Author: Rhys Gregory

The Welsh Government has launched a public consultation as part of a major revision of the National Development Framework – which sets out how places, communities, infrastructure and natural resources should be planned and managed through the planning system in Wales.  The consultation, running from 19 August to 20 November 2026, invites people and organisations across Wales to have their say on the Statement of Public Participation, the National Conversation Engagement Plan, and an accompanying Call for Evidence. Siân Gwenllian, Cabinet Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, said: “This marks the start of a national conversation about the long-term future of Wales, going beyond planning policy to…

An abandoned Victorian South Wales valleys police station complete with impregnable cells could be a steal when it goes up for sale at auction. The impressive two storey police building, inextricably linked to nineteenth century miners’ riots, could now be set for a more passive future as offices. However a date carved into the front of the Rhondda Valley building, 1876, shows the former police station was operating at the time of the violent Tonypandy Riots of 1910. This infamous event in Wales’s recent history resulted in local police officers and troops being called on by the then UK Home Secretary…

The family of 45-year-old motorcyclist Lynne Trump, from Crynant, who died following a collision on the A4109 near Cefn Coed Colliery on Sunday August 16, have paid the following tribute to her. “Lynne Marie Trump was a devoted wife, a loving mother and a cherished grandmother. She was truly one of life’s rare diamonds — someone incredibly special, whose presence made the world a brighter and happier place for everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. “Lynne was fun, loving, caring, and generous, with a wonderful personality that drew people towards her. She was the life and soul of…

A 38-year-old man has been jailed for suppling large amounts of ketamine, MDMA and cannabis. Steven Moorcroft, of Sefton, appeared for sentencing at Mold Crown Court on 19 August after previously admitting to being concerned in the supply of class A and B drugs. Over a two-month period, Moorcroft was selling the drugs to a 16-year-old who would travel to Merseyside from Conwy, where he would sell them on. On 5 August 2025, officers executed a warrant at the teenager’s address where drugs, cash and phones were seized. Examinations of the phone linked Moorcroft and the teenager to large wholesale…

Motorists travelling between Raglan and Abergavenny are being advised to plan ahead as essential bridge refurbishment works are carried out on the A40. The work will involve repairs to the deck of the A40 Pitt Village Overbridge, located between Raglan Roundabout and Hardwick Roundabout. The works are scheduled to take place from August 20 to 22, August 24 to 29, and September 2 to 8. Diversion routes will be in place while the work is carried out, with drivers advised to allow extra time for their journeys. A40 eastbound traffic reaching Hardwick Roundabout will be diverted south-east along the main…

Work has begun on Wales’s first Climate and Nature Action Plan, which will set out a cross-government programme of action to tackle the climate and nature emergency as one connected challenge. A new Climate and Nature Board will be set up to help shape the Plan, bringing together external expertise to provide constructive challenge, support coordination and help hold delivery to account. The Board will be chaired by Llyr Gruffydd, Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, and will help ensure the plan reflects the experiences and priorities of people and communities across Wales. The plan will establish a cross-government…

Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, wants to be the biggest supporter of tourism and work with the sector to make Wales a world-class visitor destination. He recently met with the four chairs of Wales’ Regional Tourism Fora to hear their thoughts on how government can support the sector. The Minister also plans to meet other industry representatives. At a visit to the Elan Valley Visitor Centre today, the Minister said: “I want this Welsh Government to be tourism’s biggest supporter. We want to work with the sector to make Wales a world-class visitor destination — offering an…

A new daily long-distance coach service connecting the north and south of Wales will come into service from Sunday 25 October. TaithCymru will run daily between Bangor and Carmarthen calling at Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, Aberystwyth and Aberaeron, cutting journey times by more than an hour and improving access to jobs, education, healthcare, and leisure for communities along the route. Tickets can be purchased from Tuesday 6 October via an online booking system which is being developed and run by Transport for Wales. Fares are being finalised and will be made available once the system is live. TaithCymru is one…

Accountancy and tax specialist Kilsby Williams has shared its role in supporting Glamorgan Cricket through the landmark investment deal that brought Welsh Fire under the joint ownership of Glamorgan and Sanjay Govil, a US-based tech entrepreneur, who also owns the Washington Freedom MLC franchise. The transaction formed part of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s £520m process relating to The Hundred competition and created a new 50:50 ownership structure for the Cardiff-based professional franchise team. Kilsby Williams advised Glamorgan Cricket on the sales process, providing specialist advice on the accounting treatment and financial implications of the transaction, helping the Club…

In any fast-paced business, like a busy retail store or a high-volume contact centre, employees are the engine driving success. But the very intensity that defines these environments can also put a lot of pressure on staff wellbeing. Supporting your team through these challenges isn’t just a nice gesture; it’s a core part of building a resilient and successful organisation. When you proactively look after mental and emotional health, your workforce stays engaged, effective, and loyal. Understanding the barriers to effective conflict resolution and implementing strategies to overcome them can further enhance a positive and productive work environment. Busy settings naturally…