Author: Rhys Gregory

Over £3m has been invested to help modernise the National Library of Wales, protecting historic collections, improving visitor spaces, boosting digital access and helping the Library reach net zero by 2030. The largest share of the investment – nearly £1.5m – has improved the bookstacks where collections of national significance are stored, securing safe, long-term preservation for millions of historic items telling the story of Wales. Over £500k has transformed the Library’s public spaces. Visitors will benefit from a more welcoming entrance, new exhibition spaces and a refreshed children’s play area making the library more inclusive and family friendly. A…

The Welsh Government is investing up to £9.25 million to purchase and upgrade an industrial unit at the Heads of the Valleys, in a bid to attract high-quality manufacturing businesses and create new jobs in one of Wales’ most deprived areas. Having recently completed the purchase of Unit 1 on Hirwaun Industrial Estate, a comprehensive refurbishment will now take place to bring a high-quality manufacturing facility to the market. The project will meet the needs of a range of potential commercial occupiers, and deliver an economic boost to the Heads of the Valleys, alongside highly-skilled, well-paid jobs. The area has…

Road closures and travel advice have been issued ahead of a major rugby event in Cardiff this weekend. A double header fixture between Bristol Bears and Harlequins will take place at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, March 28, with the women’s match kicking off at 3.30pm. Cardiff Council has confirmed that road closures will be in place between 11am and 8pm, with some restrictions starting earlier in the day. Road closures across city centre From 7am, Scott Road and Park Street will close to allow for event preparations. A full city centre road closure will then be introduced from 11am,…

A £12.43 million package to expand skills across Flintshire and Wrexham has been approved, paving the way for major growth in advanced manufacturing and digital capability across the region. The funding will deliver the Investment Zone Skills Strategy, supporting a coordinated effort to tackle skills shortages, increase access to high‑value careers and strengthen links between employers and training providers. Led by the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership (RSP), and delivered in collaboration with local education authorities, Coleg Cambria and Wrexham University, the investment will fund a series of projects across apprenticeships, degrees and employer‑designed training. The programme aims to strengthen the…

Llangollen and Corwen Railway has announced an exciting new partnership with the Wales Comic Con ahead of this year’s event, which takes place on 4 and 5 April at the iconic Llangollen Pavilion. To celebrate the new collaboration, fans will have the opportunity to travel to Wales Comic Con in truly unique style aboard a special “Red Dwarf Steam Train” on Saturday 4 April, featuring celebrated actor and comedian Chris Barrie. Best known for his role as Arnold Rimmer in the long-running sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf, Chris Barrie will travel on the steam train, meeting fans in a special meet…

The much-anticipated Gorseinon 10K & 2K Fun Run is set to return on April 12th, bringing together runners, families, and the local community for a powerful day of sport, remembrance, and impact. This year’s event is once again proudly led by headline sponsor Brisco Williams, with automotive partner Sinclair Group UK providing the official lead vehicle. The event is delivered in partnership with Front Runner Events and Freedom Leisure, ensuring a professionally managed and memorable race experience for all participants. The event is also generously supported by Rhys Davies Mortgages, Brecon Carreg, Swansea Council, Simon Hayden Freelance Design & Media,…

A disused former railway site in Bridgend is set to be transformed into 21 high-quality, energy-efficient homes for social rent, as Bridgend-based housing association, Valleys to Coast, moves forward with plans for Croft Goch Road, Kenfig Hill. The development will regenerate a brownfield site with historic railway use, bringing redundant land back into productive use while supporting local housing needs. The scheme is being delivered with support from Bridgend County Borough Council, which played a key role in securing funding through the Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant programme. Blaenavon-based contractor P&P Builders has been appointed to deliver the scheme, which…

Sara Jones and family realised their Monmouthshire sheep farm had to diversify to thrive, and the answer was right on their doorstep. Natural water from the Graig Fawr spring had served the farm for generations, and the Jones’s saw its business potential. Three years on, and the canned water from Tump Farm near Usk is finding new markets in the UK and around the world, and expansion is on the cards. A £50,000 loan from Tata Steel subsidiary UKSE has provided working capital and nowTumptonics is looking to grow. The family business has a purpose-built canning plant, producing still and sparkling…

A man from Pentre has been jailed for assault and coercive control following a South Wales Police investigation. Daniel Batstone, 29, from Pentre was sentenced on March 23 at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court to one year and six months in prison. This sentence follows a change in plea from not guilty to guilty for one count of engaging in control/ coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. This followed officers attending and address in August 2025 in Pentre after a 999 call was received about a disturbance.  When officers arrived at the property the victim disclosed that…

Transport for Wales (TfW) has announced a Wales-wide initiative to support the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by providing all 22 Local Authorities with free access to a shared national data platform, ChargePoint Navigator. ChargePoint Navigator is designed to simplify site selection, reduce costs, and support EV infrastructure planning to local authorities. Through TfW sponsorship, every Local Authority in Wales will now have access to a common evidence base, supporting consistent, transparent and value for money investment in charging infrastructure aligned with national transport policies. This marks the first time the platform has operated at a national level outside England. Originally…