Author: Rhys Gregory

Brand new electric trains offering travellers an improved customer experience are now being used on Transport for Wales services between Coryton, Caerphilly and Penarth. An additional five new tri-mode Class 756 trains, which are part of the Welsh Government’s £800m investment in new trains, will join the fleet that are already transforming passenger’s experiences on the Merthyr, Aberdare and Treherbert lines, taking the total of brand-new electric trains in service daily to 19 (with 24 in the total fleet). The new trains, which provide 50% more capacity and improved accessibility, including level boarding, are being introduced after a successful trial…

When the first wave of electric vehicles (EVs) hit the roads, many drivers marvelled at the silence, the instant torque, and the sense that they were stepping into the future. But one of the quieter revolutions in EV ownership has unfolded not on the road, but in the garage. For decades, car servicing followed a familiar rhythm: oil changes every few thousand miles, regular spark plug replacements, timing belt concerns, exhaust system repairs—the list went on. These scheduled rituals were almost sacred in the ownership experience. With EVs, that calendar is getting torn up and rewritten. Fewer Moving Parts, Fewer…

Deal or No Deal’s return to our television screens has turned out to be the reboot that the British public didn’t realise it needed. The reborn edition of Deal or No Deal, hosted by Stephen Mulhern, has proven to be one of the surprise hits on ITV in recent months. The infectious energy of Mulhern, coupled with a string of high-drama games, has breathed new life into the classic show. In fact, it appears to have reignited the same engagement and excitement in viewers as the original led by Noel Edmonds. There have been several memorable winners from Wales during…

A pioneering net-zero scheme is set to pump over £600,000 into the Vale of Clwyd economy over the next five years. Phase One of Net Zero Horizons programme was rolled out last year on the Colomendy Industrial Estate in Denbigh where over 40 businesses received free training and consultancy to help them cut their carbon emissions with 13 of them attracting over £300,000 in grants for renewable schemes. The businesses involved are forecast to cut their energy bills and save themselves £250,000 over five years and Phase Two could add another £375,000 to that impressive figure. The scheme is again…

Young cricketers in Denbighshire chalked up a thrilling win against local rivals in a nail-biting finish which saw them get home with just seven balls to spare. It was a fine win for Ruthin Under-13s and they certainly look the part when they take the field against St Asaph thanks to a sponsorship from fast-growing local law firm Swayne Johnson which has seen them kitted out in smart new white shirts. Swayne Johnson boast their own cricketing heritage just up the road at Denbigh where the firm has a long association with the town club and an early partner, Guy…

The renowned bluestone boulders of Stonehenge were transported from Pembrokeshire to Salisbury Plain by humans and not glaciers as previously claimed, according to new scientific research. A team of experts led by Aberystwyth University – in collaboration with scientists from University College London, the University of South Wales and the University of Exeter – has revisited arguments around whether the large stones were moved more than 200km from west Wales to Wiltshire by ice or people. They focused their study on a distinctive piece of rock known as the ‘Newall boulder’, which was excavated at Stonehenge in 1924 and which…

Property specialist Cavendish has acquired the lettings portfolio of a North Wales estate agent. Cavendish, which has offices in Chester, Ruthin and Mold, has purchased the lettings arm of Connah’s Quay-based Keystone Property and Mortgage Centre. The deal enables Cavendish to continue the expansion of the property management side of the company and allows Keystone to focus on their fast-growing estate agency and mortgage broking service across North Wales, Chester and Wirral. David Adams, Managing Director of Cavendish, said: “From our early discussions, it was clear that the values and ethos of our two businesses were very closely aligned. “We…

A man from Swansea has been jailed after he pleaded guilty to three counts of rape and other offences involving four female victims. 28-year-old Jamil Ahmed, from Clydach, raped one of the victims after making threats of violence should she not have complied with his wishes. Ahmed changed his plea for one count each of rape and controlling and coercive behaviour from not guilty to guilty in July. In total he pleaded guilty to three counts of rape, three counts of controlling/coercive behaviour and one count of harassment, putting his victim in fear of violence. He has been sentenced to…

Following the success of sustainable travel at last year’s Eisteddfod in Pontypridd, Transport for Wales (TfW) has announced its continued commitment to encouraging green travel options for this year’s Eisteddfod in Wrexham. The Eisteddfod, a vibrant celebration of Welsh language and culture, will be held in Isycoed, on the outskirts of the city, from Saturday, 2 August to Saturday, 9 August 2025. Travelling sustainably to the Maes is a key priority and TfW has been working closely with Wrexham County Borough Council and the Eisteddfod organisers to finalise comprehensive transport arrangements designed to make green travel options the easiest and…

As part of its drive to create a sustainable and healthier society through developing a more equitable and nourishing food system, the Bridgend Sustainable Food Partnership has arranged a series of free cooking sessions in communities across the county borough. The six-week courses have stemmed from the partnership’s food summit and community engagement work, with the classes reaching out to areas of the local community in a bid to develop cooking skills, sharpen nutritional understanding, and elevate self-esteem. The first series of sessions were hosted by Tanio, a community arts charity, based at Betws, and at Bethlehem Church Life Centre,…