Author: Rhys Gregory

Owners of electric vehicles in Swansea who do not have access to off-street parking are being invited to take part in a trial which would enable them to charge their vehicles in their street. Swansea Council, with support from Transport for Wales and Welsh Government, is offering up to ten properties the chance to take part in a trial to test a new on-street charging system. Currently, electric vehicle owners who live in Swansea but do not have off-street parking, have to make use of charging facilities in public car parks or local supermarket car parks. The latest trial will…

Newport City Council has welcomed the opening of a new $138m research and development and manufacturing centre in the city by KLA Corporation. KLA is a global leader in semiconductor process control and process enabling technology. SPTS, KLA’s Wales-based product division, has been leading semiconductor equipment innovation in Wales since 1984, winning multiple Queen’s Awards for excellence in R&D and export, and attracting strong technical talent to the region. The new facility will bring a further 750 high-skilled jobs to Newport, which is home to the UK’s compound semiconductor cluster, further cementing the city’s place at the heart of the southeast Wales investment…

Another exciting new business has chosen Merthyr Tydfil High Street as its home, with Coco’s Coffee & Candles being the latest shop to open in the town centre. Located at 143b High Street and Developed by Highfield Property Group, the building – formerly the location of Pizza Time – was a long-term vacant property on the lower part of the High Street. Grant funding of £730,000 from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme has enabled the re-development of the property into a commercial unit. Works have included the demolition of previous structures, with the full integration of new structures, including steel supports,…

Welsh public services will get extra money to help meet higher National Insurance costs this year. The increase in employer National Insurance contributions means: A £257m extra cost to the Welsh public sector each year. The UK Government have provided £185m, leaving a shortfall of £72m. The Welsh Government is providing an extra £36m to help fund the gap. The total funding package is £220m, covering about 85% of increased costs for Welsh public services. Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “We’re protecting our vital public services by using £36m from our reserves to help address the National Insurance shortfall left…

Rural families in Conwy can soon access more free support in one place when the upgraded Llanrwst Family Centre reopens this month. The centre, which has supported hundreds of local families over the past 22 years, has undergone a £480,000 transformation funded by the Welsh Government. More services can be delivered at the same time in the upgraded space, saving rural families repeated long journeys to the centre. The centre offers a range of support, including weekly baby clubs co-delivered with health visitors, young carers groups, and domestic abuse support for people of all ages. Minister for Children and Social…

Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies has visited an award-winning Anglesey farm to see how sustainable farming practices are creating a blueprint for climate-friendly food production in Wales. The Deputy First Minister, toured Castellior farm recently to learn how farmer Dylan Jones is successfully combining profitable beef production with environmental stewardship. Castellior farm, spanning 332 hectares and run by Dylan and his father Wyn, has recently received prestigious recognition at the British Grassland Society Awards Evening 2024 and was named Beef Farmer of the Year at the Farmers Weekly Awards 2024. During his…

We’re very lucky here in Wales. While many places have allowed their industrial heritage to fade into history, we’ve lovingly preserved it – and nowhere is that more evident than in the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. These narrow-gauge lines are more than just transport – they’re moving museums, offering unforgettable journeys through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK. Of all the routes they run, the Woodland Wanderer stands out as the perfect experience for young families or anyone looking for a gentle taste of steam-powered adventure. Setting Off from Porthmadog The journey starts in Porthmadog, at…

Craig Bellamy has announced a 27-player squad for the key 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein at the Cardiff City Stadium (Friday 6 June) and Belgium in Brussels (Monday 9 June). Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson return to the squad after missing out on the opening games of the campaign in March due to injury. Craig Bellamy has also called up full-back Ronan Kpakio for the first time after featuring in last week’s training camp in Cardiff and Spain. Several players come into the international window after a successful end of season at club level, including Europa League winners…

Pitch perfect primary pupils are to perform at a gala concert in St Asaph Cathedral after impressing judges with their singing skills. The youngsters at Ysgol Melyd in Meliden near Prestatyn won a county-wide singing competition organised by the Denbighshire Music Cooperative. Children were encouraged to learn and perform a brand new song titled Sound of Denbighshire, with schools asked to submit their entries on video. Judges chose Ysgol Melyd as the winner, with the school picking up a package of prizes. They include new musical instruments for the school, a visit to the school by the cooperative’s in-house band, Make Some…

Following over 160,000 votes being cast, Deliveroo reveals winners of its 2025 Restaurant Awards, which celebrate the best and most loved restaurants across the UK and Ireland. In Cardiff, one restaurant has risen above fierce competition spanning across five regions, as passionate food enthusiasts cast their votes to support their favourite neighbourhood eateries. The full list of winners of the Deliveroo Restaurant Awards 2025 in Cardiff,  South England & Wales, includes:  Albany Fish Bar – Cardiff – Best Fish & Chips – South England & Wales This independent, award-winning fish and chip shop in Cardiff has been an institution since…