Author: Rhys Gregory

A woman from Neath Port Talbot has been jailed after admitting to arson. 36-year-old Laura Evans, from Port Talbot, deliberately set fire to a towel within an address on Velindre Street. This caused a nearby bed to also set alight, engulfing the bedroom in flames. There were no other people within the address at the time. She has this week been sentenced to four years in prison. Detective Sergeant Jonathan Holding said: “Were it not for the intervention of the fire service, Laura Evans’ irresponsible and reckless actions could have resulted in significant damage being done not only to the…

In a meeting of Council last week (12 March), elected members agreed a £4m injection of funds from Welsh Government to allow the crucial next phase in the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl’s redevelopment project to go ahead. Funding has been secured as part of the new joint working agreement between the council and Welsh Government which has allowed the local authority to invest additional finance into the regeneration programme for Porthcawl, and support specific projects, such as the redevelopment of the Grand Pavilion. The approval of the funds will enable the next phase of the redevelopment works to begin on the…

Proposals to make major sustainable travel improvements in Newport city centre have been progressed. The plans set out a series of improvements to Newport railway station, Queensway and Old Green roundabout, and include: A new public transport interchange at Newport rail station, linking rail and bus services, making the station a hub for sustainable travel Highway revisions to replace Old Green roundabout, with priority access lanes for buses and simplified active travel routes which are convenient and attractive for all users Opportunities to improve the public realm, including the areas around Newport Castle The proposals take forward key recommendations of…

Blackwood Town Centre hosted the hugely successful Blackwood Spring Fair on Saturday 8th March, the first event of 2025. With over 6,000 visitors in attendance, it was the busiest day of the year so far. Lots of families, couples and friends of all ages enjoyed the event. Involved in the fair were a huge number of stalls selling food, drinks, and craft, as well as others offering useful information. There was an abundance of free activities such as giant games, crazy golf, a bowling alley, animals and bird of prey displays. A new addition for this year was a busking…

Monmouthshire County Council is warning residents and visitors to be cautious of parking scams operating in the area. The council has received reports of fraudulent QR codes being affixed to parking machines in council-owned car parks across the region. When scanned, these QR codes direct users to what appears to be a legitimate website. However, the council has discovered that the website is a subscription scam, charging a joining fee and enrolling users in an unwanted diet plan subscription. Monmouthshire County Council has also been informed of similar fraudulent QR codes leading users to other scam websites. The authority emphasises…

The Welsh Government has made £90m in low interest loans available to Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) to deliver more homes for people across Wales.  The loans will help the housing sector with the escalating costs of debt and support the delivery of 277 affordable homes, with 119 to be delivered this Senedd term, and improvement works to 4,397 existing homes. Improvement works will help bring homes up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standard, making sure they are affordable to heat and fit for the future. The low-cost loans range between £5m and £10m and highlight the Welsh Government’s continued commitment…

The Welsh Government’s Second Supplementary Budget 2024-25 has been approved by the Senedd. The £789m funding package, which was published in February, received final approval this week. It includes substantial investments which have been delivered throughout the year, including: £264m for public sector pay rises announced in September. £108m for NHS improvements, including £50m to reduce the longest waiting times by the end of March 2025. £63.5m to improve school standards and support education at all levels. £53.5m for school and college infrastructure repairs and digital improvements. £10m to increase social housing through the Social Housing Grant. Finance Secretary Mark…

Wales will see its highest ever investment in flood protection this year, with £77 million allocated to protect communities across the country. Announcing the Welsh Government’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Programme for 2025-26, the Deputy First Minister told the Senedd that the funding comes at ‘a crucial time’ following a winter when many communities in Wales saw the harsh reality of climate change. New schemes funded through the programme will benefit 4,640 properties in the next 12 months, which is on top of the 11,000 properties that will benefit from existing schemes due to complete this year. The…

Based in Porthmadog on the edge of The Snowdonia National Park, Baavet is renowned for its high-quality wool bedding. Since 2009, the company has raised awareness of wool as a sustainable and ethical sleep solution while championing British wool, local farming, and ethical sourcing. Baavet’s story began when Roger and Lesley Payne moved to North Wales over 20 years ago to manage a traditional hill sheep and cattle farm. Faced with the challenge of sustaining their farm, the couple created a new source of income making British wool duvets. With the support of a large lottery grant, the business later…

New research has revealed the most popular dining room styles in the UK, highlighting a strong preference for sleek and contemporary interiors. A study by Furniture Village, based on Pinterest search data, shows that modern dining rooms are the most sought-after, with an average of 3,832 monthly searches. Homeowners are embracing clean lines, neutral colour palettes, and minimalist furniture, creating elegant spaces that seamlessly integrate with contemporary living. Despite modern styles leading the way, traditional interiors continue to hold their appeal. Victorian dining rooms, with their rich colours, ornate details, and grand furniture, remain a favourite, attracting 3,826 searches per…