Author: Rhys Gregory

Parks across Swansea are to be part of a busy new family festival this summer. Residents of Townhill, Waunarlwydd, Morriston, Loughor and St Thomas will be among those who won’t have to travel too far for a fun day out. Family based activities and attractions at the series of two-day events will include two outdoor cinema screenings on the first day, followed by children’s activities including circus skills workshops, craft sessions, a bouncy castle, children’s rides, walkabout characters, sports activities and live music on the second day. Catering and a bar will be available on both days. Swansea Parks Fest…

The Swansea Council organised event is due to take place on Sunday 19 September – and entries close on August 31 although they may close earlier if capacity is reached. As it launched in 1981, this year’s event is all about celebrating that decade – so entrants are free to celebrate everything 80s through fancy dress such as sweatbands, leg warmers, big hair and bright colours. Expect themed music, 80’s characters and entertainment at retro “cheer zones” along the route. Hundreds of people new to running are expected to join this 40th Swansea Bay 10k race, which is sponsored by…

Children who’ve been loving days out in Swansea’s Heol Las Park have had extra reasons to celebrate this summer thanks to the upgrade of the park’s play area. It was officially-opened on Monday by Council Leader Rob Stewart at a special community event made memorable day by staging a mini-fete featuring lots of stalls, fun and games for children to enjoy. The refurbishment is part of a Swansea-wide £2m-plus programme of youngsters’ play areas across the city that aims to fund schemes in more than 30 parks and play areas over the coming months. The £120,000 Heol Las project was…

In response to increasing Covid infection rates in the area, a mobile testing unit will be visiting Pontardawe in the coming days, to offer a convenient drop-in testing option for people with either the ‘classic’ signs of coronavirus or other symptoms they may feel are unusual for them or their child. These may include flu-like symptoms, including any or all of: myalgia (muscle ache or pain); excessive tiredness; persistent headache; runny nose or blocked nose (unless this is a known hay fever symptom for the individual); persistent sneezing; sore throat and/or hoarseness, shortness of breath or wheezing; Testing will also…

Businesses are being urged to be alert to a fraud scam that is targeting existing and potential suppliers of equipment to organisations such as Bridgend County Borough Council. It comes after a local business was defrauded out of almost £40,000 worth of goods. The scam works in the following way: A supplier will receive an email or phone call requesting a quotation for specific items of equipment. These may be in large or small quantities, and of low-to-high values. Once the quotation has been provided, a purchase order is emailed to the supplier that bears a resemblance to an authentic…

Bridgend Youth Council has elected a new Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth Mayor. Following an online election, Xander Payne from Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School was voted in as youth mayor and the new deputy youth mayor is G Williams from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Bryntirion Ward. Xander, who is also looking to stand as a Welsh Youth Parliament representative, said: “I am honoured to be the newest Youth Mayor for Bridgend. “I am so excited to work alongside the new Deputy Youth Mayor G Williams to bring the issues we believe in to the forefront.…

RCT Council has appointed a contractor to repair the Penydarren Tramroad Bridge in Trecynon after Scheduled Monument consent was received from Cadw earlier this year – and a provisional timeline for the work is in place. The Grade II Listed bridge was further damaged by Storm Dennis in February 2020 and subsequent storm events. Security fencing remains in place around the structure and surrounding area to ensure safety. Aware of the bridge’s historical significance, the Council has worked with external consultants to design a sympathetic restoration scheme – which will allow the structure and its Public Right of Way over…

The use of fossil fuels to heat newly built social homes will end from October 1st as Welsh Government commits to renewable energies and cutting edge technologies in its new build standards, published today. The ambition is for private developers to adopt the ‘Welsh Development Quality Requirements 2021 – Creating Beautiful Homes and Places’, by 2025. Homes will need to reach the highest energy efficiency standards to reduce carbon use during build and when inhabited. As well as sector leading space standards, developers will need to consider recycling and food waste storage under the new rules. Wales currently ranks number…

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething today announced that American cloud-based tech company SIMBA Chain is due to set up a base in Ebbw Vale following Welsh Government support through its Tech Valleys programme, creating 26 well-paid, highly skilled jobs. Founded in 2017 with a grant to develop a secure, un-hackable messaging and transaction platform for the United States military, SIMBA Chain has quickly established itself as a leader in its field. It now has high-value contracts with the US Department of Defense, US Air Force and US Navy, and it’s thought SIMBA Chain could become the first unicorn company to emerge…

Staycations are once again a huge trend in 2021 as a result of the pandemic and this is allowing people to see the great beauty found at home (these trips are also much easier to manage and more affordable). In terms of natural beauty, it is hard to beat Wales and there are a number of great places to visit for those that enjoying walking and cycling. The Best Places for Walking/Sightseeing Snowdonia Snowdonia is one of the first places that will spring to mind when discussing Wales and for good reason. The incredible National Park spans 823 square miles…