Author: Rhys Gregory

The funding from the National Lottery Community Fund will support the Merched y Wawr charity’s work in developing technology skills in the community, and the national center in Aberystwyth will also see investment in technical resources. Over the next two years the charity will help its members and the community enjoy using technology, by organizing practical sessions tailored to their specific local needs. A large number of community groups also use the national center, and video conferencing resources and interactive whiteboards will be a welcome development. Merched y Wawr has had to adapt very quickly due to COVID-19 to host…

Folly Farm are ready to welcome back its loyal annual pass holders from 8 July and will open to all on 13 July. Yesterday, the First Minister of Wales confirmed the timetable for re-opening outdoor visitor attractions and the partial opening of the tourism industry in Wales for the remainder of the summer season. Stay local is set to be lifted in Wales on 6 July, enabling outdoor visitor attractions to reopen from Monday. And, subject to the forthcoming review of coronavirus regulations on 9 July, the tourism sector is preparing to re-open self-contained accommodation. The first phase of a…

The First Minister will confirm that conditions will allow the Welsh Government to lift the requirement to stay local and to introduce changes to the regulations to enable families to be reunited once again. From Monday, people from two separate households will be able to join together to form one exclusive extended household. In his press conference later today, the First Minister is expected to say that, while some restrictions are being eased in Wales, everyone needs to continue to maintain social distancing and respect the places and communities they visit. Earlier this week, the Minister signalled the first phase…

The £30m Aber Tai’r Meibion improvement scheme is moving ahead, with safety measures in place to allow work to begin should covid – 19 restrictions be in place at the time of construction. Detailed design work is currently underway and construction is now scheduled to begin in September.  Additional time and funding was required to plan the work so it could take place safely during the covid-19 pandemic. The scheme will improve safety along a 2.2km stretch of the carriageway by removing direct accesses off the A55 as well as removing eight gaps in the central reservation which currently allow…

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…