Author: Rhys Gregory

Caerphilly County Borough Council has welcomed a further funding announcement from Welsh Government to help deliver a major highway improvement scheme for the A469 in Troedrhiwfuwch. Last month, the council was awarded a £554k contribution towards a £20million engineering project to stabilise and improve the road, which has been significantly impacted by ground movement over recent years. Welsh Government has now agreed to increase the amount to £1.204million and the news has been welcomed by the council. The road, between Tirphil and Pontlottyn has been deteriorating over the past decade due to the instability of the surrounding hillside. Recent storm…

A Tredegar man has been convicted of multiple environmental offences following a successful test‑purchase investigation carried out by Blaenau Gwent Council. Tyler Coles was convicted of five offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, including illegally depositing controlled waste (fly‑tipping), burning controlled waste, and allowing the escape of controlled waste from a vehicle under his control. The prosecution followed a planned test‑purchase operation designed to identify and disrupt illegal waste‑carrying activity. As part of the operation, the council procured the services of Mr Coles, who was acting as a waste carrier, to collect refuse bags containing controlled waste in exchange…

Extended loading and unloading hours for businesses in Bridgend town centre will be introduced along with new Blue Badge parking bays from Wednesday 15 April 2026. Part of an 18-month experimental scheme, the changes are designed to support businesses while also improving accessibility for residents. Under the scheme, current loading and unloading hours of before 10am and after 6pm will be updated to before 11am and after 4pm in order to better balance the needs of deliveries, businesses and pedestrians during peak periods. At the same time, Blue Badge parking bays will be installed along Derwen Road to offer improved…

A new recycling scheme for soft plastics is set to be rolled out across the Vale of Glamorgan following a successful pilot. The Vale of Glamorgan Council confirmed the service will be extended county-wide from Monday, April 13, after strong participation from residents in Penarth, Dinas Powys, Sully and surrounding areas. The Vale was chosen to trial the scheme last year due to its strong recycling performance, with the council consistently ranked among the best performing local authorities in the UK. During the pilot, around 100 tonnes of soft plastics were collected. This includes items such as plastic bags and…

Mid Wales is set to take centre stage in a major new £13 million Welsh fantasy feature film. Mid Wales Tourism (MWT Cymru) is partnering with creative company Secret Planet on Excalibur, an ambitious production rooted in authentic Welsh mythology that has now entered pre-production and will be filmed in Wales. Drawing on the original Welsh sources of the Arthurian story, including the Mabinogion, Excalibur aims to retell one of the world’s most influential legends from its true cultural origins. Alongside the film, the project is developing a wider programme designed to connect storytelling, tourism and communities across Wales. At…

The much loved Oswestry Balloon Carnival will return to Cae Glas Park on August 22nd and 23rd 2026, bringing a weekend of colour, entertainment and family friendly fun back to the heart of the town. Organised in association with Nightingale House Hospice, Oswestry Town Council and Oswestry BID, the annual event has become a firm fixture in Oswestry’s calendar, attracting visitors from across the region while raising vital funds for hospice care. Across the weekend, visitors will be able to enjoy the spectacle of hot air balloons taking to the skies, weather permitting, alongside live entertainment, local performances, interactive activities…

Osian Pryce will make his competition debut in a Castrol MEM Rally Team Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 on this weekend’s Severn Valley Stages (Saturday 11 April) – and after a short test, the 2022 British champion sees no reason why he can’t challenge for victory in the new car on the opening round of the 2026 British Rally Championship. The 33-year old Machynlleth-born ace drove the Michelin-shod Yaris for the first time yesterday at Gorsedd Bran forest in Denbighshire and was impressed with its feel and performance. Indeed, Osian would have happily rallied the Toyota exactly as it arrived out…

In the Welsh Wind, the award-winning craft distillery on the Ceredigion coast of West Wales, has released a Limited Edition Cask-aged Vodka matured in seasoned red wine barrels. The company says the new release challenges the very definition of what vodka can be. Founded by Ellen Wakelam and rooted in the rugged landscape of West Wales, In the Welsh Wind has built its reputation on spirits that push boundaries while staying true to their provenance. The 46% ABV Cask-Aged Vodka is the distillery’s most unconventional release yet and with just 1,500 bottles available, it is expected to sell quickly. Priced…

Transport for Wales (TfW) has reopened Ty Glas railway station following the completion of a major programme of work to modernise the station and enhance safety for passengers and the local community. While the level crossing reopened to the public in October 2025 following essential safety improvements, work has continued at the station to deliver the remaining upgrades. The key upgrades include: Platform extension: Ty Glas station platform has been extended by 16 metres Safety Enhancements: A renewed crossing surface with a safer route linking the station to the crossing. Accessibility: The upgrades now facilitate, level boarding, making the station more accessible for passengers. With…

Cymru’s home UEFA Nations League matches in the autumn be held at the Cardiff City Stadium. Craig Bellamy’s side begin their League A campaign with a four-match international window, starting with an away double header against Portugal (Thursday 24 September) and Denmark (Sunday 27 September). The next two matches will be a home double header against Norway (Thursday 1 October) and Denmark (Sunday 4 October). The venue for the away match against Portugal will be confirmed in due course. The away match against Denmark will take place at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, a 38,000-seater stadium which hosted four matches…