Author: Rhys Gregory

A major developer has purchased land in Saundersfoot, clearing the way for it to bring new homes to the town. Persimmon Homes West Wales secured planning permission to build 72 new, high-quality homes at Sandy Hill in the popular Pembrokeshire town back in July. This agreement means all the pieces are in place for the builder to start works on site, with a view to having their first properties on the market this summer. The scheme includes a mix of quality new one to four-bed detached and semi-detached homes as well as terraced houses and apartments that will help meet…

A new-look Rabbit Run Wales is returning for 2025 on Saturday 19 July – and it will be bigger than ever before. For the first time, an exciting new 40K distance will be added alongside the much-loved original 12K Rabbit Run race. The new trail event will allow keen trail runners to experience the natural beauty of South Wales. As well as incorporating the 12K route, the new 40K distance will send runners on a spectacular adventure along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, with highlights including Ogmore-by-Sea and the iconic stepping stones by Ogmore Castle as well as taking in the…

Cardiff is set to become the epicentre of the drinks industry, as LWC – one of the UK’s leading drinks wholesalers – and Glamorgan Brewing Co brings its first-ever Welsh trade show to the capital. Taking place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Tuesday the 4th February, the tradeshow will bring together leading drinks brands, the world’s best wine producers, and industry experts all under one roof, offering attendees an exclusive opportunity to discover cutting-edge products, attend expert-led masterclasses, and connect with key players in the industry. Open to hospitality operators across the country, the day is set to be a…

A Rhondda Cynon Taf based vertical farm has more than doubled their production capacity thanks to technical support delivered through the Welsh Government funded Project HELIX. Micro Acres Wales, which produces an award-winning range of microgreens, edible flowers, and mushrooms, was established during lockdown in 2021 by husband-and-wife team Chris and Donna Graves. Initially started as a hobby, Micro Acres Wales soon became a means for Chris to follow an alternative career path following the diagnosis of ‘ataxia’, a health condition which affects his co-ordination, balance and speech. In 2024, Chris and Donna were given the opportunity to expand their…

Two women from Neath have been jailed after they were involved in an assault and robbery in the town centre. 39-year-old Sarah Morgan, of no fixed abode, and 33-year-old Gemma Powell, from Neath town centre, attacked their victim, a 49-year-old woman, outside a business premises on Windsor Road, Neath in October. After striking the victim to the floor, Gemma Powell then took the victim’s handbag before making off with the victim’s mobile phone. Morgan has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for robbery, while Powell has been sentenced to 16 weeks for ABH. Detective Constable Bethan Owen said: “Violent…

Proposals have been drawn up to relocate Lansdowne Primary School in response to the deterioration of the school buildings. Lansdowne Primary School has been rated ‘D’ for condition, indicating that the Grade II listed Victorian buildings are at the ‘end of life’ stage. In recent months, despite mitigations, there has been an increasing number of issues around the condition of the buildings, with some requiring significant repairs to maintain its safe operation. The buildings have undergone detailed surveys and are closely monitored daily, with enhanced support allocated to the school. Although currently deemed safe, the headteacher and staff are under…

New locations will benefit from the Openreach Fibre Community Partnership with the support of the UK Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme. Openreach has announced plans to install fibre broadband in the Upper Cwmtwrch area including areas of Rhiwfawr Rd, Rhiw Rd, Coedffaldau Rd and Cwmllynfell, through their Fibre Community Partnership (FCP) programme. The Fibre Community Partnership allows Openreach to upgrade existing broadband infrastructure by having eligible premises pledge their UK Government Gigabit Broadband voucher to the project.Once a target amount of pledges is received, Openreach can then move forward to installing the fibre broadband infrastructure in the area. Residents can…

Pembrokeshire County Councillors have voted to revise and simplify the long-term empty properties council tax premium. Previously the premium increased incrementally. However, Members agreed in December that from April 1st 2025 one rate of 300% will apply to all properties that have been empty for two years or more. Cllr Joshua Beynon, Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance and Efficiencies, said: “The premium is in place to encourage the return of properties into use as much needed homes in Pembrokeshire and to reduce the impact of empty homes on the communities around them.” The premium is in addition to the standard…

Newport City Council’s cabinet will consider a second round of budget proposals for 2025/26 at its January meeting next Monday (13 January). At the meeting, a report will be presented which details the current financial situation, along with proposals for a range of savings and investments. The report will reflect the fact that Newport was awarded a proposed 5.6 per cent increase in its annual revenue budget grant when Welsh government announced their draft 2025/26 budget in December. The report sets out a number of proposals to meet budget challenges and invest in key services. This includes investing just under…

Ffos Caerffili has been celebrated on the national stage, receiving a prestigious Highly Commended accolade at the REVO Gold Awards in the Best Repurposing & Placemaking Project category. The recognition comes as part of REVO’s mission to honour outstanding achievements in the retail, leisure, property, and placemaking sectors across the UK. This commendation is a significant milestone for Ffos Caerffili, which has quickly risen to prominence since its recent opening. Known for its innovative design and dynamic offerings, the venue was previously highlighted by The Sunday Times and featured on Escape to the Country as one of the UK’s top…