Author: Rhys Gregory

Health Minister Vaughan Gething has announced a 2.8% pay uplift for doctors and dentists in Wales. The increase is in line with the recommendations of the 48th Report of the Doctors and Dentists Review Body (DDRB) which was laid before Parliament today. Mr Gething said: “I am pleased to announce that I will accept the recommendations of the Doctors and Dentists Review Body in full. This includes a base increase of 2.8% to all groups of doctors and dentists. This increase is well-deserved recognition for our hardworking doctors and dentists, and their contribution to the NHS in Wales. The Welsh…

A man has received a life sentence for the murder of Asim Khan in Cardiff city centre. Asim Khan, from Grangetown, was 21 when he died after being stabbed on St Mary Street at around 4.50am on July 21 last year. Momodoulamin Saine, 28, from Ely, was convicted by a jury at Newport Crown Court earlier this month and was back in court today for sentencing. He will serve a minimum of 24 years. Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mark O’Shea: “Asim Khan was a young man with great potential who was much loved by his family. “It was…

A temporary court room is to be set up in the council chamber at Swansea’s Civic Centre. It comes at the request of the Ministry of Justice as part of a solution to help the courts system respond to the pandemic. Council leader Rob Stewart said: “We’re delighted to be able to work with the MoJ in this way. “We’ve worked hard together over the past few weeks to agree this arrangement. “It will mean that we’re helping the justice system at the same time as earning new rental income which will help us continue to deliver top quality local…

Two students are looking forward to their global aviation business soaring even higher after graduating from Swansea University. Joe Charman – and his business partner Jack Bengeyfield – have both completed their studies with the School of Management and will now take steps towards growing Pilot Plus, a flight simulation company. In 2014 and with just £200 to his name, 16-year-old Joe set up Pilot Plus which replicates real-world airports in a digital 3D format geared towards pilot training. Six years later, Pilot Plus now boasts more than 4,000 customers around the world from Los Angeles to Sydney, with its…

An area of Welsh woodland that provides a haven for native wildlife has been improved for its local community, thanks to a group of Welsh learners who teamed up with local activists to protect the ecosystem and create a thriving natural habitat.  There had been plans to build housing at the site of Tynant Woodlands and Common, which is designated as a SINC (Site of Importance for Nature Conservation), but a campaign by local residents has so far seen off the planning permission. In the meantime, local volunteers began to clean up the site and improve its biodiversity. After hearing…

On Thursday 2nd July, the Welsh Government announced that bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants could begin to re-open outdoors in Wales from July 13, if cases of coronavirus continue to fall. Now, after a full week of outdoor opening, hospitality businesses in Wales have thanked the Welsh public for their support and willingness to adapt to the ‘new normal’. In Cardiff, alternative events venue The DEPOT welcomed more than 3,500 people to its socially distanced ‘street food social’. Customers were booked into three-hour slots, given temperature tests on arrival, and could order street food and drinks straight to their tables…

A bakery boss is appealing to people to continue supporting village and corner shops which have provided a lifeline for families during the coronavirus crisis. According to Village Bakery managing director Robin Jones, local stores have “saved our bacon” after the lockdown restrictions were imposed and supermarket delivery slots were impossible to come by. As well as supplying major supermarkets across the UK, the Wrexham-based family firm supplies a network of independent retailers across North Wales and the borders. Among them is the community shop in Llanarmon-yn-Iȃl which is staffed mainly by volunteers. The admiration is a two-way street for…

A search has been launched for talented singers from across Wales who fantasise about performing with the musical idol. The top tenor Rhys , who hails from Porthmadog, is looking for music-loving dreamers to take part in  dazzling duets on his new S4C television show, Canu Gyda fy Arwr (Singing with My Idol). Anybody wanting to have a go or nominate somebody a friend or a family member need to contact the Caernarfon-based TV production company, Cwmni Da, by August 2. They are looking for nine people, aged from 10 to 110, to take part in the life-enhancing series which…

Detectives investigating a serious assault on a 21-year-old man are appealing for information on a machete used during the alleged attack. Officers were called to Harris Avenue, Rumney, at 3.25pm on Monday, April 13 following reports of a serious assault. The victim, who is from Tremorfa, suffered injuries believed to have been caused by a machete and a shot gun. He underwent surgery at the University Hospital of Wales but has since been discharged from hospital. In May, officers recovered two firearms on land near Harrowby Street in Butetown. Searches have been continuing for a machete and today detectives are appealing…

RCT has worked in partnership with Transport for Wales and Stagecoach to extend the ‘fflecsi’ pilot scheme to the 152 bus service between Tonypandy and Hendreforgan. Fflecsi allows people to request a demand-responsive bus to pick them up near home, work or shops for essential travel, rather than following a set timetable at fixed bus stops. Powered by technology from ViaVan, fflecsi was first launched by TfW and Newport Bus in May, replacing a number of scheduled local bus services in Newport and has received positive feedback in its first month of operation. It has also since been rolled out…