Author: Rhys Gregory

Maerdy Primary School are making local history come alive by re-enacting the famous Maerdy March. On Thursday, March 6, pupils from Maerdy Community Primary School commemorated the miners’ strike by conducting a memorial march from the school to the Maerdy Wheel Pit. The school are ensuring that the children are aware of the importance of the local mining community and the history that the area carries. To mark the 40th anniversary of the historic miners of Maerdy marching back to work after being on strike for a year, Pupils from years 1-6 have been learning about the miners’ strike and…

Caerphilly County Borough Council has announced that a new Chartist mural in Blackwood town centre has now been completed. This is an excellent example of collaborative working, enhancing the town centre and creating a point of interest as visitors approach the town. The side of the Flourmill pub facing the High Street is located at the entrance to the town centre and was identified as a suitable location for painting. CCBC engaged with the manager and owner of the Flourmill building and commissioned Andy O’Rourke of Malarky Arts to create the mural. The mural reflects the Chartist movement and the…

Supporting people to reach out for help if they are struggling with self-harm or thoughts of suicide will help to save lives. The Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing Sarah Murphy has spoked about Wales’ determination to remove the stigma of talking about and seeking help for suicide and self-harm. She also said Wales’ new 10-year strategy to prevent suicide and self-harm, which will be published in April, will improve access to support services. Speaking at the National Suicide Prevention and Self-Harm Conference at the Mercure Hotel in Cardiff, Sarah Murphy said: “Many people are reluctant to talk about their…

Strengthening the role of GPs in Wales will be vital in improving patient healthcare and tackling NHS waiting lists. Speaking at the Welsh Local Medical Committees Conference today (Saturday 8 March), Health Secretary Jeremy Miles will say the coming year must be about transforming how health services are delivered to keep care closer to home. GPs will have a more prominent role in managing waiting lists to cut delays and improve patient flow through the health system, including expanding diagnostic testing in communities. A new initiative to support GPs in providing continuity of care will start with identifying the most…

South Wales Police was called yesterday evening, Sunday March 9, at 6.10pm with a report of a shooting in the Green Park Area of Talbot Green. Officers and Welsh Ambulance Service paramedics attended the scene. A 40-year-old woman was found suffering serious injuries – despite the efforts of the emergency services she was pronounced dead at the scene. A 42-year-old man from Talbot Green has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody. A number of crime scenes have been set up in the area and road closures remain in place as work continues to gather…

The Welsh Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting female entrepreneurs as a key driver of economic growth during celebrations to mark International Women’s Day. The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, made the pledge while visiting Deploy Tech, an innovative Welsh manufacturing company co-founded by award-winning female entrepreneur, Beren Kayali. The company in Pontyclun, which produces pioneering portable water storage tanks used in critical infrastructure protection/climate resiliency, defence and disaster relief, demonstrates the innovation and success of female-led businesses in Wales. It has received support through the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme to expand into international…

A knife-point robber from Cardiff was arrested within two hours of robbing his local supermarket. Thanks to the bravery of a customer who recorded the whole incident on her phone, officers identified the suspect straight away and knew where he lived. They found him hiding in an attic – a few minutes walk away from the Lidl store he just robbed – still in possession of some of the cash he stole and 1.6g of crack cocaine, which officers suspect he bought with his loot. Leon Carpin, 34, from Pontprennau, entered the Lidl store in Caxton place, Pentwyn, at lunchtime…

The budget for the coming year, 2025-26 has been approved by Pembrokeshire County Council. Councillors voted on the proposed budget, including a Council Tax increase of 9.35% or £2.71 per week for a Band D property, at a meeting yesterday (Thursday, 6th March). The coming financial year includes a funding gap of £27 million, which will be met by a combination of budget savings, an increase in Council Tax and use of Council Tax premiums. The most significant cost pressure for the 2025-26 budget is demand and complexity of care for Social Care across both Adult and Children’s Services, with…

A review of the top tiers of management at Caerphilly County Borough Council, once concluded, will deliver savings of almost £900k, the new Chief Executive has revealed. The council, which is facing a budget shortfall of £45million over the next 3 years, is reviewing all parts of the organisation to identify efficiencies and transform services. Ed Edmunds, the newly appointed Chief Executive has outlined plans to reduce the top tier management costs with a new leadership structure, “It is important that the senior management team leads by example. Every part of the organisation is being looked at to ensure the…

Disease control zones that have been declared after a case of bird flu was confirmed in Herefordshire extend into Powys, the county council has said. A case of Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza H5N1 has been confirmed at a premises near Kington, Herefordshire. 3km and 10km disease control zones have been declared around the premises by Defra, to limit the risk of disease spread. Part of the 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone declared by Defra and Welsh Government extends into Powys. Within this zone, bird movements and gatherings are restricted and all holdings that keep birds must be declared.…