Author: Rhys Gregory

The finalists for the 2025 Welsh Law Awards have been revealed, marking what promises to be the most exciting year yet. Since their launch in 2019, the awards have grown in both size and stature, attracting an ever-higher standard of entries. This year has set a new benchmark, with record-breaking applications that highlight how Welsh law firms are not only shaping society but also playing a vital role in driving the UK economy. Now in its seventh year, the Welsh Law Awards remain a standout event in the legal calendar, shining a spotlight on excellence, innovation, and achievement across the…

A man from Butetown has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexual offences against children. Liton Ahmed, 47, denied six counts of assaulting a girl by touching and one count of attempting to sexually assault a girl by touching. But he was found guilty following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court in April 2025. Ahmed was sentenced at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on August 26, 2025, to 18 years in prison. Officer in the case Dc Steven Taylor said:  “I want to commend the victims for their courage in coming forward- thanks to their reports and support, justice…

A man has sustained serious injuries following a road traffic collision on the A55 in Flintshire. At 2.14pm on Saturday, 6 September, we received a report of a single-vehicle collision involving a grey Vauxhall Astra estate in the Halkyn area. It was joining the A55 eastbound at Junction 32 from the A5026 ‘Billy Jeans Café’ slip road when it collided with the central reservation. The man was airlifted to hospital in Stoke where he continues to receive treatment. Sergeant Leigh McCann of the Roads Crime Unit is now appealing for witnesses. He said: “We are appealing to anybody who witnessed…

Cardiff Council has announced plans to extend the age range at Ysgol Gymraeg Coed-Y-Gof, introducing a Welsh-medium nursery class for children aged 3 – 4 years from September 2026. The proposal follows a comprehensive public consultation that revealed overwhelming support for the initiative. The new nursery provision aims to strengthen early years education through the Welsh language, aligning with the Council’s Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) and the Welsh Government’s “Cymraeg 2050” strategy. The initiative is designed to improve access to Welsh-medium education, support early language development, and promote continuity from nursery to primary education. Key Highlights: 93.4% of…

Cardiff’s long, hot summer of music may be coming to an end, but music fans don’t have long to wait before music once again takes centre stage in the capital. As autumn takes hold and the nights draw in, Cardiff Music City Festival will return for its second year, showcasing local artists alongside the very best of Wales’ creative spirit, alongside internationally renowned artists and emerging talent. Running from 3rd – 18th October, the festival promises to be a two week-long celebration of gigs, happenings, talks, installations and pop-ups, harnessing the power of music, performance and tech to unite and…

The annual Neath Great September Fair – one of the oldest charter fairs in Europe – is returning for 2025. Running from Tuesday, September 9th, to Saturday, September 13th, 2025, the fair can trace its origin back to the original Charter granted in 1280 by the Marcher Lord and Paramount of Gloucester, Gilbert de Clare. Key Dates : The event consists of a Trading Fair in Neath’s town centre which will run from Wednesday 10th to Saturday 13th September, from 9am-10pm on all four days. A wide variety of products from UK traders, including artisan foods, textiles, furniture, and homewares will…

Young people from across Pembrokeshire teamed up with local councillors, service leads, and community representatives for the seventh annual Great Council Bake Off recently. Held at Milford Haven Youth Centre on Thursday 28th August 2025, and organised by Milford Haven Youth Council, the event brought together seven teams, each made up of a young person and a local decision-maker. Together, they took on the challenge of creating their best bake before presenting it to a panel of judges — all in the name of fun, collaboration, and meaningful youth engagement. Judging the event were: Cllr Maureen Bowen, Chair of Pembrokeshire…

More than 400 private long-term empty homes have been transformed back into use thanks to Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Empty Property Team. Since launching in 2021, the team has worked with landlords, homeowners, and developers to tackle problem properties; boosting housing supply, improving neighbourhoods, and removing eyesores from local communities. One of the team’s biggest success stories is a Nelson property left empty for over a decade. Once plagued by fly-tipping, pests, and constant complaints, it’s now a fully renovated rental home. After persistent support from the team, and the looming introduction of an Empty Property Council Tax Premium, the…

Transformational change has helped council services be more efficient, saving costs of over £10m and having a positive impact for Powys residents, the county council has said. From improving care for vulnerable families and expanding housing options, to modernising schools and tackling climate change, Powys County Council’s Transformation Portfolio is reshaping how services are delivered. Through targeted investment, innovation, and collaboration, the council has made services more efficient, more responsive, and less costly. This week, the council’s Finance Panel will consider the End of Year Transformation Portfolio Report for 2024/25, which confirms the council saved a net total of £10.8m…

£481,000 of Welsh Government funding will upgrade Withybush General Hospital’s gamma camera system to boost diagnostics. Gamma cameras play a crucial role in detecting and diagnosing various diseases through gamma rays and advanced imaging technology that provide detailed pictures of organs and tissues. The upgrade will extend the life of the existing gamma camera serving the West Wales region, allowing for state-of-the-art advanced imaging and 3D information. The enhanced camera will help to ensure that doctors can continue diagnosing a wide range of conditions and plan effective treatments without disruption to diagnostic services. Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care,…