Author: Rhys Gregory

Three key buildings in Cardiff city centre have secured £2.35m in interest free loans from the Welsh Government Transforming Towns Loans programme, via Cardiff Council to help with repurposing and regeneration plans. In line with the authority’s Recovery Strategy for the city centre the council has used its Loan funding to support the following ventures: Number 30-31 Windsor Place. The conversion of this Listed building into offices and incubation spaces for leading technology and fintech businesses. Imperial Gate, lower St Mary Street. The conversion of this former nightclub into a new golf-themed leisure attraction. Asador 44 building in Quay Street to repurpose…

A scheme helping vulnerable people to be treated at home and avoid unnecessary trips to emergency departments will be ‘a massive help’ in easing pressure on NHS Wales during the winter months, Health Minister Eluned Morgan has said The ‘My Winter Health Plan’ scheme, which will celebrate its fifth anniversary later this year and has been refreshed ahead of this winter period, offers an easy way for people with long-term physical or mental health conditions to share information with visiting health professionals so they get the right care for their personal circumstances. This ensures in an emergency they can use…

Two further cases of the fungal-like pathogen known to affect a variety of tree species has been discovered in Wales. Phytophthora pluvialis can affect a variety of tree species, including western hemlock, Douglas fir and several pine species – the first Welsh finding was confirmed in Gwynedd last month. A second finding has now been confirmed at a site in Crychan, Llandovery while a third finding has been confirmed to the south of the original site in Dyfi forest. Natural Resources Wales is undertaking surveys in these areas to understand the extent of the spread. It is reported to cause…

Swansea City have sent promising youngster Morgan Whittaker out on loan to Lincoln City, and he’s already made an explosive impact. 20-year-old Whittaker joined the Swans last season, scoring on his debut for Steve Cooper’s side. With a great turn of pace and plenty of tricks up his sleeve, he seemed to be a strong acquisition, but Cooper’s departure in the summer changed that. Russell Martin arrived with his 3-5-2 formation, which doesn’t suit an out-and-out winger, meaning Morgan was left out in the cold. He saw a loan move to Lincoln collapse at the last minute in August but returned…

This January, one of Wales’ leading environmental charities is teaming up with RSPCA Cymru, Dogs Trust, British Veterinary Association and Ramblers Cymru as part of ‘walk your dog month’. Together they are calling on dog owners to be responsible and clean up after their pets. National ‘walk your dog month’ encourages dog owners to brave the winter weather and kickstart the new year with healthy habits. Keep Wales Tidy want to make sure this includes disposing of dog poo properly. The charity’s ‘leave only pawprints’ campaign aims to raise awareness of the health risks associated with dog poo; not just…

Keen to deliver more four-legged therapy to those in need in Cardiff, national charity, Pets As Therapy, is seeking 130 fury-friends and their owners to help offer companionship. Pets As Therapy is keen to find the most caring Cardiff pooches, so along with their owners they can bring comfort and joy to school children, patients in hospitals, care homes and hospices in the region. Contact with pets, especially dogs and cats, can be life-changing, not only do they help alleviate anxiety and loneliness but can aid recovery and of course offer unconditional love and affection. To help in the recruitment…

UP to 100 students took on Winter challenges at one of North Wales’s most popular outdoor activity centres. Level 2 and 3 Uniformed Public Services (UPS) learners from Coleg Cambria sites in Wrexham and Deeside participated in two five-day residential visits to Gwersyll yr Urdd Glan-Llyn, Llanuwchllyn, Bala. Led by Sports and Public Services lecturer Alan lowry – also the college’s Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award Coordinator – and UPS lecturer Gary Abnett, they enjoyed and endured a series of challenges in difficult weather conditions. “The learners got to grips with various outdoor activities including rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, hill walking,…

Foundations are now being laid for a landmark new net-zero office development that will provide space for 600 jobs at the former Oceana nightclub site in Swansea city centre. The work will help pave the way for the start of constructing the building’s concrete frame in the coming months as The Kingsway’s transformation takes another step forward. Swansea Council is leading on the scheme, with Bouygues UK as main contractor. Due for completion in the summer of 2023, the five-storey scheme will be carbon zero in operation and worth £32.6 million a year to Swansea’s economy when finished. It will…

Welsh snacks manufacturer Trailhead Fine Foods is teaming up with a sporting events company to promote its award-winning beef jerky to runners, cyclists and others who enjoy outdoor sports. The Welshpool-based company, which makes the high protein snacks under the Get Jerky brand name, has agreed to sponsor a series of running and cycling events, together with a couple of talks, organised by Adrenaline Sporting Events throughout 2022. The eight-event series begins with the first Welshpool 10k run on Sunday, March 27, which was originally planned for 2020 but was cancelled due to the pandemic. The other events are Brynkinalt…

When the weather turns colder it can be easy to forget some of the dangers that come with it. The winter months can bring plummeting temperatures, alongside ice, snow and falling leaves, which can all increase the risk of a fall. As much as we would all like to continue with our daily plans and activities as normal, it’s important to be mindful of the weather conditions before venturing outside. There are many steps we can take to reduce the chances of a fall during a cold snap, both around the house and whilst out and about. Eleri D’Arcy, falls…