Author: Rhys Gregory

Anglesey can become a UK leader in hydrogen energy technology, cleaning up the transport sector and creating high quality jobs across North Wales, according to a leading Welsh economic expert. This comes as motorists across the country struggle with chaos at petrol stations caused by a shortage of HGV delivery drivers. This follows UK Government Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng’s claim that the fuel could provide a third of the country’s energy as it bids to reach net zero emissions. But the UK is already playing catch-up with rivals in Europe and further afield and needs to get up to speed…

Laings The Jewellers has unveiled its stunning new-look showroom at Cardiff’s St David’s Centre. The expansion project, which has seen the existing showroom more than treble in size to 4,735sq ft, features dedicated diamond and jewellery areas, providing guests with the opportunity to view carefully curated collections in an immersive environment. Building on its unrivalled offering of luxury watches and jewellery, Laings Cardiff will welcome esteemed brands such as Rolex and debut Patek Philippe in Wales for the very first time. Laings will also introduce revered luxury Maison, Fabergé, to Cardiff, with brand exclusivity in the city. Designed by the…

A Swansea University expert has been named as one of the UK’s latest clean air champions. Paul Lewis, Professor Emeritus at Swansea University Medical School, has a research background in the environmental impacts on respiratory health. He is an expert member on the Welsh Government Clean Air Advisory Panel, helping advise on fine-particulate targets in readiness for a new Clean Air Act in Wales. He is also a member of the Wales Air Quality Direction Independent Review Panel and the Domestic Solid Fuel Burning in Wales, Task and Finish Group. Professor Lewis’s new role will see him joining the existing national…

There were moments of anticipation, excitement, and joy at this year’s JCP Swansea Half Marathon event. Runners took to the city’s streets to participate in the seventh edition of the race, which is traditionally held in June. They braved the 13.1 miles in slightly cooler conditions which were perfect for running. After Hayley Davies, CEO of JCP Solicitors, set the runners on their way, she said:  “It was fantastic to see everyone back at the start line and enjoying such a wonderful event for the city. It is always inspiring to see others taking part, whether it’s their first event,…

Being near essential amenities and living close to family and friends are the top priorities for nearly half of all prospective home-hunters in Wales, according to new research from leading housebuilder Redrow. The new analysis of 2,000 UK adults, the first large-scale study undertaken by Ewloe-headquartered Redrow since Covid-19 restrictions eased in the summer, reveals that ‘living better’ means being part of a community near to friends and family, with access to open spaces and shops providing essentials. Equally important to being near to family is access to green open space, but the most important factor revealed was proximity to…

Specialist engineers plan to work on Swansea’s historic Guildhall clock from next week. They aim to undertake essential maintenance to ensure the timepiece – on the historic building’s prominent tower – is back in action in the coming months. Swansea Council has been waiting for a number of months for engineers to become available. Cabinet member and joint deputy council leader David Hopkins said: “We thank people for being patient as we’ve made pandemic actions our priority. “We’ve also waited for specialists to free up the necessary time to do this important work. It’s important we got the right team in…

As vaccinations for 12-15 year olds continue in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board region, a new advice line has been set up to provide expert support and information. The exclusive advice line aims to enable 12-15 year olds and their parents or guardians to access all of the details they require ahead of deciding whether to take up the offer of a Covid-19 vaccine. To use the service, simply fill in the online form on the health board’s website and a member of their team will get back to you. Nearly 30 per cent of 12-15 years olds within…

Caerphilly’s Cabinet unanimously supported proposals to develop two new respite facilities for adults and children located on the former Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School site. The multimillion pound development will see the council continue to deliver this vital service to offer families the opportunity for respite from caring responsibilities, further supporting families to continue to live together within the community. Whilst co-existing on one site they will be managed separately inline with CIW regulations, but the close proximity of the 2 houses will also support transition from children to adult services. The properties will also benefit from a specific increase in designated…

Following extensive ground investigations and drainage surveys Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Highways Team have determined that the drainage on Groes-Faen Terrace, Bargoed requires replacing to prevent further ground deterioration. The anticipated start date for the road and drainage replacement works is the 18th October 2021 and are expected to take seven weeks to complete. Groes-Ffaen Terrace Road up to the junction with Factory Road will be closed for five weeks plus an additional weekend closure together with one week of single lane closure. The A469 / Factory Road will not be closed during these works. Pedestrian access will be maintained where…

RCT Council is making good progress with an initial phase of work to stabilise the slope above the closed path at the Tylorstown Landslip site – with this activity on course to be completed by the end of October. Alun Griffiths Ltd was appointed by the Council to carry out this additional phase of work, which started on site during late summer 2021. The work is focusing on the north-east valley mountain side, which is an historical railway cutting lying directly above the remaining closed footpath at the landslip site. The landslip occurred on the Llanwonno hillside at Tylorstown during…