Author: Rhys Gregory

Projects will be completed or paused along the A55, M4 and all major trunk roads in the run up to the festive period, other than unscheduled emergency situations. The Welsh Government is either bringing to a close or pausing any projects where it is safe to do so, that could cause disruption to our networks during what is normally one of the busiest times of the year. People are being asked to be sensible and stay as close to home as possible this year in line with guidance and regulations. Ahead of essential journeys people are encouraged to check traffic…

The first ‘visiting pods’ providing extra visiting space in care homes have been delivered this week. Wylesfield, a residential care home in Llandrindod Wells operated by Shaw Healthcare, was one of the first to receive a pod. The purpose-built two storey home provides accommodation for 27 people, including people living with dementia and respite care. Rosina Mayer, 97, has lived in the area for more than 40 years and has two sons, six grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Although part of her family now lives in Spain, one of her sons, Richard, still lives in Llandrindod Wells. “Having the pod…

Signage have been put in place [Friday, 18 December] to advise drivers of possible delays on the A55 at Holyhead from 1 January when the EU Transition period comes to an end. A temporary contraflow will be put in place on the A55 between Jcts 2 – 4 from 28 December as part of the Welsh Government’s contingency plans to keep disruption to the absolute minimum, while continuing to allow access to the port as well as allowing the local community to move freely. Ferry operators will require freight customers bound for Ireland to link customs information to their booking…

The Welsh Government is making an extra £110m available to support businesses affected by the alert level four restrictions, which will come into force from the end of trading on Christmas Eve. The new restrictions will mean all non-essential retail, including close contact services and all leisure and fitness centres, will close from end of trading on Christmas Eve, with hospitality businesses following at 6pm on Christmas Day. The new support package – which is addition to the £340m already available to businesses under alert level three – will help 35,500 firms. Businesses in the hospitality and non-essential retail sector,…

The global pandemic caused by Covid-19 has affected virtually all businesses around the world as many have had to shut up shop to combat the spread of the virus. However, there has been some businesses in Wales that have been affected more than others and below we investigate why this is and how they are going to return once the pandemic is over. The first industry in Wales that has been affected probably the worst out of all the business there is certainly hospitality.  Pubs, clubs and restaurants have been highlighted by the Welsh government to be a hot spot…

Openreach today bucked the prevailing economic trend by creating at least 108 new Welsh-based engineering jobs to be filled during 2021, alongside more roles in its supply chain. The new roles, in places like Denbighshire, Ceredigion, Monmouthshire and Vale of Glamorgan will enable the company to continue improving service levels across its existing networks, while building and connecting customers to its new, ultrafast, ultra-reliable ‘Full Fibre’ broadband network at a record pace.      Across the UK, 5,300 jobs are being created, including more than 2,500 full-time jobs in Openreach’s own service and network build divisions, as well as an…

Chambers Wales has recently bolstered its International Trade team as it works to support its members through the changes set to affect internationally trading business across Wales and the rest of the UK from January 1. Well respected globally for being the ‘go to’ organisation for trading overseas, Chambers Wales can offer end-to-end supply chain connectivity and is able to curate tailor-made services for both the public and private sector. With access to over 50 offices in the UK, 60 Chambers of Commerce across the world, Chambers Wales can open the doors to new markets for business and has already…

Cardiff residents are being asked for their views on plans for an exciting, new Canal Quarter in the city centre and on the Cardiff East Transport Scheme which will manage traffic options around parts of the city. The new project could see Boulevard de Nantes; Stuttgarter Strasse; Dumfries Placeand Station Terrace remodelled, replacing an ‘outdated’ road network while significantly improving walking and cycling links between the civic centre at City Hall, Castle Street and the city centre. The scheme will also see the first phase of the re-opening of the dock feeder canal on Churchill Way and the creation of…

Newport schools will offer blended learning during the first week of the spring term (week commencing Monday 4 January 2021). This decision follows discussions with Welsh Government and the WLGA, and recognises the high transmission rates of Covid-19 across the city and potential impact on the capacity of the education workforce at the start of the new term. Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 January will be set aside for head teachers to assess staffing levels and review risk assessments. As a result, there will be no facility for any children to attend school on these days. Between Wednesday 6 and…

Neath Port Talbot Council has appointed Andrew Thomas as its new Director of Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning. Mr Thomas, currently Head of Transformation at Neath Port Talbot Council, was chosen for the post at a special meeting of the council held on Wednesday, December 16th, 2020. He will replace Aled Evans who earlier this year announced his intention to step down from the role in March 2021. The Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Rob Jones, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Andrew as our new Director of Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning following a rigorous recruitment process which…