Author: Rhys Gregory

Analysis by UKHospitality Cymru reveals that, compared to what is currently being paid, the sector’s business rates bill will rise by £19.6 million in 2026/27 (a 23% increase), by £43.3m in 2027/28 (a 51% increase) and by £67.7 million in 2028/29 (an 80% increase). The dramatic increase is a result of rateable values increasing by 26%, business rates relief being removed, and hospitality being excluded from the Welsh Government’s business rates reform. UKHospitality Cymru has warned that soaring rates bills will accelerate business closures and job losses across Welsh communities, unless the Welsh Government rethinks its currents plans for business rates…

Now at the midpoint of its 15-year journey to transform South West Wales through a £1.3 billion investment in nine major projects and programmes, the Swansea Bay City Deal (SBCD) is celebrating many accomplishments through its Skills and Talent programme. Led by the Regional Learning and Skills Partnership (RLSP) the SBCD Skills and Talent programme will attract £30 million of funds from the Welsh Government, UK Government, public sector and private sector. Driven by strong collaboration between education providers, training organisations, and local businesses, over a ten-year period the programme will deliver 14,000 upskilling opportunities and create over 3,000 apprenticeship…

Yr Heliwr in North Wales is the star of the show in the third and final film of CAMRA’s community owned pub documentary series. The Welsh pub had been closed for a decade, and the community rallied together to save their precious local pub in 2018. After an impressive fundraising campaign, the pub reopened in 2021, becoming this community’s vital social hub once again. The film explores how crucial the re-opening of Yr Heliwr was to the town of Nefyn, both socially and financially. Through interviews with regulars, volunteers and key stakeholders learn how much the pub has revitalised the…

Cardiff Airport is adding a dash of joie de vivre to February 2026 as Air France announces a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG). Perfectly timed for two key moments in the calendar, the Wales vs France Six Nations Rugby clash on Saturday 15 February and the Valentine’s Day weekend, these flights offer a seamless way to hop between the Welsh capital and the City of Love. For travelling French supporters, this is the most convenient way to arrive in Wales and experience the famous atmosphere of match day at the Principality Stadium.…

South Wales Police are appealing for information to help find 17 year old Cian, who has been reported missing from Cardiff. Cian was last seen on Friday night, 28 November, sometime between 11.30pm and midnight, on Clive Road in Canton. Officers say they are growing concerned for his welfare and are asking anyone who may have seen him to get in touch. Members of the public who have any information that could help the search are asked to contact South Wales Police online or by calling 101 and quoting occurrence number 2500377933. Information can also be shared anonymously through Crimestoppers…

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man died following a collision on the A494 near Bala late on Wednesday night. Officers were called shortly after 11.40pm on 3 December after reports that a pedestrian had been struck while walking on the road in Llanfor. The 43 year old man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed. A 38 year old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving as part of the ongoing investigation. Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Gibson offered his condolences to the man’s…

Cardiff Council has confirmed a case of avian flu in a swan found dead in Cardiff Bay, prompting fresh warnings for the public to avoid contact with wild birds. Several dead birds have also been reported at Roath Park Lake and Hendre Lake. These are now being tested to determine whether the avian flu strain H5N1 is present. The council says that while transmission of H5N1 to humans is very rare, people should take sensible precautions. This includes avoiding contact with dead or sick birds and not feeding wild birds in public places, which can cause them to gather and…

A brand new free bus service for shoppers looking to get around Swansea city centre is launching next week. It’s called the ‘Shopper Hopper’ and it’s a shuttle bus connecting the railway station in the north to the bus station in the south, stopping off at Swansea Market in between. It’s a Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm service and it’s designed to make it easier than ever for shoppers to get around the busy city centre. The fully-accessible Shopper Hopper is a 15-seat minibus linking the three locations with the market drop-off point at the Whitewalls entrance. It means…

Exciting proposals to redevelop the Rock Grounds in Aberdare have been granted planning consent. This is an important landmark in the multi-million pound project, which is subject to a full funding package being secured. In October 2024, Cabinet progressed the project by agreeing to the Council approving Final Frontier Space Holdings as the chosen developer to design, develop and operate the facility – which will include a quality hotel, restaurant, bar and spa. Importantly, it was agreed that the facilities complementing the new hotel will be available for the community’s use – while the development will preserve the historic Rock…

Plans to address long-standing problems caused by ground movement on the A469 between Pontlottyn and New Tredegar look set to be agreed next week. On Wednesday 10 December, Caerphilly county borough council’s Cabinet will consider a report seeking funding to enable much-needed improvement works to proceed at the site. The Cabinet will be asked to commit £20million, using a mixture of repurposed budgets and borrowing, to fund the major engineering project. Leader of Council, Cllr Jamie Pritchard said, “I’m pleased that, in the few short weeks since becoming Leader of the Council, I have delivered on my promise to seek…