Author: Rhys Gregory

Congratulations have poured in from celebrities including Catherine Zeta Jones and Luke Evans, as well as from many businesses, for the winners of the Child of Wales Awards 2020. There are twelve categories of awards which recognise inspiring young people and organisations whom have demonstrated remarkable courage and achievements. The Child of Wales winners would normally be unveiled at a star-studded awards ceremony at the Celtic Manor. The event, originally scheduled for April, has twice been postponed due to COVID-19. The organisers now hope to run the event in April 2021, but they did not want to keep the children waiting any longer to celebrate their…

The adoption of well-loved beauty spot in Carmarthenshire has been given the green light thanks to an innovative partnership between Welsh Water & Llanelli Rural Council – the community adoption is the first of its kind in Wales. The partnership could attract 90k+ visitors a year by creating a hub for recreation, health and wellbeing at the Swiss Valley Reservoirs in Llanelli.   Initial plans include improvements in visitor infrastructure (car parking, toilets, footpaths and a pontoon) and biodiversity enhancements, working with local volunteers.  The aim is to reconnect people with water and our beautiful environment whilst protecting, conserving and enhancing…

Aberystwyth University is asking the public for their views about its music provision, as it looks to spread the benefits to the local community. The University’s musical contribution dates back to its early days in the 19th century. In 1895, Professors Anwyl and Ainsworth Davies composed the ‘College Song’ to celebrate St David’s Day. For well over a century, the University has provided a platform for performances at the Hen Goleg (Old College) on Aberystwyth seafront, which is now undergoing redevelopment. Along with the provision at the Arts Centre on its Penglais campus, it also offers music scholarships and a…

A Blackwood man has been sent to prison for 26 weeks after he was found guilty of torturing and mutilating a hedgehog. Richard Coyle, 54, of no fixed abode, appeared at Newport Magistrates’ Court for trial on Tuesday 3 November, to face two charges which he pleaded not guilty. The first offence – under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 – was that on  27 August in 2019, in the area of Highfield Way, Blackwood, he caused unnecessary suffering to a hedgehog by cutting its legs, by burning/singeing the animal and covering the hedgehog’s head and eyes with molten candle wax.…

Veezu has been identified as one of London Stock Exchange Group’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ 2020. The report recognises the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium sized businesses (SMEs)*, highlighting the regional and sector diversity of the UK’s SMEs and the entrepreneurial spirit shown by these companies. To be featured in the report, businesses had to demonstrate strong revenue growth over the last three years and outperform their sector peers, creating a unique list of the UK’s most innovative SMEs. Further details on the 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain report and methodology can be found online. Veezu…

Work will take place at the end of this week (November 6th-8th) to enable construction to begin on the multi-million pound redevelopment of Neath Town Centre. The new look town centre will feature a brand new leisure centre with a swimming pool, gym, health suite and cafe along with a modern library and new retail zone. The leisure centre and pool plus the library are designed to create a vibrant cultural, sporting and educational attraction which will provide a massive boost in footfall. The work has been awarded to Kier Construction and hoardings are due to go up on the…

Additional funding of nearly £3million will support some of the most vulnerable mental health service users in Wales during the Covid-19 pandemic. Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Eluned Morgan has vowed to provide a ‘helping hand’ to those looking for work, permanent accommodation, who may be struggling with mental health or substance misuse problems in the midst of this pandemic. The additional funding will provide early, targeted support, for the most vulnerable individuals in a preventative capacity to reduce the escalation of often complex needs. The funding is split into seven distinct areas and will see the Welsh Government…

People in Grangetown are being asked for their views on the proposed redevelopment of the Channel View estate in Cardiff. Following extensive engagement with residents on the estate over the last few years, wider community consultation is now underway inviting residents who live nearby, people who work in the ward, local businesses and organisations to comment on plans to regenerate this area of Grangetown to deliver new housing for existing and new residents. The redevelopment of the estate willdeliver a mixture of high quality, affordable homes and privately owned homes for the existing community as well improved connectivity for people…

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, RCT Council has regrettably announced that the Santa’s Toy Mine at the Welsh Mining Experience has been cancelled for 2020 in the interest of public safety. Last month, RCT announced that all Local Authority-run events, until at least the end of 2020, would be cancelled – including the annual programme of Christmas events in RCT’s principal town centres, as the current Welsh Government restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic still prevent mass gatherings from taking place. Despite this, the Council is, however, committed to ensuring that the festive period proceeds with some…

A review of Cardiff’s leisure facilities and operations, provided by social enterprise GLL, is being planned to address the impact of Covid-19. The pandemic, which has seen attendances fall by around 50%, the cancellation of 20% of direct-debit memberships and sales of new memberships fall by 23%, has, according to the report, had a “significant impact on the financial performance of the contract.” Subject to agreement at a Cabinet meeting, due to take place on November 19th, the council will work together with GLL to undertake a review of all facilities and operations. The aim of the review will be…