Author: Rhys Gregory

A 27-year-old woman who burgled an elderly woman’s home has been jailed. Billie Jo Kane, of no fixed abode but from Llanbedergoch, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Thursday, 27 February after admitting a county of burglary. The incident happened on 23 October 2023, after Kane forced her way into the woman’s rural home near Brynteg, stealing sentimental items including photographs, and £100 cash. She was jailed for two years and six months. Following the incident, Kane’s ex-partner, Ieuan Parry, assisted her to bury a car she had used to commit the burglary. The 28-year-old of Llanbabo, Rhosgoch, who admitted…

The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Cabinet will consider reducing its proposed rise in council tax by one per cent at a meeting this week. This comes after a period of consultation with residents and an increase in the funding it will receive from Welsh Government as revealed in its recently-published final budget. New plans to be discussed by the Authority’s political leadership include a suggested council tax climb of 5.9 per cent instead of the 6.9 per cent initially consulted upon. If approved, that will form part of the draft budget to be debated at a meeting of all Councillors…

A net revenue budget of £383.3m has been agreed for 2025-26 by Bridgend County Borough Council. Developed following careful analysis of feedback from extensive public consultation and scrutiny, this will enable the council to continue to provide local communities with more than 800 services. It will provide initial funding of £31.6m for Central Education services, £123.2m for Schools, £115.9m for Social Services and Wellbeing, and £33.7m for Communities. Schools will also receive up to £7.9m extra funding to cover in full additional pressures such as teacher pay and pension costs for 2025-26 Services within the Chief Executive’s directorate such as…

SWANSEA visitors, residents and shoppers turned out in strength to cheer HMS Cambria on St David’s Day as the Royal Navy Reserve unit exercised their right to march through the city centre. HMS Cambria is one of the Royal Navy’s leading reserve units and many of its sailors are recruited from the Swansea area, so it was no surprise that so many lined the streets to watch. HMS Cambria was awarded the Freedom of Swansea in 2018 and the march followed an inspection of the crew in full dress uniform at Guildhall rotunda. They then paraded through the city to…

A Meet the Buyer event will be held this month for companies to learn more about the supply chain opportunities from a major Pembrokeshire County Council housing project. Morgan Construction Wales has been appointed by PCC under a Pre Contract Service Agreement for the Brynhir project in Tenby. In total, 125 new homes and associated infrastructure will be constructed with commencement planned for autumn 2025, and overall completion in 2029. These homes will range in size and consist of 93 affordable houses (social and intermediate rent), 16 shared ownership, and 16 open market sale. The homes will be built to…

A road closure is required at the pictured bridge at Goitre-Coed Road in Abercynon, to complete a repair and maintenance scheme that will last up to one week. The Royal Oak Bridge will close in the morning on Monday, March 3, when a signposted diversion route will come into effect. Please note, the diversion route is partly located in Merthyr Tydfil County Borough through Quakers Yard. The closure is essential to safely replace the bridge deck joint and carry out other maintenance works, which will be delivered by contractor Hammond ECS. An alternative route for motorists is via Fairview Terrace,…

Exciting improvements have been made to the swimming facilities at Risca Leisure Centre, with the installation of a brand-new water activity wall and infant slide, enhancing the experience for young swimmers and families. The new features, installed by Hippo Leisure and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UK SPF), are designed to encourage water confidence and active play among young swimmers. Cllr Chris Morgan, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “These fantastic new additions to Risca Leisure Centre will provide more opportunities for young children to enjoy the water in a fun and safe environment. Investing in our leisure facilities…

Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre is set to become safer for pedestrians, with the installation of gates and bollards to stop vehicles from driving on the High Street. Areas of town centre are already subject to vehicular restrictions, however ongoing issues with vehicles still accessing the High Street means that physical measures are needed to ensure the safety of pedestrians. The changes being made, are as follows: A gate will be installed across the High Street at its junction with Swan Street. Four bollards will be positioned on the High Street just south of is junction with Market Square, with two…

First Minister, Eluned Morgan, has welcomed the appointment of Rep. Lloyd Doggett, as the new Co-Chair of the Friends of Wales Caucus in the US Congress. Rep. Doggett spoke about his new role during a Welsh Government hosted reception at the Library of Congress to mark St David’s Day. The Caucus was created on St David’s Day in 2014 and its purpose is to build links between Wales and the USA, particularly on trade. It currently has 26 members in both the U.S. House and Senate. The current Chair is Welsh-American Rep. Morgan Griffith, a Republican Party member who represents…

A partnership between youth work provision and secondary schools in Blaenau Gwent is making positive strides in improving pupils’ school attendance. With dedicated Youth Workers in all secondary schools in the borough, the Blaenau Gwent Youth Service 11-16 team provides vital one-on-one and group support, tailored to individual needs. They are making significant progress in improving the school attendance of young people referred to the project. During half term this week a group of young people aged 11-16 have been enjoying a residential course at the Summit Centre in Treharris, taking part in confidence boosting activities such as climbing and…