Author: Rhys Gregory

Two more community hubs are set to open their doors next week as part of the phased return of services from the city’s hubs. Llandaff North & Gabalfa Hub and Llanishen Hub will reopen to customers, on an appointment-only basis (except for emergency cases) on Monday, July 6th. Green recycling and food waste bags can be collected too, without the need for an appointment. Customers will be able to access the new click and collect library service from these two hubs, as well as a range of advice services such as Into Work, housing, benefits and money advice,when enquiries cannot…

A scheme to create a safe and pleasant route for pedestrians and cyclists through a former brownfield site is set to go ahead. Approval was given for the active travel project through Monkey Island in Lliswerry, part of Newport City Council’s work to improve the city’s cycling and walking network. It will also provide a safe route to school for children living in the Lysaght Village development. Councillor Roger Jeavons, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for city services, said: “I’m delighted this great scheme has been given permission to proceed. Our aim is to make walking and cycling…

Caerphilly County Borough Council has obtained a Partial Closure Order on a property, in the north of the borough. It was issued by Newport Magistrates Court, after problems with drug use, drug dealing, antisocial behaviour, fighting and damage to the property. This had been causing disturbance, upset and anxiety to neighbours. Police regularly had to attend. The Partial Closure Order was served to help the tenant, who is vulnerable, take back control of the property, where he will remain. It excludes everyone from the address apart from the tenant, professionals and a person that provides support. Anyone else found at…

A package of highway safety measures will be implemented on a key route between Wyllie and Ynysddu to help reduce the speed of traffic along this busy stretch of road. Caerphilly county borough council has agreed to carry out a programme of works on the B4251 Newport Road, with the scheme due to start this summer. A review of the speed limit was undertaken in 2017 in line with Welsh Assembly Government guidance, but this did not identify the road as requiring any changes to the existing speed limit. However, following a number of accidents at the site, the council commissioned…

Caerphilly County Borough Council has confirmed that plans are underway to resume its library services. Caerphilly Libraries has announced a series of schemes launching shortly, which will deliver alternative services to residents whilst it continues to develop plans to reopen its doors to the public. From Wednesday 1st July the council will offer a book lending and delivery service to the home of eligible residents.  Through the LibraryLink Home Delivery scheme visits will be made every six weeks.  Residents are provided with reading or listening materials specifically chosen by the knowledgeable staff at the Caerphilly Libraries team.  This service is…

While the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, lockdown measures are indeed continuing to be eased and lifted, allowing businesses and people to find a “new normal” and get the economy booming once again. With that said, profitability has never been more of an issue as small businesses in Wales look for ways to adapt to health guidelines and measures while providing customers with exceptional products and customer service. If you find your small business is struggling to maximise profitability, these three tips may prove to be extremely useful. Hire a Professional Accountant Sure, this may sound like a simplified…

Fraudsters and scammers are always on the lookout for vulnerable objectives. As an entrepreneur, you should be exceptionally careful so as not to fall prey to these merciless fraudsters. Scamsters target organizations that get high business yields. It is understood that on average, organizations lose about 5% of their income to fraudsters. The report further states that a business community has to make significant losses on an annual basis because of scams and frauds. Fraudsters don’t simply target huge organizations, they also target private companies. Insights have indicated that most cheats occur in private ventures that have under 100 representatives.…

The hospitality sector will begin to re-open outdoors in Wales from July 13, if cases of coronavirus continue to fall. The Minister for International Relations and Welsh Language Eluned Morgan will set out the phased re-opening plan for bars, cafes, pubs and restaurants at the daily press conference on Thursday July 2. It follows a rapid review of the hospitality sector in Wales to look at how the industry can safely be re-opened. The first phase will see the re-opening of outdoor spaces owned by business and subject to existing licenses – this is if conditions continue to be favourable…

More than 150 former students reunited to celebrate their time at Swansea University Medical School with a unique virtual graduation celebration. The participants – some joined by proud parents- linked up virtually with senior staff for the University’s first ever graduation conducted via video conferencing. Many of them are already working as junior hospital doctors after being allowed to join the NHS early at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. But despite the pressures of their new careers, they were eager to see each other again after spending the past four years studying together. The event was designed to combine…

A Porth-headquartered utilities business is set for significant expansion as it looks to double sales in the next two years. Arch Drainage, which provides advanced diagnostics and drain repair services for businesses and local authorities across Wales and the South West, aims to boost its turnover to £3.9million by 2022. The expansion plans will see the firm create 12 new operations and back office roles in the next year, supported by a new £250k invoice finance facility provided by Lloyds Bank. Counting several major contractors among its client base, the business underwent a management buyout in 2019. It subsequently rebranded…