Author: Rhys Gregory

Additional CCTV equipment is now live at Rhyl’s Botanical Gardens following recent reports of anti-social behaviour in the area. Denbighshire County Council has already taken measures to improve security on site to stamp out anti-social behaviour at the gardens. The Council commissioned the service of a local security company to patrol the area and lock the gates at 9pm, reopening at 8am the following morning. To support the continuing work to halt anti-social behaviour at the gardens, the existing CCTV system has received an upgrade which is fully operational. Councillor Tony Thomas, Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We…

Cardiff’s newest street food kitchen and cocktail bar, Neighbourhood Kitchen & Bedrooms, will be opening its doors for indoor dining on Wednesday 2nd June! Located a short walk from Central Station, in the shadows of Principality Stadium, the soon-to-be foodie hotspot will be hosting some of Wales’ best independent chefs and street food traders. Neighbourhood Kitchen & Bedrooms will be open weekly, Wednesday through ‘til Saturday, hosting you for breakfast, lunch, dinner and your favourite weekend drinks. With a whole load of Welsh street food talent still to be announced, Neighbourhood Kitchen & Bedrooms will see the likes of Pimp…

A NEW Rhyl project aimed at combating loneliness has proved to be just the ticket after securing funding to carry it on for 12 months. The Rhyl Read – a free magazine created by Rhyl Town Council – was distributed for the first time at the beginning of the year. Aimed at older people and those most affected by lockdowns, the magazine included recipes, activities such as puzzles and colouring along with ideas for things to make. The magazine was free to download with printed editions sent to anyone who requested one. However, the council knew some people wouldn’t be…

Police in Pontypridd are appealing for information following a serious assault earlier on Friday, 28 May, 2021. A 25 year-old man sustained puncture wounds to his legs during the incident which occurred near Pontypridd train station at approximately 11.30am. He remains in hospital with what have been described as superficial injuries. An investigation into the incident is underway – officers would like to speak with anybody who may have witnessed the incident, or to anybody who was in the vicinity of the train station at the time, who may have seen anything suspicious. Detective Inspector Emma Hampton, said: “We are…

Pennant Walters, renewable development arm of the Walters Group based in Hirwaun, is in the early stages of preparing an application for a new wind farm at Mynydd Llanhilleth, north west Torfaen, a company spokesperson has confirmed. Mynydd Llanhilleth wind farm could generate approximately 48MW of renewable electricity – enough to power 24,000 homes – and contribute to tackling the climate emergency, helping move Wales closer to achieving the targets for renewable energy generation set by Welsh Government. The proposals, which are still in the early stages of being developed, will be deemed a ‘Development of National Significance’ (DNS) under…

Work to complete the new Splash Pad attraction for children and families at the Aberavon Seafront is progressing well and it is due to open in a Covid compliant way when restrictions allow. The new attraction, a replacement for the former Aquasplash facility on the same site, will include a range of more than 30 exciting water features including fountains, jets and “waterfalls”. The new Splash Pad has replaced the old paddling pool and the new water fountains, jets and waterfalls, spread over a central play area. Work on the Splash Pad began on February 1st this year and the design includes…

Discussions are ongoing between Bridgend County Borough Council and Bridgend Athletics over the management of the running track at Newbridge Fields. The club is looking to take over the long-term management of the running track under the council’s Community Asset Transfer (CAT) programme. It also has plans to redevelop the clubhouse. Through the CAT programme, the local authority works with sports clubs, and town and community councils to transfer the running of community facilities to help protect them for future generations. As the primary user of the track, Bridgend Athletics is best-placed to preserve this facility for the community at…

The Welsh Government’s new Counsel General, Mick Antoniw, has been sworn into office at a ceremony at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday 28th May. The Counsel General is the Welsh Government’s chief legal adviser and representative in the courts. Earlier this week the Senedd passed a motion agreeing the nomination. Mick Antoniw has been an MS since 2011 and was a practising solicitor before his election to the Senedd. He studied at Cardiff Law School, University of Wales. He has also been appointed to the role of Minister for Constitution and will play an active role in constitutional affairs during…

Businesses in Wales reported the biggest month-on-month increase in confidence of any nation or region in the UK, rising 18 points during May to 27%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. Companies in Wales reported higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, up 29 points at 28%.  When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, up seven points to 26%, this gives a headline confidence reading of 27% – the highest reading since November 2018. The Business Barometer questions 1,200 businesses monthly and provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. When it comes to jobs,…

Communities where Police Now officers have been posted for the last 22-months have seen 38,772 fewer incidents of anti-social behaviour compared to the same time period from October 2016 – equivalent to a 14 per cent drop.    Officers on Police Now’s National Graduate Leadership Programme have been working alongside their colleagues within their local neighbourhood teams.    As well as the drop in anti-social behaviour, communities have also seen 14,301 fewer incidents of criminal damage & arson – a fall of 13 per cent. There were 12,460 fewer incidents of burglary – a fall of 16 per cent – and 31,732 fewer incidents of theft, equivalent to a 14 per cent fall.    PC Lucy Tregidon of South Wales Police resolved an ongoing neighbour dispute that was causing almost daily anti-social behaviour calls to police. She worked with the…