Author: Rhys Gregory

There were moments of anticipation, excitement, and joy at this year’s JCP Swansea Half Marathon event. Runners took to the city’s streets to participate in the seventh edition of the race, which is traditionally held in June. They braved the 13.1 miles in slightly cooler conditions which were perfect for running. After Hayley Davies, CEO of JCP Solicitors, set the runners on their way, she said:  “It was fantastic to see everyone back at the start line and enjoying such a wonderful event for the city. It is always inspiring to see others taking part, whether it’s their first event,…

Being near essential amenities and living close to family and friends are the top priorities for nearly half of all prospective home-hunters in Wales, according to new research from leading housebuilder Redrow. The new analysis of 2,000 UK adults, the first large-scale study undertaken by Ewloe-headquartered Redrow since Covid-19 restrictions eased in the summer, reveals that ‘living better’ means being part of a community near to friends and family, with access to open spaces and shops providing essentials. Equally important to being near to family is access to green open space, but the most important factor revealed was proximity to…

Specialist engineers plan to work on Swansea’s historic Guildhall clock from next week. They aim to undertake essential maintenance to ensure the timepiece – on the historic building’s prominent tower – is back in action in the coming months. Swansea Council has been waiting for a number of months for engineers to become available. Cabinet member and joint deputy council leader David Hopkins said: “We thank people for being patient as we’ve made pandemic actions our priority. “We’ve also waited for specialists to free up the necessary time to do this important work. It’s important we got the right team in…

As vaccinations for 12-15 year olds continue in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board region, a new advice line has been set up to provide expert support and information. The exclusive advice line aims to enable 12-15 year olds and their parents or guardians to access all of the details they require ahead of deciding whether to take up the offer of a Covid-19 vaccine. To use the service, simply fill in the online form on the health board’s website and a member of their team will get back to you. Nearly 30 per cent of 12-15 years olds within…

Caerphilly’s Cabinet unanimously supported proposals to develop two new respite facilities for adults and children located on the former Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School site. The multimillion pound development will see the council continue to deliver this vital service to offer families the opportunity for respite from caring responsibilities, further supporting families to continue to live together within the community. Whilst co-existing on one site they will be managed separately inline with CIW regulations, but the close proximity of the 2 houses will also support transition from children to adult services. The properties will also benefit from a specific increase in designated…

Following extensive ground investigations and drainage surveys Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Highways Team have determined that the drainage on Groes-Faen Terrace, Bargoed requires replacing to prevent further ground deterioration. The anticipated start date for the road and drainage replacement works is the 18th October 2021 and are expected to take seven weeks to complete. Groes-Ffaen Terrace Road up to the junction with Factory Road will be closed for five weeks plus an additional weekend closure together with one week of single lane closure. The A469 / Factory Road will not be closed during these works. Pedestrian access will be maintained where…

RCT Council is making good progress with an initial phase of work to stabilise the slope above the closed path at the Tylorstown Landslip site – with this activity on course to be completed by the end of October. Alun Griffiths Ltd was appointed by the Council to carry out this additional phase of work, which started on site during late summer 2021. The work is focusing on the north-east valley mountain side, which is an historical railway cutting lying directly above the remaining closed footpath at the landslip site. The landslip occurred on the Llanwonno hillside at Tylorstown during…

RCT Council and Linc Cymru (Linc) have announced that construction of Cwrt yr Orsaf, the new 60-bed Extra Care facility in Pontypridd, is now complete – with arrangements being made for the first residents to move in soon. Built on the former Pontypridd Magistrates’ Court site in Graig, the state-of-the-art building becomes Rhondda Cynon Taf’s third Extra Care facility, alongside Ty Heulog in Talbot Green and Maesyffynnon in Aberaman. Extra Care helps older people live as active and independent lives as possible, with 24/7 on-site support available for residents’ assessed needs. A £50m investment is currently being made to deliver…

Important work will shortly begin at the Wattstown Standard Tip to manage the potential for a future landslip at the privately-owned site – thanks to a partnership between The Coal Authority, Welsh Government and the Council. The scheme is scheduled to start in the week commencing Monday, October 18. The Welsh Government will underwrite the cost of all eligible works to enable The Coal Authority to undertake the work, via a Service Level Agreement with the Council. Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd has been appointed by the Coal Authority as the contractor to deliver the scheme. A landslip occurred at the…

RCT Council is advising residents and road users of remedial work required at Miskin Road in Mountain Ash, which also requires day-time closures of the Cross Valley Link – scheduled for the school half term to minimise disruption. The Mountain Ash Cross Valley Link opened to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in October 2020, as the Council delivered the multi-million pound new link road which has vastly improved traffic flow within local communities. A series of follow-up works are now required in order to correct defects at Miskin Road – including resurfacing sections of the carriageway, inspecting chamber and kerb repairs,…