Author: Rhys Gregory

A landlord and manager of a Newport house in multiple occupation (HMO) were fined a total of £40,000 by city magistrates. It follows another successful prosecution by Newport City Council earlier this year when a property management company and its director were fined more than £14,000. In a case heard at the beginning of March, Jamshed Rana, aged 75, owner and landlord of two properties in Augustus Place was found guilty in his absence of operating two unlicensed HMOs and a number of breaches of safety regulations. He was fined a total of £20,000 and ordered to pay costs of…

The Welsh Government is taking immediate action to allow delivery hours for supermarkets and other food retailers to be extended to ensure the food industry is able to respond to increased consumer demand during the Coronavirus outbreak, Local Government Minister Julie James has announced today. The measures relax planning conditions restricting night-time and early morning deliveries, allowing retailers to accept deliveries throughout the day and night where necessary. The Welsh Government has instructed local planning authorities to temporarily relax the enforcement of these rules to provide the food industry with greater flexibility. Local Government Minister, Julie James, said: “Given the…

The father of Welsh acting star Luke Evans has echoed his son’s praise of the NHS after badly injuring his hand in an accident with a circular saw. Luke posted a heartfelt video on social media after his dad, semi-retired bricklayer Dave Evans, underwent surgery at Morriston Hospital to repair horrendous cuts to his left hand. The index finger was almost severed in the accident while Dave was left with deep wounds to two other fingers and the thumb. Following a complex five-hour operation at Morriston Hospital, Dave’s finger was not only saved but he’s hoping to have full use…

The UK Student Climate Network (UKSCN) are protesting against perceived government inaction on the climate crisis. The Cardiff YouthStrike4Climate started their march at 10am this morning at City Hall in Cardiff. The group made up of mostly under 18s, are taking to the streets to protect the Government’s last of action on the climate crisis. Students across the UK are protesting in towns and cities to send a message that they’re tired of being ignored. The UKSCN website outlines their demands, which include saving the planet, reforming the education system to teach young people about the climate crisis, and wanting…

The FAW has announced that the upcoming match between Wales and Austria on 27 March 2020 at the Liberty Stadium has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The upcoming Wales C international against England C at the Oval on 24 March 2020 has also been cancelled. The FAW has made this decision in light of recent developments, with the aim of putting the health and safety of all fans, players and stakeholders first and foremost. In regards to tickets which have already been purchased, the FAW has said: All bookings will receive a full refund for the face value…

A Swansea business was named as a winner at this year’s Welsh Business Awards at City Hall in Cardiff. Local Swansea company Boss Brewing Limited were announced as winners of Marketing Campaign of the Year for their campaign launched after a legal battle with a fashion giant when applying to trademark their brewery name. Their campaign, described as ‘contemporary and disruptive’ by judges, was praised after the company made the brave move to use the legal battle advantageously, releasing a one-off special beer named ‘Fashion Victim’. The event saw business from across Wales come together to celebrate their achievement and…

Important overnight work is due to take place on a number of Swansea city centre roads from March 19 to April 3. The operations will allow Swansea Council to make the road surfaces ready for the practical completion of The Kingsway’s £12m infrastructure project. To allow the work during this short time, roads will be temporarily closed on a phased basis through the night, avoiding weekends. Mark Thomas, the council’s cabinet member for environment and infrastructure management, said: “This is another important part of our work on this high-profile scheme that will help regenerate our city centre. “The new-look areas…

Intu, the owner of some of the UK’s biggest shopping centres, including St David’s, Cardiff, has warned that its future is in doubt unless it can raise extra cash. The comment came as Intu warned that shopping centres Manchester’s Trafford Centre and Lakeside reported a £2bn loss in 2019. This isn’t the first time the firm has been looking for new funding, as an earlier plan to raise £1bn failed. In January, Intu approached existing investors looking for a cash injection. The news isn’t surprising given the current trend of the high street, with many retail units up and down…

Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement to support the continued growth of the UK fintech sector will give Welsh scale-ups the time to shine, says Cardiff-based financial technology provider Delio. On Wednesday, Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed his spending plans in the 2020 Budget, announcing a major review into the industry. The review will focus on how the Government can support long-term growth and competitiveness to maintain the UK’s position as a world-leading force. Delio, who provide financial institutions with technology to connect clients with investment opportunities more efficiently, has stated that this offers a significant opportunity for fintech businesses in Wales. As…

Anglesey Circuit gets the 2020 motorcycle racing season underway next weekend with a two-day Wirral 100 Motor Club meeting. In recent years this first race weekend of the year has comprised a day of testing on the Saturday and a race-day on Sunday. This year, however, both days are race days in line with the club’s ‘Racing for Sport’ format. Each of the bike-category classes will have four races, over 10 or 12 laps. Each race will count towards the Club’s 2020 Championships, and the second and fourth races will be ‘trophy races’. There will be a broad base of…