Author: Rhys Gregory

A 26-year-old man has been jailed for his role in a violent large-scale disorder in Wrexham that seriously injured a woman. Reef Byfield, of Pen y Wern, Rhosllanerchrugog, appeared before Mold Crown Court for sentence yesterday (Thursday, February 20th), having admitted a charge of wounding by inflicting grievous bodily harm. He was handed a 16-month prison sentence. The disorder took place in the Wern Las area of Rhosllanerchrugog on September 21st, 2023, and involved up to 50 people in the street. During the incident, Byfield took hold of a bicycle wheel and threw it across the street, striking the victim…

The Vale of Glamorgan Council has announced that the redevelopment of the old public conveniences on Nell’s Point is set to begin imminently. In partnership with developers Next Colour – the company behind the Oyster Wharf scheme in the Mumbles – the project would see the 100-year-old Victorian building transformed into four commercial units.A number of high-profile names have expressed an interest in opening outlets at the site, which includes a 4000 square foot restaurant and a basement café and/or commercial unit. The restaurant has already been assigned to the coffee-bar chain Loungers, who have branches throughout South Wales and…

On February 19th, 603 jobseekers attended Working Denbighshire’s Jobs Fair at the 1891 Bar & Restaurant in Rhyl, connecting residents with over 50 employers from sectors like hospitality, manufacturing, and health and social care. The event provided a platform for local residents to explore job opportunities, career pathways, and training options, with employers in attendance including Seren Gobaith, GLLM, Gamlins Law, G&H Phoenix, TG Williams Builders Ltd, and 2 Sisters Food Group. A quiet hour was held from 10am to 11am for those who prefer a calmer environment, and a pre-event Job Club offered jobseekers advice on CVs and cover…

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…