Author: Rhys Gregory

From April 1, families in Wales who have registered the loss of a child under the age of 18 will be able to receive £500 as a contribution towards funeral costs, Housing and Local Government Minister Julie James has announced. Families will not be required to actively seek the funding or make a claim. Instead, a one off payment will be offered by the Registrar when the death is registered. Julie James said: “We want to offer families practical, compassionate support at an unimaginably difficult time. Local government will take the lead on delivering the additional support to families and…

RCT Council is in the process of introducing a reduced 20mph speed limit at 22 community locations, including near schools – in order to create a safer environment where there is limited space for social distancing. Welsh Government COVID-19 grant support has been secured for two similar experimental schemes in communities across the County Borough. The first will see the introduction of 20mph zones in streets surrounding 16 schools. Following public notice, the zones are being brought into use on a phased basis from March 10, commencing at each location when signage is installed. The second scheme will introduce the…

Cllr John Warman has been sworn in as the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot for 2021/22. Cllr Warman took up his new role at Neath Port Talbot Council’s Annual General Meeting on March 17th where the swearing in ceremony took place. Cllr Warman’s wife Lesley will be Mayoress. Cllr Del Morgan will be the Deputy Mayor for 21/22 with his wife Anne as Deputy Mayoress. Paying tribute to outgoing Mayor, Cllr Scott Jones, at the AGM, Cllr Steve Hunt described him as “the model of determination, grit and community spirit”. The theme of Cllr Warman’s year of office is “It…

Mobile coronavirus testing facilities continue to be available for anyone who is experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 in Bridgend County Borough. A drive-through mobile testing unit provided by Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board will be available between 9am-5pm at the Halo Swimming Pool on Marshfield Avenue in Pyle (CF33 6RP). A walk-through testing facility is also available between 8am-8pm at the Bowls Hall car park off Bridgend Life Centre (CF31 4AH). Booking for both facilities is essential and can be arranged by visiting the Welsh Government website or calling 119, while people with hearing or speech difficulties can book an…

The transformation of Merthyr Tydfil’s iconic Cyfarthfa Castle into an international quality museum set in an impressive 100-hectare public park has moved a step closer thanks to an additional £1.2m funding boost from the Welsh Government. The 20 year Cyfarthfa Plan is the result of 12-month’s work by a multi-disciplinary team led by the internationally renowned Ian Ritchie Architects. The plan was commissioned by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and warmly welcomed by Welsh Government. The development could open new chapters in Welsh tourism, community and cultural development and create an exemplar project which demonstrates the force and effectiveness of…

Work to prepare for a new city centre footbridge to replace an unpopular subway continues. Installing an accessible walkway from Devon Place to Queensway over the railway line is significant feat of engineering and logistics. The work over the railway line has to be completed when no trains are running so it is scheduled to be done over Christmas this year. As part of the site preparation work, a steel sculpture by artist Harvey Hood needs to be moved. Archform, was commissioned by Network Rail in collaboration with the Welsh Arts Council,. Network Rail will be putting its sculpture in…

ue Noake Leisure Centre has received £300,000 of Welsh Government funding (administered by Sport Wales) for a brand new Hockey Hub that will feature a new 2G AstroTurf multiuse sporting pitch. The new pitch will replace the previous Artificial Turf Pitch (ATP) with the 2G style that is more user friendly for hockey and will provide a key strategic facility for players and the wider the community. Cllr Ross Whiting, the Cabinet Member for Learning and Achievement commented: “This new investment will provide a key facility for the county borough – allowing our athletes to develop their skills and providing…

The United States is one of the best places to visit. Las Vegas is one of those cities that stand out the most. Las Vegas is famous for its nightlife, from strip clubs to lively hotels and casinos. The hotels and casinos give off the vibe of New York, Paris, Venice, ancient Egypt, and medieval England, offering you an international experience. The city is much more than just a vacation destination. If you’re on the fence about whether or not you should buy a home in Las Vegas, here are reasons why you should go for it. Settle Down Owning…

The informal local event was held to mark the project milestone. It was attended by Cardiff Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, Cllr Sarah Merry and the First Minister for Wales, Mark Drakeford MS as representation of the partnership between Welsh Government and Cardiff Council in the delivery of 21st Century Schools. In order to limit the number of guests on site and in support of keeping Wales safe and staying at home to protect lives against COVID-19, Cardiff Council Leader Cllr Huw Thomas andFitzalan High School Headteacher, Cath Bradshaw joined the event by virtual means.…

Lidl GB has confirmed it intends to build a brand-new store in Llanelli as part of its ongoing £1.3bn investment across Great Britain in 2021 and 2022. The announcement comes as Lidl is working with developer Arbenigol Limited who has exchanged contracts with Carmarthenshire County Council, securing the site on Trostre Retail Park. As well as delivering Lidl’s high quality and affordable produce to even more of the community, the plans include a multi-million-pound investment and the creation of around 40 new jobs for the local economy. The new store would consist of a 1,410m² sales an in-store bakery, customer…