Author: Rhys Gregory

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan have visited Neath Port Talbot viewing progress on a coal tip safety project and meeting those affected by blast furnace closures at the Port Talbot steelworks. On Thursday, August 7th, 2025, the Chancellor visited the site of Neath Port Talbot Council-led work with contractors Walters UK to stabilise a coal tip at the former Dyffryn Rhondda Colliery on the banks of the River Afan in the Upper Afan Valley where she was met by council Leader Cllr Steve Hunt, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth Cllr…

The Pembrokeshire County Show is back once again – and this year’s event on 20th and 21st August will see Pembrokeshire County Council provide an insight into the roles available at the Authority. This year it was decided to take a different approach and use the opportunity to showcase the type of roles we have within the Authority and struggle to recruit – and highlight that we are an employer providing excellent employee support and future progression. Visitors will also have the chance to meet Cabinet Members and the Chief Executive and find out about a host of interesting and innovative projects…

The third phase of a major drainage improvement scheme in Mountain Ash will get underway this week, with work focusing on High Street and Cliff Street. The scheme, jointly funded by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and the Welsh Government, will start on Monday, 11 August as part of a wider project to strengthen the town’s drainage network and reduce flood risk. This phase will see a section of twin pipes at the junction of Cliff Street and High Street replaced with a larger single pipe to improve capacity. Pipe re-lining will also be carried out on High Street. Road closures…

Caerphilly County Borough Council has welcomed an excellent response to its latest round of Community Asset Transfer (CAT) opportunities. The CAT process allows local community groups to take on the running of council-owned buildings, parks, or land, putting valued public spaces directly into the hands of the people who use them. By taking over the management, groups can shape how these assets are run, ensuring they meet local needs and continue to thrive. Following Cabinet approval of a refreshed CAT policy designed to improve transparency, flexibility, and efficiency, the Council invited expressions of interest (EOIs) from prospective community organisations. While…

Blaenau Gwent Council’s Trading Standards and Trading Standards Wales’s Regional Tobacco Enforcement Team have been carrying out joint operations into illegal products in the county borough. In the past two months a total of 456 vapes, 4,280 cigarettes, and 2,650 grams of hand rolling tobacco have been seized. These products are often cunningly concealed in hidden locations around a shop, including inside an empty fire extinguisher and hydraulic wall concealments. Councillor Tommy Smith, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Environment Services, says: “Counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco can be potentially dangerous to health as controls governing their production may be lacking, and…

A new state of art playground comes to Powys, and a chance for communities to revamp their local parks, thanks to Welsh Government funding. Powys County Council has been awarded over £200,000 to improve playgrounds and play facilities for children. The funding will be used to create a new playground in South Powys and support local community-led projects to improve their local play spaces. The new playground will be located at The Promenade in Brecon and will provide a play space for children of all abilities to play together. Cabinet Member for Future Generations, Cllr Sandra Davies said: “I am…

A pioneering new road safety initiative that is designed to make motorcycling safer has been introduced in North and Mid Wales. PRIMEs (Perceptual Rider Information for Maximising Expertise and Enjoyment) are innovative road markings and signage that aim to help motorcyclists make safer decisions when approaching and negotiating bends in roads. Following a highly successful trial in Scotland — where over 32,000 motorcyclist journeys were analysed across 22 sites — the Welsh Government, in partnership with the North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA), has rolled out PRIME markings at four key sites in North and Mid Wales. These…

The Welsh Government announced an additional £3.3m boost to support the re-development of the National Slate Museum in Llanberis today. The redevelopment will create a new learning centre, play area, shop and café at the museum, as well as making the whole site more accessible. There will be more opportunities to discover and enjoy the slate story through new exhibitions and interpretation. The funding will also enable the site to continue to develop its role as a living museum by offering training and opportunities for people from all backgrounds to enjoy, learn about and develop traditional heritage skills. The museum…

Wrexham’s St Giles’ Church is nearing the end of extensive conservation works, securing the historic venue’s future for many years to come. St Giles is a Grade I-listed building and one of the finest examples of religious architecture in Wales. Dating from the late 15th century – with elements from an older 14th century church – it was built in several phases with the tower completed in 1506 – 20. The church is also local landmark, celebrated as one of the “Seven Wonders of North Wales” in a 19th century rhyme. Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historical environment service, has contributed…

Libraries across Wales are being celebrated this summer with an exciting programme designed to engage children in reading across the school holidays and a significant investment in digital services. Earlier this month this year’s Summer Reading Challenge launched with the theme of ‘Story Garden’, where magical creatures, wild tales and the wonders of nature come to life. To complete the Summer Reading Challenge, children are asked to read at least six books, choosing from stories, graphic novels, non-fiction books, or audio books. Those joining in can unlock rewards, discover new reads, and receive a medal and certificate for their efforts.…