Author: Rhys Gregory

New schools, road improvements and upgrades for sports facilities, the city centre and our community’s heritage are all part of a £530m investment pledge by Swansea Council for the coming years. Millions of pounds has been set aside to help fix roads and potholes under the council’s capital budget plans for the coming 12 months. On top of that almost £300m has been earmarked for a new generation of school improvements as well as a state-of-the-art new special school to replace YGG Crug Glas and Penybryn. In the city centre work will start in the coming months on the much-anticipated…

There’s heaps for you and your family to look forward to if you’re out and about in Swansea for half-term. Here’s some great ideas: Go to the Swansea Council for Voluntary Service web page here and download their comprehensive guide to free and low cost half-term events and activities Enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride on Swansea’s Active Travel routes. Visit one of our beautiful beaches. Oxwich is wonderful this time of year. Go to Gower by night and experience a completely different world. From our Sport and Health Team Half-Term Camp Schedule: Multi-Sports Camp (ages 8-14) | Bishopston Leisure Centre |…

The second phase of the Penygawsi Primary School development has been handed over, greatly improving the site’s outdoor areas. It follows delivery of a new main building that pupils and staff have enjoyed since the start of the academic year, and completes the major investment for the Llantrisant school. The school is one of three in Rhondda Cynon Taf to receive investment via Welsh Government’s Mutual Investment Model (MIM) – the revenue funding stream of the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. A similar project was completed at Llanilltud Faerdref Primary in 2024 – with the brand new building opening last…

Early next month, Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, leader of Newport City Council will be joining thousands of runners as they take on the St Joseph’s Hospital City of Newport Half Marathon. Taking place on Sunday 2 March, the half marathon route winds its way through the streets of Newport and Caerleon and aims to be a celebration of both community spirit and athleticism with runners of all levels taking part. Councillor Batrouni commented: “The St Joseph’s Hospital City of Newport Half Marathon is an amazing Newport event in support of an invaluable local service. I’m very excited to be taking part…

Risca’s new banking hub, located at 52 Tredegar Street, officially opened last week. It is the first banking hub of its kind in Caerphilly County Borough and a welcome addition to Risca town centre. After a significant revamp, the former Barclays branch now welcomes customers of all major banks to the hub to carry out regular cash transactions at the counter, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm. The counter is operated by the Post Office. Whoever you bank with, this offers face-to-face services such as paying in cash and cheques, making withdrawals, balance enquiries, paying utility bills, and topping…

The Welsh Government has today announced an extra £4.4m a year to support the arts, culture and publishing sectors in Wales. The new funding, which is included in the Final Budget 2025-26 – on top of increases announced in the Draft Budget – represents an 8.5% increase for the sector on last year’s revenue budget. And it is on top of £73.8m allocated for capital projects which will help to protect and preserve Wales’ cultural assets for future generations, improving visitor experiences and access. This is an £18.4m increase on 2024-25 levels. Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social…

First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan has today announced the finalists of this year’s St David Awards. This year’s awards are the twelfth annual St David Awards, with the first presented in 2014. Three finalists are selected for each of the 11 St David Awards, with the first 10 nominated by the public, in the following categories: Business Bravery Community Champion Culture Environment Champion Innovation, Science and Technology Public Service award Sport Volunteer Young Person First Minister’s Special Award The finalists in each category are selected by an independent panel, from nominations sent in by people across Wales. The winners…

Social care, childcare and local councils are set to benefit from more than £100m in extra funding secured through a budget agreement. The details of the agreement, between the Welsh Government and Jane Dodds MS, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, can be revealed this week (20 February) as the Welsh Government publishes its Final Budget 2025-26 in the Senedd. Key elements of the budget agreement include: An extra £30m for childcare, which will ensure funding for the Flying Start programme to deliver childcare to two-year-olds across Wales. The hourly rate will also be increased to £6.40 an hour to…

Supporting Welsh Industry: Lloyds Beal’s Commitment to Investing in Local Talent and Innovation Wales has long been a hub for industry and manufacturing, with a rich history of engineering excellence and innovation. As the economy evolves, local businesses are playing a crucial role in driving forward sustainable growth, particularly in the construction, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. Central to this progress is the development of high-quality lifting solutions and structural steel fabrication, which are essential for supporting large-scale infrastructure projects, streamlining operations, and ensuring safety in industrial settings. A key factor in maintaining this momentum is the investment in local talent.…

Operating a HIAB crane isn’t just about getting the job done—it’s about doing it safely and efficiently. In the UK, employers are responsible for ensuring their operators are properly trained to handle these powerful machines. This is why certification is vital, as it proves that operators have the skills and knowledge to operate a HIAB crane safely, which reduces risks and increases confidence on-site. For operators, being certified is more than a formality—it’s about safety, professionalism, and standing out in a competitive job market. Employers benefit too, as certified operators help maintain a safer workplace and minimise costly mistakes. It’s…