Author: Rhys Gregory

RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services is set to begin work on a highly innovative project – the first of its kind in the UK – to install a comprehensive raft of integrated energy-saving, sustainable technologies at Swansea University’s Bay Campus on behalf of Swansea University. The South Wales-based building services provider is working with its sister company EFT Consult to provide design of the cutting-edge project, which will encompass a commercial rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) scheme, a carport solar PV scheme, a battery energy storage system (BESS) and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. A bespoke control system (Schneider Microgrid Controller) will…

Ambitious plans for Caerphilly County Borough Council to develop new homes on two sites have been endorsed by its Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee, during a remote meeting held on 10th February. Scrutiny members endorsed, in principle, proposals to create a flagship mixed tenure development on the site of the former Oakdale Comprehensive School and an innovative later living scheme on the former Ty Darran care home site in Risca. The council has already carried out feasibility studies to assess the suitability of the brownfield site in Oakdale and a planning application has been submitted.  If approved, the development would…

The Nikwax Caerphilly Challenge Series is set to return on Saturday May 7th 2022 – with its 10th Caerphilly Challenge Series, The Twmbarlwm Trek. The Twmbarlwm Trek however, is much older than 10 years, with the first Trek taking place 38 years ago in 1984. Organised by Islwyn County Borough council. Norman Liversuch one of the 1984 organisers, and now one of the Challenge Series volunteers, was asked how the Trek has changed since 1984. Norman told us: “The routes and countryside haven’t changed. The views from all the high points are still as spectacular as in 1984. “Technology has changed things…

A new 360 place primary school and adjoining childcare facility in Glyncoed, Ebbw Vale, has moved a step closer after planning permission was formally granted. Blaenau Gwent Council will now look to secure a contractor for the construction of the development through a tender process. The build is the result of partnership working between the Council and the Welsh Government as part of the 21st Century School Programme, designed to invest into the school estate across Wales. This is a part of Band B Blaenau Gwent programme, which runs until 2025, and will see an investment of in the region…

Following engagement with a number of experts, stakeholders and care leavers, the Welsh Government has outlined plans to extend support for care leavers through a Basic Income pilot in Wales. The pilot will enhance the support available to young people as they leave care and assess the impact that has on them.  It will provide a test for the stated benefits of basic income, such as addressing poverty and unemployment and improving health and financial wellbeing. All young people leaving care who turn 18 during a 12 month period, across all local authority areas, will be offered the opportunity to…

The Oldford infant school site in Welshpool will undergo refurbishment work to create an Early help hub for families in the area. The Centre will be a “one stop shop” providing services to support families’ learning, social care and health needs. The centre will provide activities such as parent and toddler groups, baby massage, information, Incredible Years Parenting Training programmes, health advice, family support and counselling. The refurbishment of the building situated in the heart of a Flying Start catchment is funded by Welsh Government Flying Start Capital funding. Pave Aways Building Contractors has been awarded to carry out the…

All bus passenger journeys starting and finishing in Swansea will be free until 7pm on Saturday 19th, Sunday 20th, Monday 21st, Friday 25th, Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th February so families can get out and about together without worry about the fare. The free travel initiative was launched during last year’s school summer holidays with tens of thousands of people taking the chance to travel for free to do the shopping, see friends for a coffee or visit local landmarks. Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the offer was back because of popular demand. He said: “The Free Bus initiative has…

Bridgend County Borough Council are set to take part in a unique voting pilot which aims to get more young people involved in local elections. The pilot, which is the only one of its kind in Wales, will see two polling stations open in Cynffig Comprehensive School on the Tuesday ahead of Polling Day from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Students who live in either the Cornelly ward or Pyle, Kenfig Hill and Cefn Cribwr ward and are registered to vote, will be able to cast their vote within the school during school hours. They will also have the option of voting…

The new tenants of nine highly energy-efficient, sustainable modular houses in Roath have described their new council homes as ‘big and spacious’ with bathrooms like the Hilton hotel! Residents of the two-bedroom, terraced properties, that have been developed as part of the Cardiff Living house-building partnership between Cardiff Council and Wates Residential, collected their keys last weekend and have been busy settling in and turning their new houses into their new homes. Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr Lynda Thorne, visited the residents to find out what they think of the net carbon-zero properties, which are part of the…

Immersed! Music Festival – run entirely by University of South Wales students – is joining forces with the iconic BBC Radio 6 Music as it returns to Cardiff in March 2022. Coming back bigger, louder than ever and packing a hefty musical punch, Immersed! is supporting 6 Music’s first Cardiff festival, showcasing the best of South Wales’ vibrant music scene across three fringe events, all in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. Featuring five stages and more than 60 artists, the festival kicks off on Tuesday 29 March at renowned Cardiff venue Tramshed, with the Cardiff Soundsystem Stage bringing the best…