Author: Rhys Gregory

Caerphilly County Borough Council have recently received a number of complaints concerning the abuse of resident parking and therefore, are issuing a reminder to residents to only park in resident bays if you are able to display a valid resident or visitor permit. An increase in enforcement against unlawful parking will be taking place across the borough to ensure the fair use of resident parking. Back in 2019, Caerphilly County Borough Council took over parking enforcement duties from Gwent Police. The transfer of powers allowed the Council to provide a coordinated and consistent approach to the enforcement of traffic regulations…

Cabinet have recently noted and formally approved the results of consultation on the draft Active Travel Network Map (ATNM). The Cabinet’s approval enables Caerphilly County Borough Council’s ATNM, that was conditionally submitted to WG by the 31st December 2021 deadline, to be formally endorsed and ensures that the Council’s statutory obligation is met. Since the formal approval of the new maps, it is the intention of Welsh Government to publish this on their datamap website. This will hold not only Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Active Travel map but also other maps provided by Local Authorities throughout Wales. Stakeholders will be…

A Caerphilly man has been sentenced for unlicensed dog breeding under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Jedd Wiegold (aged 32) of Keble Court, Machen, Caerphilly received a custodial sentence at Newport Magistrates Court on the 11th of January 2022 for unlicensed dog breeding and a number of mutilation offences. He was sentenced to 5 months for each of 5 separate offences, all to be served concurrently. Wiegold is already serving a custodial sentence for unrelated offences. Wiegold has since been disqualified from owning, keeping and transporting dogs for 10 years with a restriction for 7 years on applying to have…

Newport City Council has reopened Old Bassaleg Bridge to pedestrians only following the completion of the first phase of emergency repairs. Repairs include the stabilisation of the bridge pier, and all cracks and voids on the main supporting pier have been filled. Assessments have confirmed the bridge is not at risk of imminent collapse, and that it is safe to reopen it to pedestrians. Further work and testing is needed for us to reopen the bridge safely to vehicles. This will include the lifting of the complete structure and replacement of bearings on the west abutment.

Council Leader Andrew Morgan has confirmed his intention to appoint Cllr Jill Bonetto and Cllr Gareth Caple as members of his Cabinet team. This move follows the decision earlier this week by Cllr Rosser and Cllr Hopkins to step back from their executive roles. The change will take effect from this coming Thursday (January 20) with the following members serving as part of the Council’s Cabinet: Cllr Andrew Morgan – Leader of the Council and Chair of the Cabinet Cllr Maureen Webber – Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Council Business Cllr Mark Norris – Cabinet Member…

Three key buildings in Cardiff city centre have secured £2.35m in interest free loans from the Welsh Government Transforming Towns Loans programme, via Cardiff Council to help with repurposing and regeneration plans. In line with the authority’s Recovery Strategy for the city centre the council has used its Loan funding to support the following ventures: Number 30-31 Windsor Place. The conversion of this Listed building into offices and incubation spaces for leading technology and fintech businesses. Imperial Gate, lower St Mary Street. The conversion of this former nightclub into a new golf-themed leisure attraction. Asador 44 building in Quay Street to repurpose…

A scheme helping vulnerable people to be treated at home and avoid unnecessary trips to emergency departments will be ‘a massive help’ in easing pressure on NHS Wales during the winter months, Health Minister Eluned Morgan has said The ‘My Winter Health Plan’ scheme, which will celebrate its fifth anniversary later this year and has been refreshed ahead of this winter period, offers an easy way for people with long-term physical or mental health conditions to share information with visiting health professionals so they get the right care for their personal circumstances. This ensures in an emergency they can use…

Two further cases of the fungal-like pathogen known to affect a variety of tree species has been discovered in Wales. Phytophthora pluvialis can affect a variety of tree species, including western hemlock, Douglas fir and several pine species – the first Welsh finding was confirmed in Gwynedd last month. A second finding has now been confirmed at a site in Crychan, Llandovery while a third finding has been confirmed to the south of the original site in Dyfi forest. Natural Resources Wales is undertaking surveys in these areas to understand the extent of the spread. It is reported to cause…

Swansea City have sent promising youngster Morgan Whittaker out on loan to Lincoln City, and he’s already made an explosive impact. 20-year-old Whittaker joined the Swans last season, scoring on his debut for Steve Cooper’s side. With a great turn of pace and plenty of tricks up his sleeve, he seemed to be a strong acquisition, but Cooper’s departure in the summer changed that. Russell Martin arrived with his 3-5-2 formation, which doesn’t suit an out-and-out winger, meaning Morgan was left out in the cold. He saw a loan move to Lincoln collapse at the last minute in August but returned…

This January, one of Wales’ leading environmental charities is teaming up with RSPCA Cymru, Dogs Trust, British Veterinary Association and Ramblers Cymru as part of ‘walk your dog month’. Together they are calling on dog owners to be responsible and clean up after their pets. National ‘walk your dog month’ encourages dog owners to brave the winter weather and kickstart the new year with healthy habits. Keep Wales Tidy want to make sure this includes disposing of dog poo properly. The charity’s ‘leave only pawprints’ campaign aims to raise awareness of the health risks associated with dog poo; not just…