Author: Rhys Gregory

Children and families in Barry can now enjoy a modern and accessible new play space following the completion of refurbishment works on a play area in Palmerston. The project, funded through the Welsh Government’s All Wales Play Opportunities Programme, has transformed the previous facility into a vibrant, multi-functional play area designed for children aged one to 12 years old. The new facilities feature a range of inclusive equipment, including a wheelchair-accessible roundabout, sensory play panels, climbing frames and a five-seat swing. The equipment is complemented by colourful and engaging playground artwork, creating an inviting space where children of all abilities…

Residents and community representatives from the Upper Afan Valley can now apply to join the Pride in Place (PiPP) Neighbourhood Board, helping to shape the future of their communities. Neath Port Talbot Council’s call for Board members follows the recent appointment of Karen Jones as Independent Chair, marking a key milestone in establishing the local leadership needed to deliver the programme. The Pride in Place programme is a major UK Government initiative, bringing up to £20 million of investment to the Upper Afan Valley over the next decade. It aims to support regeneration, strengthen communities, and empower local people to…

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is issuing a stark warning to anyone who abuses the use of Blue Disabled Badges following the successful prosecution of three offenders last month. Three people were caught wrongfully using Blue Badges across the County Borough, TWO of which were parked in the Council owned car park in Gas Road, Pontypridd and the other was parked in High Street Car Park, Aberdare – a vehicle displaying a valid Blue Badge can park free of charge in Council car parks, if parked in a designated disabled bay. All of those caught had displayed Blue Badges on their…

A new statue celebrating the life and legacy of pioneering Welsh campaigner Elizabeth Andrews will be unveiled at Rhondda Heritage Park later this month. The special ceremony will take place at Rhondda Heritage Park Museum in Trehafod on Thursday, June 25, at 12pm, with members of the public invited to attend. The unveiling marks the fifth and final statue in the Monumental Welsh Women project, a national initiative dedicated to recognising the achievements of influential Welsh women by creating permanent public monuments in their honour. Elizabeth Andrews was a pioneering Welsh socialist, suffragist and community campaigner whose work helped improve…

Residents can now find out more about the Council’s exciting investment proposals for Ysgol Llanhari, which would deliver a brand new school building and first-class supporting spaces, including new outdoor sports facilities. The project is being delivered as part of a £414 million funding commitment with Welsh Government, which will see many new school investments being progressed in Rhondda Cynon Taf over the years ahead. The project would be delivered via the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. The proposals involve the construction of a new all-through 3-19 Welsh Medium school on the existing site, plus a Welsh language Meithrin. All…

A builder from Barry has been sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment after being convicted of fraud and misleading consumer offences relating to substandard building work that left a family facing significant financial loss and unsafe living conditions. On the 21st May 2026, at Cardiff Crown Court, Mark Anthony Batt, 45, was given a nine-month custodial sentence following a prosecution concerning building work carried out at a property in Caerphilly County Borough. The court heard that Batt accepted approximately £39,000 from the homeowner for building works that were left substantially incomplete and of an extremely poor standard. An independent building surveyor…

The Fund is designed to target lagging areas with the greatest potential for productivity catch-up, helping businesses to grow, create better-paid jobs and strengthen regional economies. The four high growth sectors in Wales are identified as Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energies, Digital and Technologies, and Creative; and two high growth potential sectors are Life Sciences and Financial Services. The UK Government has set two key strategic funding outcomes for the Local Growth Fund across the UK: Increased Real Household Disposable Income (RHDI) per head; and Increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per head. This strand of the Fund is focused on Priority…

The Initial Teacher Education (ITE) incentive in priority subjects will rise by £5,000, to £20,000 from September 2026, as part of the new Welsh Governments 100-day plan. Eligible priority subject areas within secondary education are: Biology Chemistry Design and Technology Digital Technology and/or Computer Science Mathematics International languages Physics Welsh Cabinet Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Anna Brychan, said: “Education is at the heart of this new government, and we are clear that the education workforce needs to be supported to achieve our national mission for education, in raising standards and providing learners with the best foundation for their…

The Welsh Government has announced a package of work to reform vocational skills training in Wales. By developing a Welsh skills system that is fit for the future, the Welsh Government will ensure that education and training opportunities are aligned with the real needs of Welsh employers and industries and reflect future opportunities in the Welsh economy. The Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education made the announcement at a National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW) event in Cardiff today.  This work includes a skills audit and a Future Skills Summit planned for Autumn 2026. The skills audit is currently…

Have you lost a ring in Cardiff Bay? South Wales Police are appealing for help to reunite a ring with its owner after it was discovered outside Cardiff Bay Police Station. The ring was found on the steps of the police station and officers are now hoping to trace the person it belongs to. Anyone who believes the ring may be theirs is being asked to contact South Wales Police and quote property reference SWP7213. Police have said proof of ownership will be required before the item can be returned. Those wishing to claim the ring can contact South Wales…