Author: Rhys Gregory

A pioneering centre that provides a fast diagnosis for people with symptoms that could be cancer is expanding following a six-figure charity investment. The Rapid Diagnosis Centre (RDC) opened its doors at Neath Port Talbot Hospital five years ago and is now the flagship centre of its kind in Wales. GPs with concerns about patients who do not have the traditional “red flag” signs of cancer have been able to refer them to the RDC since its launch in June 2017. If a patient is found to have cancer, they are referred to a specialist team for assessment without any…

The East Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme funded by Denbighshire County Council and the Welsh Government will protect 1,650 properties in East Rhyl from coastal flooding. Works began in April 2020 and were due to end in December 2022, however the scheme has been completed ahead of schedule. The successful placement of 128,000 tonnes of rock armour in front of the existing sea defences at East Rhyl and the newly added 600 metres of sea defence wall and promenade will protect the area from current storms and the impact of climate change. Cllr Brian Jones, the Council’s Lead Member for Waste,…

At the moment there is a high number of rabbits in RSPCA care in Wales and staff are appealing for those considering adopting rabbits to get in touch. At RSPCA Newport Animal Centre, Crunchie, Twirl, Rolo and Twix are looking for homes. They were sadly abandoned in a box in Birmingham back in October and have since been in RSPCA care. Staff at the Newport centre are appealing for two owners for the foursome, so they could go home in pairs. They could happily live with sensible primary school aged children and would be able to live indoor or outdoors…

Fifty new homes have been built at Bellway’s Heron’s Mead development in Newport – and all of them are now occupied by residents. The half-century milestone means the housebuilder has completed just under a third of the 152 properties it is delivering at the development on the former Llanwern steelworks site off Queen’s Way. More than half of the 137 homes for private sale have already been purchased, with a further 15 being provided as affordable housing for rent or shared ownership. Construction work at Heron’s Mead is on course to finish by the beginning of next year. The development…

The Steel Procurement Taskforce presented the findings of its final report to the Steel Council and Ministers, highlighting ways that the steel sector can become more competitive in the UK and globally. The report was discussed at the meeting of the UK Steel Council, which brings together Government and representatives from the UK’s 6 major steel companies, trade unions and the devolved administrations, to support the sector’s transition to a competitive, sustainable and low carbon future. The Taskforce’s recommendations, outlined in their Final Report, aim to help industry to compete for major public projects by developing new technology, improving data,…

The world’s first smart hydrogen hybrid heating system has been demonstrated in Pembrokeshire proving technology that could help the UK get to Net Zero. The trial was part of the UK Research and Innovation-funded Milford Haven: Energy Kingdom project. It was successfully implemented by a collaboration of partners – Port of Milford Haven, Passiv UK, Wales & West Utilities, Kiwa UK, Worcester Bosch, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, and Pembrokeshire County Council. The trial combined a hydrogen-fuelled boiler with an electric air-source heat pump alongside smart control technology and it was conducted in a commercial building at the Port of Milford…

The Royal Mint has appointed Stephanie Morris as the new Head of B2B Sales for Commemorative Coin.  Stephanie joins the 1,100-year-old business following an illustrious career with international FMCG brands including Kellogg’s, Costa Coffee and Mars Inc, deploying and leading their commercial sales activity across the UK.  Following a degree in Law, Stephanie worked most recently as Sales & Marketing Director for a global packaging manufacturer based in Blackwood, South Wales. As part of its ongoing diversification, The Royal Mint is expanding its key business areas, which includes commemorative coins as well as historic coins and precious metals investment options. …

Swansea Building Society has made a further £15,000 donation to Wales Air Ambulance, bringing the total it has gifted to the charity to £25,000. The Wales Air Ambulance Charitable Trust was Swansea Building Society’s official charity during 2020 and 2021. Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, the Society raised a considerable amount for the valuable medical rescue service, helping it achieve its long-held ambition of becoming a 24/7 service across Wales. The medical rescue charity welcomed a £5,000 donation from the Society in June 2020, as well as an additional £5,000 donation made in December 2020 – funds…

Residents and community groups are being invited to have a look around a row of former commercial premises on High Street that are being brought back to life. Swansea Council has renovated the properties near Dyfatty lights and they are now being made available for community use. There are plans to include pop-up food, business and leisure activities. Charities and other third sector organisations also want to make use of the facilities along with council services. An open day is being held between 2pm and 5pm on March 1st and in the spirit of St David’s Day there will be…

RCT’s Cabinet could agree to consult residents on a draft Placemaking Plan for the future regeneration of Pontypridd town centre – and could also progress the redevelopment projects at the former Bingo Hall and Marks & Spencer sites. A report to Cabinet on Monday, February 28, sets out the draft Placemaking Plan which puts forward an overarching approach to how Pontypridd will look, function and is experienced. Having identified the issues and opportunities in the town centre, the plan seeks to create the conditions for a successful residential, office, leisure and retail offer, while taking advantage of the unique landscape…