Author: Rhys Gregory

The A470 is currently closed in both directions following a collision between Newbridge on Wye and Rhayader. Traffic Wales confirmed the incident earlier today, warning motorists that the route is shut while the situation is dealt with. In a post on social media, Traffic Wales North and Mid said: “⚠️Collision A470 Newbridge on Wye – Rhayader ⛔️Road closed both directions at this time Please find an alternate route.” Drivers are being urged to avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible. There is no confirmation yet on how long the road will remain closed or if there are any…

A man who raped two teenage girls as they slept has been jailed. Stefan Dobandi, 20, of no fixed abode, appeared for sentencing at Mold Crown Court on Tuesday 24 March. At a separate hearing in February, he admitted three counts of rape and two counts of taking an indecent photograph/ pseudo-photograph of a child. Dobandi was jailed for 10 years, with a two-year extended license period. He was also handed 10 year restraining orders to protect the victims, an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and subject to notification requirements for life. Between May and June last year, Dobandi raped…

Over £1.6m in new funding has today (24th March) been announced to provide additional mental health and wellbeing support in schools over the next three years. It will fund a mental health programme developed by Anna Freud, a mental health charity for children and young people, for primary and secondary schools across Wales. Anna Freud uses the latest evidence to design new approaches to mental ill health prevention and intervention, including for schools, in partnership with children, young people, families and communities. The funding will introduce the Strategies for Safety and Wellbeing programme, to learners in Year 5 and Year…

The iconic Man versus Horse Race, held every summer in the Mid Wales town of Llanwrtyd Wells, has a new headline sponsor this year. Leading Welsh work-based learning provider, Cambrian Training Company and sister business Trailhead Fine Foods, manufacturers of Welsh Salt Beef and Get Jerky beef and venison snacks, have agreed to sponsor the 45th running of the event on Saturday, June 13. The challenging 22-mile race route, which rises to 4,000 feet, takes in Tarmacadam roads, forestry tracks, farm tracks, bridleways, open moorland and rivers. This year, the race has a brand new course and the organisers are…

Drivers are being warned of congestion on the A470 southbound between Nantgarw and Coryton, with delays possible. According to Traffic Wales, traffic is currently building along the route, which is a key commuter link into Cardiff. Motorists travelling in the area are advised to allow extra time for their journeys and consider alternative routes where possible. There is no confirmation at this stage on what has caused the congestion.

Craig Bellamy says he is determined to continue the legacy of former Wales manager Gary Speed, as he reflects on the profound influence Speed had on his career in a new and exclusive documentary on S4C that offers an intimate and honest portrait of Bellamy, manager of the Wales Men’s National Football Team. In the programme, Bellamy describes a defining moment when seeing the mural of Speed on the way to Cardiff City Stadium confirmed his decision to follow in his footsteps and build on the foundations he left behind. In 2011, the football world was shocked by the news…

SOME 45% of adults in Wales have noticed a change in their hearing over the past few years, but more than a quarter have not taken any action, according to new research revealed this week by drummer and broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans. Commissioned by Specsavers, the survey found that while 38% of all Welsh people have experienced temporary muffled hearing or ringing in their ears after attending live music or gigs, only 24% of those who’ve noticed their hearing has worsened have had a hearing check in the past two years. More than a quarter (28%), say they have taken…

Mentera is recruiting a new Chair, as the term of the current Chair, Fflur Jones, comes to an end in May. During her time as Chair, Fflur Jones has played a key role in leading Mentera through a period of change and development, building on the organisation’s strong foundations and supporting its new strategic direction. Mentera is now inviting applications from experienced individuals to lead the organisation through the next chapter of its journey. Reflecting on her time as Chair, Fflur Jones said: “It has been a real privilege to serve as Chair of Mentera during such an important period…

The historic market town of Bridgend is set to be transformed following a deal between the private owners of the Rhiw Shopping Centre and Bridgend County Borough Council. The council has confirmed that it is revisiting its town centre regeneration masterplan as the purchase of the 2.27 acre site from Creative Assets Global Ltd has unlocked exciting new opportunities that were not previously available. With the potential to establish a new market, retail units, community facilities and additional accommodation at the heart of Bridgend town centre, the huge scope of the project will require the council to work closely alongside…

Work has officially begun on a new council housing development at the former New Penn pub site in Llanedeyrn, following a sod‑cutting ceremony.The scheme is the first to start on site as part of the transformative Cardiff and Vale Housing Partnership, which brings together Cardiff Council, Vale of Glamorgan Council and housing specialist Lovell Partnerships. The partnership will deliver affordable homes and support community regeneration across Cardiff and the Vale, with plans for around 2,500 homes, including approximately 1,600 new council homes, across 25 sites. Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr Lynda Thorne, was joined by Shane Jay, Project…