 27 November at Aberystwyth University, and entries are now open for nominations. The Awards ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the great work being undertaken across Wales to prevent and reduce harm and make communities safer. Categories include Anti-Social Behaviour, Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV) and Modern Slavery and Exploitation. Last year’s overall winner, Swansea City Chill, was a prevention focussed…