Author: Rhys Gregory

Important external funding of £4.52 million has been secured for flood alleviation in Rhondda Cynon Taf in 2025/26. This Welsh Government support will complement the Council’s own investment in this priority area over the year ahead – enabling 27 further schemes to be developed and/or delivered. This funding cannot be used by the Council to install main river flood defences as this can only be done by Natural Resources Wales. The funding will focus on improving culverts and drainage systems in areas identified as susceptible to flooding from ordinary watercourses, surface water and groundwater. Each year, the Council benefits from Welsh…

Newport City Council has confirmed that Splash ‘Port at Tredegar Park will officially reopen for the 2025 season on Friday 18 April. Extensive preparations have been taking place in recent weeks to ensure the popular water play area is ready for a fun-filled summer. With work now complete, the iconic tipping water bucket will once again spring into action over the Easter weekend, alongside the much-loved sprinklers. Splash ‘Port will be open daily from 10am to 5pm. From Monday to Friday, the first hour between 10am and 11am will be dedicated to relaxed sessions, followed by general entry from 11am…

The Marches Forward Partnership is set to reach a significant milestone in its development with the establishment of the Marches Forward Partnership Board. The Marches Forward Partnership brings together Herefordshire Council, Monmouthshire County Council, Powys County Council and Shropshire Council to reshape the economic landscape of the Marches region by fostering collaboration and innovation. The new Board will comprise Leaders and Chief Executives from the four local authorities, along with key strategic partners, to drive a shared commitment to a high productivity rural and town-based economy, a green economy trailblazer region, and the creation of healthy and connected places. Once…

Get ready for an unforgettable day as DAY FEVER, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, and Arena Projects join forces to bring you the ultimate DAY FEVER SUMMER PARTY in the heart of Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre at Penderyn Square! Presented by the Redhouse Festival, this one-day extravaganza promises all the energy of a summer festival with a few exciting twists. For this exclusive event, DAY FEVER transforms into an epic outdoor celebration, packed with live performances, local flair, and incredible surprises. The lineup is nothing short of legendary: Get ready to groove with 80s icon Tiffany, performing her timeless classic…

A property development company based in Cardiff has secured an investment of £17.5 million from the Development Bank of Wales and £7 million from Welsh Government to fund the build of 114 new homes in Tonyrefail. It is the largest ever investment made by the Development Bank. Work on Parc Eirin, a major low carbon mixed-tenure residential development project by Tirion Homes has begun with contractor Morganstone completing the build by the end of 2027.  All 114 homes will achieve an EPC A-rating and include energy-saving features such as solar panels, communal battery storage and ground source heat pumps. There…

A North Wales warehouse site which fell into disrepair and became a haven for anti-social behaviour has been transformed into a modern businesses park with Welsh Government support. The vandalism hotspot in Prestatyn has been transformed into a first-class space for employment use by James Industrial Limited. Welsh Government awarded them a £1.75m Property Development Grant to support the redevelopment, with 28 high-quality business units created over 75,000 square foot. The Warren Drive site was formerly a base for Kwik Save, but has been vacant since around 1998. Now called Prestatyn Business Park, it is set to become a thriving hub for…

Thousands of people on low incomes across Wales have secured an extra £170m by claiming benefits they didn’t know they were entitled to, thanks to free Welsh Government advice services. The Claim What’s Yours helpline connects people with friendly advisers who help cut through the confusion of the benefits system. For many who call, including working families, new parents and pensioners, it’s their first time claiming benefits, with many surprised to learn they qualify for financial help. With around £2bn in benefits going unclaimed in Wales each year; the Single Advice Fund and Claim What’s Yours services have helped 361,000…

Choosing the right senior living community is a big decision that can affect the quality of life for your loved one. With so many options to choose from, it can feel overwhelming. In this article, we will guide you through important tips to help you find a community that will make your loved one feel safe, comfortable, and happy. Read on! Know the Different Types of Senior Living Communities The first step in choosing the right community is understanding the different types available. Each type of senior living community offers different levels of care, such as:  independent living assisted living…

Cardiff Capital Region’s (CCR) Strategic Premises Fund has loaned £15m into a new 114,000 sq.ft office block in Callaghan Square in the centre of Cardiff financed by CCR via a debt-loan to developers JR Smart. Lloyds Banking Group is set to take a 10-year lease on the entire building, with 3,000 employees due to move into this new office accommodation. John Street is a prime office building, designed to the highest standards and targeting a BREEAM sustainable building certification rating of ‘Excellent’ that commits to minimising its environmental impact and incorporating innovative solutions to ensure long-term sustainability. The 10-storey building…

A social care champion has given a “cautious welcome” to a new ratings system for care homes and home care services in Wales. But Mario Kreft MBE, chair of Care Forum Wales, believes it has been introduced too soon without sufficient safeguards or proper funding. As a result, he fears some care homes and domiciliary care companies will be unfairly labelled as failing organisations. Under the new system, care homes and home care services will be graded on four different aspects of care. Inspections by regulators Care Inspectorate Wales will focus on well-being, care and support, leadership and management and…