Author: Rhys Gregory

A Porthmadog-based commercial cleaning company with customers across north Wales is moving to the next phase of its growth plans, thanks to the support of the Development Bank of Wales. Mynydd Cleaning and Maintenance received a £50,000 loan from the Wales Flexible Investment Fund, after winning tenders to carry out cleaning services for Eryri National Park and Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre. Friends Jessica Hull and Charlotte Jones set up the business in early 2020, after a run of successful cleaning jobs saw them realise they could take on commercial customers with their own enterprise. The business now employs 25…

In the last 18 months alone, Cywain, an innovative food and drink programme delivered by Mentera with funding from Welsh Government, has propelled more than 500 businesses to new heights. And with Wales’ food and drink industry valued at over £11bn (2022 GVA) which, alongside the hospitality sector, employs thousands of people all over Wales — it’s a vital part of our rural economy. Delivering expert guidance, hands-on events, and industry-leading support, Cywain has not only helped businesses break into new markets and to create nearly 100 jobs since 2023, but has also empowered them to grow sustainably, ensuring their…

A man from Barry has been disqualified from keeping all animals for five years and sentenced to forty weeks imprisonment after he abused his two cats – one of which died. Daniel Bradley Jones of Northcote Terrace, Barry, was sentenced at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 25 February following an investigation and prosecution by the RSPCA. Jones pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing (13 June 2024) but changed his plea to guilty on 2 September 2024 at Cardiff Magistrates Court to three Animal Welfare Act offences – including inflicting physical abuse on Maisey and Odin and failing to meet…

The countdown is on! In just 100 days, Wales’ biggest summer running festival will return—bigger, better, and more exciting than ever! Taking place on Sunday, June 8, 2025, the festival will feature three thrilling events: the hugely popular Swansea University Swansea Half Marathon, the Front Runner City 5 Miler, and the Freedom Leisure Family Run. But that’s not all—this year’s event will also host the Masters Road International Championships, welcoming over 300 elite Masters athletes from Wales and England, raising the competition to a whole new level! A Celebration of Running for Everyone! Tash Smith, Acting Managing Director of Front Runner Events, shared her excitement: “We are beyond thrilled to bring Swansea’s…

South Wales Police’s Major Crime Team have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a woman’s body at an address in Townhill on Thursday, February 27. Leanne Williams, 47, was found by police officers at her home in Gomer Road at approximately 2pm. A Home Offic Post Mortem which was carried out in the days that followed identified significant injuries consistent with an assault. Two men have been arrested as part of the investigation and they are currently in police custody. Detective Superintendent Mark O’Shea, said: “This tragic news has come as shock to the local community and of…

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…