Author: Rhys Gregory

THE number of young people in Conwy claiming Universal Credit has more than doubled in the last year. The county has experienced a 108% rise in 18-24 year olds receiving monthly income benefits since March 2020. As a result – coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic – many are now turning to the UK Government’s innovative Kickstart Scheme to help them on the road to their future careers. Supported by Conwy Employment Hub – which funds pre-Kickstart courses in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – the Scheme covers the National Minimum Wage (or National Living Wage), national…

Edible gardens and flood defences part of Newtown project to tackle climate change and improve town centre economy. Following a recent public consultation, the areas – located in Severn Square, High Street and Back Lane – will get new seating, edible gardens and a buskers circle, with the aim of revitalising the town centre and improving biodiversity. The project is part of Growing Newtown, a £760,000 collaboration between Powys County Council, Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council and Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme. Building on the transfer of 130 acres of green and blue spaces in Powys in 2018 – the…

Active travel schemes announced this week will receive a funding boost of more than £53m this year as part of further efforts to encourage healthy travel – with more than £20m to follow. The dedicated budget for active travel has risen from £5m since the start of this Welsh Government term, which Lee Waters has described as evidence of the Welsh Government’s commitment to delivering the vision in its new transport strategy. ‘Llwybr Newydd’ was published yesterday and pledges a bold increase in the number of people using public transport, walking and cycling. 44 larger schemes and packages of schemes…

The Welsh Government has today announced a new international learning exchange programme, following the UK Government’s decision to withdraw from the popular Erasmus+ scheme. The scheme will enable learners and staff, both from Wales and those who come to study or work in Wales, to continue to benefit from international exchanges in a similar way to the opportunities that flowed from Erasmus+, not just in Europe but also further afield. The new scheme – which will run from 2022 to 2026 – will be supported by an investment of £65m from the Welsh Government. The Programme will provide funding to…

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…