Author: Rhys Gregory

Caerphilly County Borough Council has been ranked in the top 10 local authorities in Wales for climate action, in the recently published Council Climate Action Scorecards. The Council achieved a score of 38%, an increase of 8% compared to last year’s results. The Climate Action Scorecards, assessed by Climate Emergency UK, evaluate how effectively councils are progressing towards Net Zero. Caerphilly Council showed improvement in six out of seven assessed areas, which include building and heating, transport, planning and land use, governance and finance, biodiversity, collaboration and engagement, and waste reduction and food. Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader and Cabinet…

A new bus service connecting communities between Rhyl and Wrexham, as part of Network North Wales, is set to begin from September. It will include an hourly bus service between Ruthin and Wrexham, an upgrade from the current two hourly service, and an hourly service between Wrexham and Rhyl on a Sunday. Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales joined Transport for Wales (TfW) at the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham to announce the launch of the new TrawsCymru T51. Replacing the existing 51/X51 services, the new T51 service will begin operating at the end of September this year…

City Hospice’s Forever Flowers display has returned to Cardiff Castle for a fifth consecutive year. The display opened to the public on Saturday (2 August) and features this year’s Forever Flower which is the daffodil, Wales’ national flower, symbolising hope, resilience and new beginnings for many. Expertly crafted by the British Ironwork Centre, these unique and lasting tributes will be on display in the grounds of Cardiff Castle until 10 August. As part of this year’s event, local schools have contributed 400 pieces of artwork to create a ‘Garden of Memories’, a special art project showcasing pupils’ collaborative designs on…

Powys has officially joined the Fast Track Cities initiative, becoming the latest region in Wales to sign the Paris Declaration – committing to ending new HIV transmissions by 2030. The announcement was made at the Royal Welsh Show, in the presence of Jeremy Miles, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, marking a historic milestone that makes Wales the first Fast Track Nation in the world. The signing of the Paris Declaration celebrated not only policy alignment but also shared values, resilience, and a forward-looking vision for public health across Wales. The Fast Track Powys initiative is a multi-agency partnership…

North Wales has no shortage of scenic routes and stunning destinations, but the newly reopened Bryntirion Inn offers something truly unique, a gastropub-with-rooms that caters not only to food lovers and families but also to classic car fans and road-trippers seeking the perfect pit stop. Marking a new chapter for the Palé Hall Estate, The Bryntirion Inn has officially reopened at the gates of the renowned five-star Palé Hall Hotel in Bala. Brought to life through a meticulous £1 million refurbishment by owners Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney, the inn reflects the couple’s ambition to expand the estate’s offering while staying…

Leading Welsh Waste Management and Recycling company, Gavin Griffiths Group has launched a new piece of technology that kills pathogens in soil using steam treatment. This revolutionary technology capable of eradicating Japanese Knotweed and restoring soil health, without the use of chemicals. This major step forward for sustainable land management will benefit a wide range of landowners, industries and even private homeowners. The technology was launched on 31st July at Gavin Griffiths Group’s Cwmgwili site and was attended by industry stakeholders, academics and government representatives who have been fully supportive of this innovative solution. Gavin Griffiths Group has invested in…

A young man with autism has spoken movingly about how a mixed ability rugby club in North Wales has totally transformed his life. After joining the Colwyn Bay Stingrays Dylan Evans, 23, from Waunfaur, near Caernarfon, made new friends, starred in a television series with a rugby legend and secured employment with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). Dylan told his “inspirational” story at the presentation of a £1,500 grant from the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) using money seized from criminals. PACT’s main focus is to provide funding to community and voluntary groups for schemes that improve people’s…

Leading partnerships developer Lovell has hosted its 30th annual charity golf day in Cardiff and raised a total of £14,550, which will be split equally between three local charities. The event was held at Whitchurch Golf Club, near the developer’s regional head office, and saw 26 teams of employees, subcontractors, partners and consultants tee off in the morning and compete for prizes throughout the day. A charity auction was then held, consisting of prizes donated by Lovell clients, subcontractors and its supply chain. The auction was hosted by Welsh actor and writer Steve Speirs, who also gave a speech to round off…

The British Red Cross has announced its return to the National Eisteddfod of Wales taking place in Wrexham from 2 to 9 August. As one of Wales’ most cherished celebrations of culture, language and community, the Eisteddfod offers a powerful platform for organisations making a difference across the country. Visitors are warmly invited to explore the British Red Cross stand (619-620), where the charity will bring its story to life through powerful showcases of its work supporting individuals and communities across Wales, the UK and internationally. Highlights include interactive exhibits, informative activities and direct engagement with staff and volunteers. For…

A couple have been sentenced after officers spotted them drug dealing from their van. 43-year-old James Hannify and 41-year-old Michele Bradshaw, from Blaenymaes, were in the company of their young child when engaging in their illegal activity, after which they were arrested by officers. Significant quantities of substances and cash were found both in the vehicle and during a later search of the couple’s home. A list of customers was also discovered on mobile phones seized from the pair. James Hannify pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession with intent to supply cocaine, being concerned in…