Author: Rhys Gregory

One of Wales’ biggest housebuilders will expand its presence to Caerphilly after it completed a major land deal to bring new homes to the town. Persimmon Homes East Wales completed the purchase of 12 acres at Virginia Park, a site that already has full planning permission, and will means 174 new, high-quality properties for local people in the area. Persimmon will now submit a revised planning application within the coming weeks before commencing groundworks. The accredited five-star builder will begin works on-site early next year, with first sales completing by the end of 2026. The developer will also make a…

It will be the largest ever Barry Island 10K with more than 4,300 people signed up to take part in the 10K and junior races. With just one month to go all general entries into the Barry Island 10K 2025 have now sold out. This means that the only way to now secure a spot into the event is through its lead charity partner, Cancer Research Wales. After a year-long hiatus in 2024, the Barry Island 10Kwill be returning to the seaside town on Sunday 15 June with a route showcasing the town’s most scenic seaside spots and recognisable landmarks…

A man from Swansea has been jailed after his dangerous driving left another vehicle on its roof on the M4. 31-year-old Kyron Farrell, from Mayhill, had planned to attend a large car meet of around 100 people at Milland Road, Neath in March this year. Officers witnessed him reversing up the slip road from the A474 before heading off at speed towards Stockham’s Corner, where rather than negotiating the roundabout, he performed a u-turn to head back up the A-road. He then joined the A465, where he reached speeds of up to 110mph in a bid to escape police. After…

A 52-year-old woman has today been jailed for the murder of her partner, Marcin Koziol. Joanna Wronska, of Pentre Gwyn in Caia Park, killed Marcin with a single stab wound to the heart. She claimed he had inflicted the injuries on himself in a bid to take his own life. But a jury saw through her lies and convicted her of murder after less than 90 minutes of deliberations following a nine-day trial at Mold Crown Court last month. She was sentenced today to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 16 years. Shortly before 6.15pm on 23 October 2023,…

Shoppers have helped select a striking new design for Swansea Market’s external entrances. Market traders and other key stakeholders were asked for their views as Swansea Council held a public consultation. All thoughts helped finalise plans as the Oxford Street, Union Street and Whitewalls entrances are refreshed and modernised this year. The copper-coloured design reflects Swansea’s industrial heritage; its semi-circular shape hints at the market’s logo and huge domed roof. Words used by voters to describe the design included: Inviting, majestic, striking, sleek, elegant, clean and modern. Those commenting liked that it included the words Swansea and Abertawe – making…

Works undertaken by Pembrokeshire County Council to restore and redevelop Haverfordwest Castle are now well underway as part of the £17.7m UK Government funded project to breathe new life into Haverfordwest. The iconic site of Haverfordwest Castle, is now ready for the next stage of development towards transforming it into a fantastic new visitor attraction for the town and wider county. Over the last six months the walls of this Scheduled Ancient Monument have been painstakingly repaired by specialist heritage building conservationists, iBEX. Archaeological excavations have been undertaken by Heneb (The Trust for Welsh Archaeology), the inner bailey has been…

This week, communities across Cwm Taf Morgannwg are coming together in a powerful show of support for people living with dementia and their families. Over 35 events are taking place to raise awareness, promote understanding, and champion dementia-friendly initiatives. Running from May 19th to 25th, the week-long programme spans Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, and Rhondda Cynon Taf, offering a vibrant mix of activities aimed at educating the public, challenging stigma, and fostering connection. A highlight of the week is ‘Turning Ponty Blue’, a five-day campaign in Pontypridd, created in partnership with RCT Council and the Dementia Friendly Pontypridd Steering Group. The event features craft workshops, pop-up information stands,…

New Priorities for Culture have launched today [Tuesday 20] with a focus on opportunities for all, regardless of age or background. These new priorities are being backed by a £15m investment package to support their implementation across Wales. Making the announcement, the Minister for Culture Jack Sargeant confirmed the funding – from the recent Final Budget – will be divided into two major streams: £8m for an arts sector strategic capital investment programme via the Arts Council of Wales £7m capital and revenue funding for museums, archives, libraries, arts and the historic environment The Minister said: “I am pleased to…

Since 2014, every local authority in Wales has benefitted from a huge investment in new school and college buildings, with £3.6bn invested in over 330 projects. The sustainable communities for learning programme provides modern, fit for purpose buildings, designed to educate the digital generation. On a visit to Ysgol Llyn y Forwyn, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, met learners and staff at their brand-new school, based at the former Chubb Factory site in Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taf. The new primary school, which opened earlier this year, benefits from a 30-place Cylch Meithrin nursery, a multi-use games area, a…

The food that can be served in schools is changing so that every child in Wales has access to a balanced diet in school. A consultation has launched seeking views on the proposals which will see primary school menus increase fruit and vegetables, helping more Welsh children get their five-a-day, and limit sugary desserts, and fried foods, in line with UK dietary guidelines. The new proposals will ensure children are offered nutritionally balanced school food and drink, and that healthy eating is promoted in schools with the aim of improving health, wellbeing and attainment.   The evidence shows that, on average,…