Author: Rhys Gregory

Holyhead is among the towns supported by the Welsh Government’s Trefi SMART Cymru programme, delivered by Menter Môn, an initiative designed to empower towns, businesses, and decision-makers through data and technology. The ability to access high-quality data provides invaluable insights into how external factors—such as the temporary closure of Holyhead Port—affect footfall and trade. Storm Darragh’s Disruptive Impact On 6th December 2024, Storm Darragh caused significant damage to Holyhead Port, forcing a six-week closure that disrupted travel and trade between the UK and Ireland. The timing was particularly devastating, occurring at the peak of the festive season, a crucial period…

Runners gathered in Cardiff to challenge perceptions of public sexual harassment as the issue continues to impact women everywhere. A Welsh Government survey found 10 percent of Welsh men admitted that they don’t know what public sexual harassment means or have never heard of it. Nearly one in three did not believe “catcalling” to be harmful. With 71% of women of all ages in the UK having experienced some form of sexual harassment in a public space, the ‘Sound’ campaign seeks to shift the focus on men to examine their own behaviour and challenge others. The Sound Run saw participants…

As part of the construction of a major new facility on the University of South Wales’ (USW) Treforest Campus, six women are leading the way as part of the team putting together the new hi-tech building. When completed next year, it will include learning and research spaces, electronics and hydraulics labs, a flight simulator, a robotics lab, clean and industrial research spaces, collaborative teaching spaces, virtual reality capability, and exhibition spaces. Construction company BAM was appointed to deliver the project, with a number of its female staff leading the project. Jess Morgan is the Social Sustainability Manager for BAM, a…

The tottering four walled remains of a derelict West Wales listed for sale at £1 (one pound) sold for £6,500 at auction. Although in a stunning location there was no escaping the fact that the property barely existed as a house in the accepted sense. Nevertheless, the ramshackle overgrown remains of the Neath Port Talbot bungalow, surrounded by stunning scenery in the Upper Dulais valley, created interest at Paul Fosh Auctions. Sean Roper, of South Wales-based Paul Fosh Auctions, said: “Setting the lowest possible reserve price of £1 (one) certainly created interest which carried through into the online sale. “The…

Venture underground, make chocolates, paint pottery and shop for unique handmade crafts during February half term at popular Mid Wales visitor attraction, Corris Caverns. Reopening on February 15, the Corris Café will serve delicious, homemade food and feature a pop-up Corris Crafts shop and Welsh Deli. The pop-up shop will open daily from 10am to 4pm and host a collection of unique handmade crafts designed and made at Corris Craft Centre.  Items include handmade chocolates from Chocablock, handcrafted organic furniture from Taran Eco Designs and the much-coveted Dyfi Distillery Gins. Arthurian and dragon themed items from the on-site King Arthur’s…

To mark this year’s Apprenticeship Week Wales, taking place between 10 and 16 February 2025, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Wales have called for Medr (the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research) to deliver an SME focused strategy to close Wales’ skills gaps by increasing the number of apprenticeship starts and supporting more small firms to take on apprentices. Apprenticeships bring significant value to learners, employers and the wider Welsh economy. However, a cut in the target for apprenticeship starts in this Senedd, plateauing funding in the Draft Budget and a reduction in starts in 2023/4 all indicate…

A man from Swansea has been jailed after pushing another man down a flight of stairs and hospitalising his victim. 35-year-old Stefan Cambriani, from Sketty, committed the offence at a premises in Uplands on Boxing Day 2023. He has been sentenced to nine months in prison for unlawful wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent. Sergeant Kelly Richards said: “Stefan Cambriani is fortunate that the injuries he caused to his victim were not even more serious. “This is yet another case which highlights the negative effects of consuming too much alcohol whilst on a night out. “We hope that Stefan thinks…

Over half a million pounds has been invested in two Denbighshire Secondary Schools, with both schools seeing updates to their Science Laboratories. Welsh Government grant funding has been used to fully refurbish two Science Laboratories at Denbigh High School in Denbigh and three at Ysgol Dinas Brân in Llangollen. The projects included a full strip-out of the existing Science Labs, followed by the installation of new heating, electrical and gas services, together with new ventilation and the installation of new energy efficient lighting and redecoration throughout. Also included was the installation of purpose made specialist laboratory furniture along with new…

Construction of a new swimming pool at Pentwyn Leisure Centre has begun. Cardiff Council’s appointed contractor is working on a new 25 metre swimming pool, which will feature a split raising floor and new children’s wet play area, alongside several other improvements to the centre. The work, which is currently expected to be completed by the end of the year, will also see the changing facilities and reception area refurbished and other improvements to the building, including a transition to green energy sources. The centre will remain open to the public throughout the construction period. The pool will feature an…

Public transport users to and from the Rhondda Fach can now access a new ‘connector ticket’ covering both their train journey between Cardiff and Porth, and bus journey between Porth and Maerdy. It follows the recent opening of the Porth Bus Interchange, and aims to make local journeys more convenient. Stagecoach South Wales and Transport for Wales have recently announced the new ‘Rhondda Fach Connector Ticket’ – which is now available to buy on the bus, the train, or at local train stations. The ticket enables commuters to use any valid Stagecoach service to travel between Porth and Rhondda Fach,…