Author: Rhys Gregory

New designs have been unveiled for two further wheeled sports projects that will bring major improvements to facilities in Gowerton and Ynystawe. A new BMX-focused facility at the Elba sports complex in Gowerton and an upgraded skatepark at Ynystawe are the latest schemes to progress as part of Swansea Council’s £3m investment in wheeled sports across the city. The designs – developed by specialist firm Curve Studio following extensive consultation – were shared at a recent update meeting with local residents and wheeled sports users. Planning and procurement for both projects are scheduled for early 2026 with construction anticipated to…

Autumn Internationals are returning to the Principality Stadium and the city is getting ready for another busy matchday. If you are heading into Cardiff for Wales vs South Africa on Saturday November 29th, with kick off at 3.10pm, there are a number of things you will want to plan ahead for. Road closures will run between 11am and 7.15pm, so it is worth thinking about how you are getting into the city and where you want to park. The M4 is expected to be very busy, so keep an eye on the latest updates through Traffic Wales or @TrafficWalesS on…

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has appointed the main construction contractors for two of its future school investment projects, at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda in Cymer and Ysgol Llanhari. The two significant developments are currently in design, to expand and improve the Welsh Medium education offer, and deliver first-class new facilities for pupils and staff at both schools. Earlier this year, Cabinet Members approved the next tranche of major school investments by the Council, in a £414 million funding commitment to be delivered in partnership with Welsh Government – to complete at least nine new projects over the next few years.…

Wales’s innovative public health approach received international recognition at a major World Health Organisation meeting this week. The Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sarah Murphy spoke at the WHO Regions for Health Network Annual Meeting in St Pölten, in Austria yesterday. She showcased how Wales is addressing health inequalities through the new, ambitious 10-year Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which puts early intervention and prevention at the heart of transforming mental healthcare services. The Minister said: “Sharing Wales’s experience on the global stage demonstrates how smaller nations can lead innovation in public health. By learning from other European countries,…

Powys County Council is addressing significant financial challenges for the upcoming financial year, despite an increase in support from the Welsh Government. This week, the Welsh Government announced a 2.3% uplift in the Revenue Support Grant. However, the council anticipates a £19 million shortfall in its budget for 2026-27. Cllr Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, and Cllr David Thomas, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Transformation, commented: “Although our provisional local government settlement from the Welsh Government has increased, it does not fully meet our rising expenditure. “Growing demand for services, inflationary pressures, and pay increases for teachers,…

A lighting designer from Caerphilly, whose shows have captivated audiences from Las Vegas to Dubai, is bringing his talents home to Wales. Paul Johnson , who has lit up stages across the world for artists including global superstar Rihanna and Wales’ own Super Furry Animals, will perform for the First Minister and business leaders from around the world, with narration from Welsh actor Michael Sheen. Paul has spent 25 years creating cutting-edge lighting displays and will showcase his work to more than 300 delegates from over 27 countries at the Wales Investment Summit on December 1st. The event will bring…

Welsh primary school attendance has improved, with new data showing a drop in the number of pupils missing school. New data shows that persistent absences – missing more than 10% of required school sessions – by primary school-aged pupils has fallen The figures also show improvements in the number of primary pupils eligible for free school meals attending school. Half-day sessions missed by this cohort decreased to 11.8% in 2024/2025 compared to 12.1% the previous school year. Persistent absences for primary pupils eligible for free school meals also decreased to 44.7% compared to 46.9% in 2023/2024. The Cabinet Secretary for…

Wales is bracing for an unsettled spell of weather this weekend as a deepening area of low pressure approaches from the Atlantic, according to the Met Office. Forecasters say the system will bring periods of heavy rain and strong winds, with the chance of some localised impacts as it moves across the country. A short settled spell is expected late on Sunday, though conditions will quickly turn wet and windy again on Monday. Rainfall early next week is likely to be heaviest in western areas, with the wider outlook remaining changeable. Friday will see early brightness replaced by frequent showers,…

Two trains per hour will be available between Chester and Wrexham following rail timetable changes this December. From 14 December, the new timetable will deliver significant enhancements across North Wales by strengthening community connections, boosting cross-border travel, and providing more flexible travel opportunities. These are further changes as part of the Network North Wales developments. Key changes for North Wales include: An introduction of a new hourly service between Chester and Wrexham, doubling the frequency to 2 trains per hour. The daily 11:23 service between Cardiff and Holyhead will now make additional stops at Craven Arms (12:59) and Church Stretton…

A North Wales hospital charity is offering its biggest-ever Christmas raffle prize – a massive £500 – as it races to raise money for vital equipment. The League of Friends at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan says the record-breaking festive windfall has only been made possible thanks to the generosity of Lock Stock Self Storage who have sites in Denbigh, Rhyl, Abergele and Llandudno. Chair Dilys Percival urged supporters to snap up tickets before the December 19 draw, praising Lock Stock for backing the charity “in absolutely incredible ways” during one of its busiest fundraising periods. The company already provides…