Author: Rhys Gregory

The Farmers’ Union of Wales has warned that proposals contained within the recent Welsh Government Refreshed TB Eradication Programme consultation could cause significant declines in the mental health of the rural community. Alongside proposals to significantly reduce the compensation paid for cattle compulsorily slaughtered due to bovine TB, the latest plans, if taken forward, would significantly increase the number of cattle tests being conducted and lengthen the breakdown movement restriction duration by at least two months. FUW Animal Health and Welfare Committee chairman Ian Lloyd said: “Irrespective of farm TB history, the stress and anxiety endured during TB testing, and…

Cardiff and the Vale’s popular OVO Bikes scheme is back with a bang with more than 26,000 rentals being made since it was relaunched a month ago in the city. Scheme operator nextbike said customers had welcomed the fleet back with open arms, with more than 1,000 rentals a day being made most days from February 8 – 12, despite the cold and dreary February weather. The scheme was temporarily withdrawn from service in November after months of vandalism and thefts, but was relaunched last month with over 350 bicycles – much to the relief of OVO Bike customers. More…

A book written by Welsh entrepreneur Lucy Cohen has defied the odds and become a surprise hit; out-ranking business heavyweights like Tony Robbins (motivational speaker), Anne Boden (CEO of Starling Bank), and even international bestseller Eric Ries, author of the famous book The Lean Startup. It seems that Cohen’s book, Forget the First Million, has resonated with small businesses across the world, bagging the number 1 Amazon bestseller status in five different categories on 18th February 2022. Cohen, Co-Founder of Accounting firm Mazuma Money, released her book in January 2022 and wanted to shine the light on building a business…

The half term fun will go on at Fonmon Castle this week despite its large tipi being blown away in storm Eunice. Staff at the castle in the Vale of Glamorgan struggled to salvage what they could after the supersized tipi, which was home to Fonmon’s food offering, was destroyed on Friday. Nathan Evans, who runs Real Pride of Wales, Fonmon’s catering company, worked around the clock with staff to move catering equipment from the tipi into the castle’s kitchens in time for the half term activities. “Fonmon’s kitchen had not been used as a commercial kitchen for a long…

SWANSEA’S nightlife scene is keeping the Purple Flag flying over the city for an eighth consecutive year. It’s one of only two places in Wales that can fly the flag which highlights how visitors can always expect an entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out. A partnership of organisations has retained Purple Flag status through 2022. The successful bid highlighted a wide range of reasons why the city centre is the place to be now and in the future. As a national initiative run by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), Purple Flag status rewards vibrant, diverse and…

Residents can now find out more and have their say on proposals to create a new 3-16 school on the current site of Hawthorn High and Hawthorn Primary schools – delivering new and exciting facilities for staff and pupils. The project includes demolishing some buildings on the current school sites, replacing them with a brand new, net zero carbon development fit for the 21st Century. Other existing buildings will be refurbished while a new staff car park, coach car park and pupil drop-off area will be provided. The new school will welcome current Hawthorn High, Hawthorn Primary and Heol y…

The Leader of Caerphilly county borough council has praised the hardworking staff who worked around the clock over the weekend to protect the community during the recent storms. Cllr. Philippa Marsden said, “Our dedicated workforce braved some of the worst conditions we have seen in recent years to support and protect the community and I would like to thank each and every one of them for their efforts.” “Teams from various services including highways, parks, housing, waste, public protection, social care and catering, went that extra mile and I’m sure the whole community will join me in recognising their amazing…

Pupils from Monmouthshire’s primary schools are learning how to create delicious meals for the whole family, whilst learning basic and safe culinary skills thanks to Angharad Underwood’s online Cookalong Clwb. The Cookalong Clwb works with Monmouthshire’s primary schools, where families can sign up to get involved. On a weekly basis, Angharad, along with volunteers, provide a bag of ingredients, an apron and basic equipment to all participating families, with a recipe based around a hot meal. Receiving generous, fresh mixed fruit and veg boxes every week from Lidl, the Cookalong Clwb allows even more creativity and sharing of recipes. Beginning…

A scam phone caller has asked a Powys pensioner to make a £100 payment over the phone, so that they could receive a £6,000 rebate on their Council Tax. It is the latest of several attempts made to con residents out of their money, that the county council has been made aware of, in recent weeks. These calls are not being made by Powys County Council staff and anyone contacted in this way should not give out any personal or financial details. And should not make any type of payment over the phone. If in doubt, residents can always check…

The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Professor Christianne Glossop has confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 infection on two separate commercial premises in Powys – one near Newtown and one near Welshpool. Both premises have pheasants on site. A 3km Protection Zone, 10km Surveillance Zone, and 10km Restricted Zone have been declared around each of the two infected premises, to limit the risk of disease spread. Within these zones, bird movements and gatherings are restricted and all poultry holdings must be declared. The measures are stricter in the 3km Protection Zone. The autumn and winter of 2021/2022…