Author: Rhys Gregory

An aspiring police officer rang 999 to check on the progress of his application to join North Wales Police, it’s been revealed. The region’s police and crime commissioner, Andy Dunbobbin, heard it was one of a string of “ridiculous” emergency calls dealt with by the force’s control room. It was said, Mr Dunbobbin, a “serious and flagrant” waste of police time that diverted resources away from real emergencies, potentially putting lives at risk. On another occasion a women dialled 999 to ask for police assistance to move her sofa which had become jammed in her hallway after she tried to…

The step-by-step easing of Coronavirus restrictions created uncertainties which made life difficult for event organisers but the latest easing of rules in Wales has allowed organisers of the Montgomery Canal Triathlon to confirm that the event will go ahead on Saturday 4th September. Towpath users should note that the canal and towpath will be busy on that day. The popular Triathlon, which includes sections by cycle and canoe and on foot will be managed with safety in mind and should be enjoyable as enjoyable as past events for families and the seriously athletic. The Triathlon raises funds for the restoration…

Morrisons has kicked off the new football season by securing the listing of Ryan Reynolds’ Aviation American Gin Away Edition – a limited edition gin which has been created to celebrate Wrexham AFC’s new away game shirt. Featuring the club’s crest on the bottle, Aviation American Gin Away Edition will be available at nine Morrisons stores in North Wales: Wrexham, Colwyn Bay, Newton, Connah’s Quay, Denbigh, Caernarfon, Bangor, Saltney and Holyhead. Available in store from August 27, the special gin is the latest Wrexham announcement made by the Hollywood owners of Wrexham AFC, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, with Morrisons stores…

Denbighshire County Council will pay tribute to emergency service workers and those who have served in the Merchant Navy. The Council has commissioned a special flag for Emergency Services Day on September 9 to recognise and support emergency service personnel and their immense contribution to society by providing a safe and supported environment for us all. And on September 3, Merchant Navy Day, the Council flag will be replaced with the Red Ensign flag to show support for the seafarers on which the UK so heavily depends. Cllr Alan James, Chair of Denbighshire County Council, said: “As a Council we…

Pillgwenlly Millennium Trust Ltd, a non-profit organisation in Wales, has been awarded a grant by the KFC Foundation in its latest round of national funding. The Pill Millennium Centre in Newport is the hub for the local community. It is a sports and recreation centre which hosts indoor and outdoor sporting facilities, martial arts clubs, dance, and exercise classes, as well as providing alternative education for young people. With its grant from the KFC Foundation, The Pill Millenium Centre will fund creative music sessions to engage young people in activities with a useful purpose. These sessions will aim to build…

The roads through Ceredigion’s towns will re-open next week ahead of the new school term. From 05 September 2021, the daily road closures in Aberaeron, Aberystwyth, Cardigan and New Quay will come to an end, as will the 24 hour closure on Market Street, Aberystwyth as we anticipate that visitor numbers in our towns will reduce as the summer draws to an end. However, other elements of the Safe Zones will remain in place for the time being, including the alternative traffic flow arrangements and wider footpaths, which enable people to maintain a reasonable social distance whilst exploring the towns.…

People in Swansea are being thanked for their generous offers of support as the city plays its part in welcoming refugees fleeing Afghanistan. A small number families are settling in the city and Swansea has offered to welcome more. Councils across the UK are playing their part in resettling Afghans who have worked for the British Government. People in Swansea having been asking what they can do to help but the new arrivals have been provided with what they need from the government funded scheme. Alyson Pugh, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Supporting Communities, said: “The images we continue to…

With the new school year starting in early September, it is recommended that all secondary school pupils undertake lateral flow testing before their first day back. Many pupils will already have lateral flow tests at home, having used them before schools broke up in July. However, for all new Year 7 pupils who would not have been able to access stocks in schools previously, and any other pupils who have run out of supplies, it is recommended that parents, carers, or pupils, collect the tests from either local testing sites, local pharmacies or order them online for home delivery. Lateral…

Caerphilly County Borough Council is continuing to take great strides in delivering on its commitment to help tackle the climate crisis and lower carbon emissions. Caerphilly Council have taken delivery of brand new electric vehicles as part of the authority’s transition to ultra-low emission vehicles. The Catering Team is the first service to take delivery of electric vehicles, the vans are fully equipped with electric ovens to deliver meals to the elderly and vulnerable as part of the Meals Direct Service, a further 6 vans for the Building Cleaning Service arrived shortly after. The move to electric vehicles was made…

HMS Severn, Newport’s formerly affiliated naval vessel, has officially reinstated its association with the city. The ship last berthed at Alexandra Docks and exercised its Freedom of the City in late 2017 prior to its planned decommission. However, due to Brexit, the Royal Navy did not sell HMS Severn, but decided to keep and re-commission her. Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of the Council, said: “We enjoyed a long and successful relationship between the city and the Royal Navy and were disappointed when HMS Severn’s tenure was to end. “For her to be back in service and her affiliation with the…