Author: Rhys Gregory

Urgent works to address structural issues at Greenhill School in Tenby have commenced and will proceed over the coming months. Naturally, the school has received correspondence from concerned parents and the Headteacher is responding to these concerns in a letter which went out to all parents/carers last week (2nd May 2025). Pembrokeshire Council is providing the necessary support to the school to ensure that the work is carried out safely and thoroughly, and is supportive of the Headteacher’s actions in ensuring that all parents/carers are kept fully appraised of the situation. It is anticipated that the work will continue throughout…

The huge investment in education facilities at Ysgol Afon Wen in Hawthorn is now fully-delivered, with the final phase of work completing the external areas of the brand new school development over the Easter holiday. The community has benefitted from a brand new school environment since September 2024, thanks to major joint funding from the Council and Welsh Government’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. The 3-16 Ysgol Afon Wen newly-formed at the start of the current academic year, and welcomed all pupils from the former Hawthorn High and Hawthorn Primary schools, and the English Medium stream of Heol y Celyn…

A six-metre common swift tower has been installed at County Hall in Usk as part of the Gwent Green Grid Shared Prosperity Funding for enhancing Green Spaces. The tower, which includes bird boxes for up to 12 pairs of swifts, has been installed at the Incredible Edible community garden. The tower aims to support the local swift population, which is on the Red List of Conservation Concern, and to raise awareness of how Monmouthshire County Council is supporting nature recovery across the county. The tower will: Provide additional nesting spaces for swifts and other urban nature, to help address the…

Caerphilly Council’s youth service are working with schools and other organisations, to support young people aged 11-18, who are at risk of being not in education, employment or training or becoming homeless. Their preventative approach focuses on early identification of risk, and information sharing with agencies such as schools, colleges, Careers Wales and third sector organisations, to help young people build a positive future. John Poyner, the engagement and progression co-ordinator at Caerphilly youth service, brings together organisations to support around 400 young people. Their intervention includes tailored support to help young people transition smoothly into education, employment or training…

A group of leading experts in democracy, community engagement and policy development have been brought together to find new approaches to democratic participation across Wales. The Innovating Democracy Advisory Group, led by Dr Anwen Elias, will explore creative ways to strengthen citizen involvement beyond voting in elections. The Group was established by the Welsh Government in response to a recommendation from the Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales which found that many Welsh citizens feel disconnected from decision-making processes that affect their lives. This Group aims to help address this through innovative approaches to civic education and participation…

From sports clubs to family centres offering vital support, 14 community settings across Wales will be given a new lease of life, thanks to a new £3m investment from the Welsh Government. The Community Facilities Programme grant helps transform spaces where people gather, learn new skills and access support when they need it most. Tumble Family Centre has received £300,000 from the fund to help give them a proper home after years of making do in a condemned portacabin and then temporary accommodation. The Family Centre supports children, families and young people in Tumble and the wider community within the…

The A40 Llanddewi Velfrey to Redstone Cross road scheme in Pembrokeshire has been opened thanks to a £60 million joint investment by Welsh Government and the EU. The scheme, which was officially opened today by the First Minister, Eluned Morgan will improve connectivity, reduce journey times, provide extra resilience and reliability, and enhance road safety. It delivers a new 6km upgrade to the old road, a new carriageway, new roundabouts, 2 new bridges, 22 culverts, a new active travel route and environmental landscaping with over 450,000 plants and trees. As well as providing improved accessibility along the east-west transport corridor…

Two Welsh women, who live just ten minutes apart and served as code breakers during the Second World War, have been celebrated by the First Minister at the age of 101 for their crucial work. Kath Morris and Gwenfron Picken only found out recently that they had both worked at the secretive intelligence facility, Bletchley Park. The veterans were part of a team decoding enemy communications, which helped shorten the war and saved many lives. Their work remained classified for decades after the war ended. Kath from Neath and Gwenfron from Port Talbot got together at a local church to…

Swansea’s Dementia Hwb has been recognised for its exceptional dementia-friendly environment following a £140,000 Welsh Government-funded transformation. Located in Swansea’s Quadrant Shopping Centre, the hwb is now gold accredited by Stirling University Dementia Services Development Centre. The Welsh Government’s Integration and Rebalancing Capital Fund (IRCF) helped create a bespoke dementia-friendly space designed to meet the needs of those affected by dementia.  Sarah Murphy, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, who visited the hwb said: “Having a welcoming, purpose-designed space like the Swansea Dementia Hwb makes a real difference to people navigating what can be really challenging circumstances. “As we prepare…

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, crowned the ‘Best Attraction’ at the National Tourism Awards for Wales in March, are holding an event next month for anyone interested in building their own model railway at home. The two-day Model Railway Show and workshop will be held on May 17 and18, from 10am to 4pm both days, at Y Ganolfan Community Centre, High Street, Porthmadog. ]Stunning railway layouts created by local modellers will be on show and demonstrations from experienced modellers that range from creating buildings to tracks and wagons. The aim is to give all aspiring modellers the skills to take…