Author: Rhys Gregory

With strong winds and storms sweeping across the country, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust, is providing top tips and advice on how to keep our four-legged friends happy and safe. Charlotte Huggins, Canine Behaviour Officer at Dogs Trust, says: “Extreme weather can be distressing for dogs. Signs to look out for include pacing around the home, excessive barking, or trying to run and hide. There are steps owners can take to comfort their dog and help them cope if their dogs are becoming anxious. If you’re worried about the weather, keep your dog indoors as much as…

The furry duo met each other at RSPCA Llys Nini Animal Centre in Swansea after they were found separately as strays – and they’re now inseparable! Ronnie is a friendly two-year-old male ferret who staff say is a joy to be around. He loves a good snooze, playing with his toys and a fuss! Beautiful Doris, who is nearly one-and-a-half, loves to play with her toys and run through tunnels. Gary Weeks, Llys Nini Animal Centre manager, said: “We call these two ferrets our ‘rays of sunshine’ at the centre. “They met each other at our centre, and it has…

A prize of £1,000, a prestigious title and a coveted dragon trophy await the winner of the National Chef of the Wales final next week when five talented chefs put their culinary skills to the test in the heat of the kitchen. The final is being spread over two days – February 22 and 23 – at the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC), organised by the Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) and hosted by Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s campus in Rhos-on-Sea from February 22-24. Andrew Tabberner, 29, chef co-owner of Gaerwen Arms, Gaerwen, Anglesey, is seeking to complete the double by adding…

AN UNPRECEDENTED rise in gas and electricity bills has led to even greater demand for solar energy. Carbon Zero Renewables – part of the UK Leisure Living Group, which has sites in St Asaph, Mochdre and Deeside – is taking on more staff to cope with a surge in enquiries, having experienced their busiest ever January. Following the announcement householders will pay 54% more on average for their energy from April – and a further increase expected in October – long-term investment in a sustainable alternative is becoming more and more popular. And with a move towards electric and hybrid…

Not only does the new restaurant being fitted out at Swansea’s emerging coastal park have a new name – it now has a general manager too. Sophie Smith will be in charge of day-to-day running of the venue, which is to be called ‘The Green Room’ and operated by The Secret Hospitality Group. The name of the restaurant is a nod to its proximity to Swansea Arena, as well as its environmentally-friendly credentials. It forms part of the £135m Copr Bay phase one district being developed by Swansea Council and advised by development managers RivingtonHark. Swansea-based The Secret Hospitality Group…

One of the capital’s most iconic shops has reopened after flood damage in an adjacent building forced it to close for over a month. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) Cymru Home Plus store on Crwys Road attracts customers from across South Wales because of the wide range of quality preloved, vintage, and new furniture and home items it stocks. With its vibrant branding and prime location in the heart of Cathays, the shop is a favourite with anyone looking to furnish their property while being mindful of price and cost to the planet. Area manager Lawrence Turner says, “While many…

Clydach’s popular Forge Fach Community Hub is about to come under the control of the area’s community council – in an arrangement agreed with Swansea Council to secure the future of this valued community building. A Swansea Council spokesperson said: “We’re delighted that the community council is to run Forge Fach from April 1. It’s an important building for local people and groups so it’s encouraging that the community council will be looking after it from now.” Clydach Community Council is stepping in to ensure uninterrupted service after existing leaseholders Walsingham Support, who have successfully run Forge Fach for around seven…

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Planning Committee has approved an application to build a new Welsh medium primary school in Pembroke. The school, named Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Penfro, will provide Welsh-language education for 210 pupils aged 5-11 a 30-place nursery provision and a Cylch Meithrin for children under the age of three. It is planned for the school to open in September 2023 and it will be located on the site of the old Pembroke School at Bush Hill, near Henry Tudor School. Subject to final funding approvals from Welsh Government, construction on the site would commence in May 2022. Pembrokeshire County…

To coincide with the two-year anniversary of Storm Dennis, RCT Council has provided a detailed update on ongoing infrastructure repairs as well as the significant investment in flood alleviation work in communities. Storm Dennis brought unprecedented weather from February 15-16, 2020 – it flooded 1,498 properties and caused severe damage to town centres, rail and road networks, business parks and leisure facilities. The Council’s extensive response included supporting emergency services, setting up rest centres, providing emergency funding to families and coordinating a large food appeal. The Council also began assessing the widespread infrastructure damage. Acknowledging that the repair effort would…

A road closure and free shuttle bus service will be in operation at Cardiff Road, Glyntaff, from Friday evening through half term week – to enable utility diversions in preparation to replace Castle Inn Bridge this summer. The footbridge has remained closed due to the severe structural damage sustained in Storm Dennis. The Council remains committed to maintaining a pedestrian access over the river, and a planning submission has been made for works to replace the existing bridge with a single span structure. The utility work will allow Wales and West Utilities to divert its gas main apparatus, while Openreach,…