Author: Rhys Gregory

Recruitment is now underway for the third instalment of Wales’ leading rail-dedicated innovation programme, Lab by Transport for Wales. The pioneering 12-week accelerator scheme looks to stimulate growth in Wales, offering an exciting opportunity for business innovators to develop ideas which look to enhance the railway experience for customers. After the completion of two successful cohorts already, recruitment has now started for a third batch of ambitious and creative tech talent start-ups from across Wales and the UK. Once recruitment is complete, the start-ups will work closely with Transport for Wales to receive dedicated mentoring from business experts to develop…

A former commercial trampoline studio in the town centre in Cwmbran has been converted into a purpose-built college for young people on the autistic spectrum. Priory College South Wales has been providing high quality education since 2010, and will be moving to the new location at the end of January. Priory’s Kath Lawler explains the new site is “ideally situated” to provide support to students at the nearby Coleg Gwent Learning Centre. The move is a prime example of how commercial spaces are being repurposed, reinvigorating town centres in the aftermath of the pandemic. Locating the site in the town…

The RSPCA has raced to the aid of a swan in Mumbles who was struggling after a fishing hook became embedded into her skin. Officers from the animal welfare charity were alerted after members of the public saw the swan unable to stand properly and only moving her head, on Devon Place in the Mumbles area. RSPCA inspector Neill Manley found the swan on the beach on Monday (1 February) and it was soon established that the swan’s condition and demeanor were impacted by a barbed fishing hook, more than two inches in length, deeply embedded in her skin. Staff…

Work has started on developing a community garden on the site of the former Berwyn Centre in Nantymoel. The garden will contain a seating area, native tree planting and ornamental plants with plans in the pipeline to feature artwork commemorating Lynn the Leap’s famous jump in addition to the area’s mining heritage with a sculpture of a miner looking out to the Wyndham Colliery. As part of the plans, Keep Wales Tidy have provided £25,000 of funding for the creation of a new Tiny Forest – a brand new project to plant 1,000 trees and establish a new outdoor classroom…

The car park at Rest Bay in Porthcawl has become the latest public car park to close in order to deter people from flouting pandemic regulations. It follows an increase in the number of people who are driving to the coast and Welsh beauty spots in order to go for a walk or to undertake exercise. With alert level four restrictions still in place across Wales, Bridgend County Borough Council, South Wales Police and Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board are urging residents to stay at home wherever possible, and to avoid driving to areas such as Porthcawl. With electronic…

On 21st January 2021 at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court Stephanie Alexis Thomas of Pontsarn, Merthyr Tydfil pleaded guilty to 8 Consumer Protection offences and was ordered to pay £1595 in compensation, fines and costs. The charges were brought by the Trading Standards Service at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council relating to the provision of inadequate training courses, making false claims about accreditation and offering LVL training courses that she was not authorised or qualified to do so. The court heard that Miss Thomas was investigated after a number of complaints were received by the Trading Standards Service. Customers, some of…

Work to resurface sections of the northbound carriageway between Risca and the Full Moon roundabouts is planned for next week. Works (weather dependent) will take place on Monday 8th and Tuesday 9th February. Road will be closed between 6.30pm and 7.30am. A temporary speed limit is currently in place for the safety of road users due to the deterioration of Lane one.

The Welsh Government has announced an extra £29m for colleges, including £26.5m to support learners on vocational learning programmes. The funding will be used to support learners in completing their vocational qualifications this academic year, by providing additional support and removing barriers that may prevent completion. And extra £2.5m will also support Welsh colleges and private training providers provide additional Mental Health support in recognition of the increased mental wellness issues as a result of the pandemic. The funding is in addition to £23 million announced by the Welsh Government to support colleges in July. On Friday (5 February), it…

The Welsh Government has taken the Wales and Borders rail franchise into public ownership to protect services, safeguard jobs, and deliver infrastructure improvements in light of the ongoing challenges of coronavirus. As of 7th February Transport for Wales is now operating the Wales and Borders rail services under a subsidiary, ‘Transport for Wales Rail LTD’. The move, which was announced in October 2020, comes in the face of a significant reduction in passenger numbers. It is intended to provide for longer term financial stability, necessary to secure plans for infrastructure improvements and deliver future improvements for passengers. Ken Skates, Minister…

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