Author: Rhys Gregory

Loungers, the West Country‑based café‑bar group, will open Morio Lounge at Nell’s Point on Wednesday 3rd June 2026, creating around 30 new jobs for local people. Morio Lounge will be open all day, every day, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks, with dedicated kids’, gluten‑free and vegan menus.  The unit at Nell’s Point is currently being transformed by the Loungers design team into a warm, eclectic “home from home” – their signature style.  The name ‘Morio’ – meaning ‘sea’ – is a nod to the Lounge’s location. Morio Lounge’s all‑day menu will cater for every taste, from hearty comfort food…

The UK economy grew by 0.6% in the first three months of 2026, according to the latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The stronger-than-expected performance comes despite growing uncertainty around the global economy and rising concerns over the ongoing Iran conflict and disruption to international supply chains. New data published on Thursday morning showed the economy also grew by 0.3% in March alone, outperforming forecasts from economists who had expected a contraction of between 0.1% and 0.2%. The ONS said growth during the first quarter was largely driven by the services sector, which increased by 0.8%.…

Visitors to Margam Country Park are being given the chance to discover parts of the historic castle that are not usually explored during a visit. The popular attraction is now hosting Living History Tours led by the Friends of Margam Park, offering guests the opportunity to step inside the castle and uncover the stories, spaces and history hidden upstairs within the grand building. Tours are taking place every Tuesday and Thursday at 11.30am and 2pm. Organisers say places are limited and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to avoid disappointment. The experience aims to bring the history of the castle…

Members of the public are invited to view the emerging exhibition designs for the new Henry Tudor Centre which is due to open in Spring 2027 in South Quay, Pembroke. The exhibition designs will be on display at Pembroke Town Hall from May 22nd to May 29th. The Henry Tudor Trust, which will operate the new heritage centre, is inviting public feedback on how the story of Henry Tudor – son of Pembroke who became Henry VII and founded one of the most influential dynasties in British history, the Tudors – should be told. The designs have been developed by…

Residents are being advised of a temporary road closure on Llanwonno Mountain Road next week while emergency culvert drainage repairs are carried out. The closure will be in place from Monday, May 18, until Wednesday, May 20, affecting the section of road between Bryn Fynnon and Llanwonno Road, north east of the junction at Llanwonno, covering a distance of around 265 metres. The works are being undertaken by council contractor Hammond ECS Ltd and are required to complete emergency culvert repairs in the area. A signed diversion route will be in place for motorists during the closure. The diversion will…

Spring Clean Cymru has officially come to an end, and communities across Caerphilly have once again shown their pride in their local area by coming together to tackle litter. Throughout the campaign, a total of 98 registered litter‑picking activities took place across the county borough, supported by 180 participants who generously gave their time to make a visible difference to their neighbourhoods. Together, volunteers contributed 275 volunteer hours, collecting 20 bags of recycling and an impressive 292 bags of waste, helping to improve local streets, parks and green spaces for residents and wildlife alike. The Council worked alongside environmental charity…

A Blaenau Gwent–based specialist health and safety training provider has taken a major step towards expanding into the fast‑growing wind energy sector, thanks to support from the Blaenau Gwent Business Development Grant. Pulse Safety Solutions Ltd delivers high‑level technical training to industry, alongside providing specialist technical rescue support to high‑risk industrial environments. Its work helps ensure employees across a wide range of sectors can operate safely in challenging conditions, supported by professional responders trained to manage complex and time-critical rescue situations. With funding from the Business Development Grant, the company has invested in new Working at Height equipment, Sea Survival…

A Merthyr Tydfil woman has been jailed after admitting selling counterfeit designer goods through social media platforms including Facebook and Telegram. Gemma Chinnery, 35, from Cefn Coed, Merthyr Tydfil, was sentenced at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on 7 May 2026 after previously pleading guilty to 21 offences under the Trademarks Act. Chinnery received a three-year immediate custodial sentence for each offence, with all sentences to run concurrently. The prosecution followed an investigation by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council Trading Standards, which identified a Facebook page called “Gemma G’s Fashion Factory” advertising counterfeit products for sale. Investigators established that Chinnery was…

Cardiff Council has announced a major new three-year literacy initiative aimed at reducing the reading attainment gap across schools in the city. The programme will provide universal access to the Monster Phonics Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP) programme for all Welsh and English-medium schools in Cardiff, including primary, secondary and special schools. The initiative forms a key part of Cardiff’s wider Reading Framework and is designed to strengthen early reading skills, support learners at risk of falling behind and create a more consistent approach to reading development across the education system. The council says up to 63,000 children across Cardiff could…

South Wales Police are appealing for witnesses following a collision involving a vehicle reportedly driving the wrong way along Fabian Way in Swansea. The incident happened just after 9pm on Saturday, May 1, on the A483 Fabian Way heading towards Swansea. Four people were taken to hospital following the collision. Police said their injuries were not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening. A 37-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the incident and has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries. Investigators are now urging anyone who was travelling along Fabian Way or nearby between 8pm and 9pm…