Author: Rhys Gregory

The Renault 5 is back – and it’s not just here to cash in on nostalgia. This reinvented icon has been reborn as a bold, all-electric supermini, and after getting behind the wheel, we can safely say it’s one of the most exciting new cars of 2025. Thanks to the team at FleetEV, we had the chance to be among the first in the UK to drive the new Renault 5 ahead of its full launch. And from the moment we pulled away, it was clear this isn’t just a fun design exercise – it’s a seriously compelling EV in…

The RSPCA is calling on people to ditch popular misconceptions and “be kind to rats” this World Rat Day 2025 (April 4). The animal charity is advocating for wider recognition and appreciation of rats and hopes the day will encourage people to find out how smart and sensitive rats truly are. Despite the bad press they sometimes receive, rats are friendly, intelligent and playful animals and can make excellent companions. While some people might not be keen to spot a wild rat in their gardens, many will be surprised to learn they are very social animals – capable of experiencing a…

SEVEN groundbreaking projects to research and find better treatments for brain tumours in Wales have been awarded over £1 million in funding. The money is from the Brain Tumour Research Initiative (BATRI), which is run by the Welsh cancer research charity – Cancer Research Wales. Launched in April 2024, BATRI aims to establish Wales as a world-leader in brain tumour research. It brings together scientists, clinicians and neurosurgeons from across Wales to drive forward discovery and innovation in brain tumour research. Research funded by BATRI will also bring hope for people living with brain tumours and their loved ones across…

Swansea has been named one of the UK’s best places to invest in property this year. The city came in third place in a Sunday Times list of the top 20 places that are on the up in 2025, thanks to a combination of major regeneration schemes, strong culture and hardworking communities. The Sunday Times points to regeneration schemes like the Swansea Building Society Arena, which was developed by Swansea Council and part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal. The arena, says the Sunday Times, has added extra cultural clout to a city that already includes the Grand Theatre and…

An ambitious firm of Chartered Accountants are expanding again after merging with another practice. Coxeys, which has offices in Wrexham, Saltney and Chester, will be adding another 250 clients to its portfolio after acquiring respected firm Barnes Cooper Ltd which operates across Chester, North Wales and Cheshire. The four members of the Barnes Cooper team, including founders Dave Cooper and Sue Cooke, are transferring to the Coxeys office in Saltney. This move is the third merger for Coxeys in the past seven years, with the takeovers of Martin Williams and Co in 2022 and the Chester branch of Hall Livesey…

Swansea Grand Theatre is delighted to announce it will welcome the very first production from the newly formed Welsh National Theatre – Our Town – starring Michael Sheen, in January 2026. At the beginning of 2025, acclaimed actor and artistic director Michael Sheen unveiled his vision for the Welsh National Theatre: to create world-class work from Wales and take it to the global stage. The initiative aims to unite Welsh talent in producing bold, ambitious theatre that brings the country’s stories to life. In a co-production with the Rose Theatre, Welsh National Theatre will present Our Town, a fresh take…

A woman from Swansea has been jailed after throwing boiling water towards another woman’s face. 21-year-old Jessica Thorne, from Penlan, committed the offence on Boxing Day last year. The victim was left with a large red burn on the side of their face which could take up to two years to heal and may leave scarring. She has been sentenced to ten months and two weeks in prison. Detective Sergeant Samuel Stanway said: “Jessica Thorne has proven herself to be an incredibly dangerous woman, having made the decision to enact an attack on the victim which could have left them…

The Vale of Glamorgan Council has introduced two electric vehicles to its kerb-side recycling fleet. The new additions – manufactured by Romaquip – are the latest step in the Council’s vehicle replacement programme. Cllr Mark Wilson, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services, said: “It is great to see these 100 per cent electric vehicles join our kerb-side fleet.“The vehicles are a key part of the Council’s Project Zero strategy to become a carbon-neutral authority by 2030.“As a Council, we are working at a pace to reduce our carbon footprint and make positive changes considering the ongoing climate and nature…

Bridgend County Borough Council has announced that Jake Morgan will join the authority in July as its new Chief Executive Officer. He was appointed by members following a vigorous recruitment and assessment process which culminated with an extraordinary meeting of Council held on Wednesday 2 April. Currently employed as the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Community Services at Carmarthenshire County Council, Jake comes from Gloucestershire. Having moved to live and work within Wales 20 years ago, he has built up more than 30 years of extensive experience working within local government covering a number of senior roles. These…

A convenience store in Cardiff has been ordered to pay over £2,000 for excessive noise coming from a refrigerator condenser unit at their business in Ely. The owner of Fisher Convenience Store on Michaelston Road was sentenced at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court last Friday (March 28) for failing to act, after a Noise Abatement Notice was served on the property on May 31st, 2023. The case came to light following a complaint from a member of the public that the noise coming from the refrigerator unit was excessive and causing a nuisance to residents. Officers from Shared Regulatory Services visited the…