Author: Rhys Gregory

More than 130 jobs have been saved after Formula One Autocentres completed the acquisition of 35 sites from ATS Euromaster. The family-run business has expanded its network of centres to 170 as part of the deal, rapidly increasing its national footprint and growing specific coverage in Wales, with eight locations in Abergavenny, Bangor, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Cwmbran, Newport, Port Talbot and Wrexham all moving over. All the IT and e-commerce platforms are being transferred over across the Bank Holiday weekend, with refurbishment work, new ‘rebranding’ and other visual identity elements to be completed over the next three months. ATS customers can…

An 18-year-old from Pontypool is celebrating Deaf Awareness Week (4-10 May) after learning to communicate using British Sign Language (BSL) for the first time at Coleg Gwent. Meghan Hillier joined Coleg Gwent in 2024 after leaving school and was immediately supported by the college’s Communication Support Workers. Since then, she has not only learned BSL, but she has also become part of the college’s Deaf community through its dedicated Deaf Club. According to the RNID, there are around 575,000 d/Deaf people in Wales, and approximately, 2,100 d/Deaf children. With more than 90% of d/Deaf children born to hearing parents, many children…

Salisbury’s Chartered Accountants is marking its 40th anniversary with strong growth, a major practice merger and a workforce that has doubled in just two years – marking an exciting new chapter for the firm. The business has expanded into north east Wales with the acquisition of HB Chartered Accountants in Mold, a respected practice previously led by Hilary Baines. The move reflects growing demand for Salisbury’s services and its ambition to build on its presence across the region. As part of the transition, existing team members Vanessa Blanchard, Chartered Accountant, and Accounts Administrator Abigail Bowers-Baines have joined Salisbury’s, providing continuity…

Cardiff Council has confirmed it is aware of reports of stray horses loose on land near Lamby Way, with multiple teams working to address the situation. The authority says efforts are ongoing to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, although details remain limited due to active criminal proceedings linked to previous animal welfare offences. Officials have stressed that while concerns have been raised, many horse owners in the area work constructively with the council and Shared Regulatory Services and care for their animals responsibly. The council’s Animal Health and Welfare Team regularly monitors horses in the area, carrying out…

Pembrokeshire County Council is set to appoint a new Leader later this month, with three councillors nominated for the role. The decision will be made at the council’s Annual General Meeting, which is due to take place on Friday, May 15. Under the council’s constitution, the Leader is elected every two years. Current Leader, Cllr Jon Harvey, has confirmed he will not be standing for re-election, bringing his time in the role to a close. Three nominations have been received for the position, with Cllr Di Clements, Cllr Tessa Hodgson and Cllr Anji Tinley all in the running to become…

Residents and service users across Powys County Council are being reminded that abuse, threats and violence towards staff will not be tolerated. The warning comes after two residents were successfully prosecuted for assaulting a civil parking enforcement officer. Council staff work across the county every day delivering vital services, often in challenging and complex situations. While the authority acknowledges that people can feel frustrated or upset, it has stressed that this must never lead to unacceptable behaviour towards employees. Emma Palmer, the council’s Chief Executive, said: “Our staff deserve to feel safe and respected at work. They are simply doing…

A “bully and dangerous man” has been jailed for rape. Mark White is also subject to a 15-year restraining order to further protect the victim. White, 50, from St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, was sentenced at Newport Crown Court on Thursday, April 30. He had previous pleaded guilty to rape at an earlier hearing at Cardiff Crown Court. In a Victim Personal Statement read in crown court, the victim described the impact of White’s crime. She said: “I cannot forget that night when he lost control and raped me. “He hurt me emotionally and physically… He is a…

A special celebration took place on Saturday 2 May to mark the 30th anniversary of the reopening of Carrog station, bringing together residents, volunteers and visitors for a memorable community event. President of Llangollen and Corwen Railway, Bob Creasey was joined by President, Gordon Heddon and the guest of honour, John ‘Chicken’ Mason, who was one of the those who led the reopening of the station in 1996. The day marked three decades since the railway returned to Carrog in 1996, and the occasion was filled with pride, reflection and gratitude. The event featured a wonderful performance from pupils of…

The executive chef at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff says he is bursting with pride and cannot wait to represent Wales in the Global Vegan Chefs Challenge in his home country later this month. Ryan Jones, 42, from Maesteg, who works for Aramark, will be competing against seven rival chefs from across the world in the final at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 which is being held at ICC Wales, Newport from May 16–19. He will be supported by commis chef, Carys Williams, who works for Home by James Sommerin in Penarth and is a student at Gower College…

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of Llanhilleth Pharmacy in Abertillery, Gwent. Llanhilleth Pharmacy is a well-established community pharmacy that dispenses an average of 7,370 items per month. It is nestled on the main street of the traditional Welsh village of Llanhilleth, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The pharmacy has been owned by local GP, Dr Satish Narang, for 15 years, and was brought to market to allow them to invest in other ventures. Following a confidential sales process with Richard Thomas at Christie & Co, it has been purchased by…