Author: Rhys Gregory

COLEG CAMBRIA is in pole position to train the next generation of electric and hybrid vehicle mechanics. Learners at the college’s sites in Deeside and Bersham Road, Wrexham, have been undertaking Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair 2 and 3 qualifications to meet unprecedented demand for skilled technicians to work on zero-emission transport. And with new Knowledge and Practical programmes to be unveiled in 2022 – including Electrical Diagnostics, Electrical Testing, and Engine Management – Carl Black, Curriculum Director for Engineering, Automotive and Electrical Technical at Deeside said the time is now for independent garages to shift gears and join the trade’s ‘green…

New analysis has found that Barry is the easiest place to pass your driving test in Wales. The study by  A-Plan Insurance examined the pass rate percentage of each major driving test centres in Wales – since April 2020 – to determine the one with the highest pass rate. Barry came out with the highest percentage of pass rates out of all test centres in the Wales. This test centre has an average pass rate of 64.78%, when analysing the passes of all tests from April 2020 to June 2021 – of 1096 tests conducted, 710 were passed. Placing second is Llantrisant, coming in just below Barry with a pass rate of 64%. Llantrisant test centre has assessed 2,089 prospective drivers since April…

Four years after the business was first founded, the Cardiff-based Tidy Kitchen Company has acquired a lease for a 980 sq ft city-centre unit at 16 Museum Place. The Tidy Kitchen Co is expanding from private catering towards a new ‘grab and go’ business model, which will invite customers to pick up a wide range of luxury, healthy, and freshly assembled meals. Fresh salads, soups and sandwiches will be available for those needing to eat on the go or grab something delicious to take back to the office / home. Catering to all diets, these will be primarily plant-based, with the option to…

A bearded dragon has died after being abandoned in a layby near Maesteg Golf Club. The reptile was found by a member of the public just off the B4282 on Sunday evening (January 9). He was lethargic, dehydrated and in a very poor bodily condition. The finder posted about the incident on a local social media group and an experienced reptile keeper got in touch with her to say he had an empty vivarium with the correct equipment. He kindly collected the bearded dragon and placed him under a heat lamp, drip-feeding him hourly throughout the night with a syringe,…

BHF staff and volunteers in clean-up operation after theft causes flood damage The British Heart Foundation Home Plus store in Crwys Road, Cardiff, has been forced to close temporarily after a break in and theft of water pipes at the adjoining vacant shop unit led to extensive flood damage. It’s likely that the store will remain closed for several weeks, but the charity has stressed that a clean-up operation is underway so the shop can reopen as soon as possible. Lawrence Turner, Area Manager at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), said: “Unfortunately, on Saturday morning [8th January] the Crwys Road…

RUNNERS are being invited to get their entries in for the 2022 Admiral Swansea Bay 10k. Swansea Council is planning for this year’s event to take place on Sunday, September 18. An early bird entry offer runs until January 31. Last year’s event marked the 40th edition of this highly popular race that always offers a flat, scenic coastal course. The event has consistently won awards and the council wants the event to continue as a high-quality event, attracting runners of all ages and abilities. Swansea Council established the run in 1981 and has continued to organise it ever since -…

Pupils at Penybont Primary School were recently treated to a visit by a therapy dog for their reading group. Border collie Rylie, who is specifically trained to have a calming influence, joined Year Two pupils in the lesson as part of an initiative to introduce workshops and education around animal care and welfare. It is thought that the therapy dogs’ non-judgemental and comforting presence helps children with their confidence to read aloud and evokes more enthusiasm for the lessons, which in turn has a positive effect on their progress and literacy development. Pupils at Penybont Primary School were delighted to…

Motorcyclists are invited to sign up to a free enhanced riders training course to help improve their riding skills and the safety of Powys roads. Powys County Council’s Road Safety team are providing these courses free of charge to any motorcyclists who live in Powys or use Powys’ roads, with funding from the Welsh Government. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Enhanced Rider Scheme is suitable for full motorbike licence holders who want to improve their riding skills, for those returning to riding after a break, riders who have just passed their test, people upgrading to a more powerful…

Volunteers are wanted to help support patients in five Powys hospitals at Bronllys, Welshpool, Llandrindod Wells, Machynlleth and Llanidloes. They are being recruited by Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO) on behalf of Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) to act as befrienders, motivators and general assistants who can help improve a patient’s stay or visit. The hospital support volunteers will not be asked to act as advocates or counsellors and nor will they be asked to carry out clinical procedures, provide personal care or administer medication. But the hope is that they will be able to help ease the workload…

Newport City Council is working with Newport Now, the Business Improvement District (BID), to tackle graffiti in the city centre. Member businesses can have graffiti removed free of charge by the council thanks to funding from Newport Now. The initiative is aimed at making the city centre a more desirable place to shop, live and work and promote the local economy. Councillor Roger Jeavons, Newport City Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for city services, said: “Removing graffiti comes at a cost for hard-working businesses so we are delighted to be working with Newport Now which has stepped up to…