Author: Rhys Gregory

A 33-year-old man has been sentenced after smuggling hundreds of endangered European eels into Holyhead from Ireland. Kevin Forbes, of Rossa Court, Dungannon in Northern Ireland, had 37 boxes of eels hidden in a pallet locker beneath the trailer of an HGV he had driven from Dublin. They were discovered by Border Force officers at Holyhead Port in the early hours of January 3rd, 2024, who were carrying out checks on the paperwork for the goods he was carrying in. Forbes had no documentation for the eels, which can no longer be exported legally due to being critically endangered. They were…

In a major boost for passengers, integrated ticketing and affordable bus fares are being introduced across the TrawsCymru T6 route and local services 62 and 64 from 2 February. These updates aim to make travel more convenient and cost-effective, with passengers now able to move seamlessly between routes using a single ticket. Working in partnership, Transport for Wales, Powys County Council and Adventure Travel are introducing this new fare structure which includes through fares from the local bus services (62 and 64) onto the T6 route, providing passengers with easier travel options to destinations including Brecon, Neath, Swansea, and beyond.…

A vital piece of life-saving kit has been reinstalled at a countryside car park after the original was stolen in 2023. Run by the Clwydian Range Runners, a successful fundraiser has seen a replacement defibrillator installed at Coed Moel Famau toilet block after the original was believed to have been taken by thieves. The Clwydian Runners funded the original equipment in 2018 and presented to countryside rangers looking after the location. Following the alleged theft group member Gareth Jaggard started a GoFund Me fundraiser which raised £420 towards a new defibrillator. The Friends of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley…

In 2025, Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales is celebrating its bicentenary. Built in 1825 as a majestic family home for the Ironmaster William Crawshay II, Cyfarthfa Castle is the jewel in the crown of Merthyr Tydfil. Every year thousands of people enjoy a visit to the castle and its expansive gardens, lake, play area and other activities. During 2025, Cyfarthfa200, a bumper programme of fun, exciting and informative events and exhibitions will be taking place to highlight the national and international importance of the Cyfarthfa site, and to celebrate the history of the people and communities that made it.…

Small and medium size businesses in Wales have secured export deals worth over £320m as a direct result of Welsh Government support since the launch of the Export Action Plan in December 2020. Welsh Government export support for SMEs ranges from detailed market research on new market opportunities, finding new customers and getting out to market to strengthen relationships and win new business. It follows a fruitful 2024 for trade missions led by the Welsh Government, helping introduce more than 150 businesses across Wales to potential customers in a range of strategic export markets. These included supporting businesses in the…

Set-jetting – holidays inspired by well-known film and TV locations – is the latest trend cementing Wales on people’s ‘top places to visit’ lists in 2025. Following the success over Christmas of the now most-watched episode of TV in the last century, and with 2024 having also showcased countless on-screen Welsh locations to a global audience, the positive effects of this phenomenon on Welsh tourism are growing. Gavin and Stacey’s influence on tourism has spanned 17 years, but the first week of January 2025 saw tens of thousands of fans heading to the Visit Wales website for information on visiting…

Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid has opened entries for the highly anticipated Wales Business Awards 2025. The awards, organised by the Chamber, provide businesses across the country with the opportunity to compete for Wales’ most prestigious accolades. There are 12 revamped categories for businesses to enter this year, with new categories including ‘Apprenticeship Scheme of the Year’, ‘Emerging Exporter of the Year’, ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ and ‘Professional Services Firm of the Year’. The Chamber will also present the ‘Wales Business of the Year’ award at the ceremony hosted by Andrea Byrne on 12 June at Mercure…

A new platform that serves as the ‘gateway to opportunities in North Wales’ will share live job vacancies, training, career pathways and business growth opportunities for people and employers in the region.    This week, the North Wales Skills Portal, a new online platform, was launched as the region’s ‘gateway to opportunities’. It offers access to jobs, apprenticeships, and training opportunities while providing employers with access on support available to develop their workforce. Working with key partners, the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) developed the Portal using feedback from employers and industry. The feedback suggested that more can be done…

Works to improve the flood defences in Loggerheads Country Park has recently finished. The project, delivered by local contractors MWT and Waterco, is part of a larger set of building improvements and upgrades that are scheduled to begin at the country park later this year. The much-needed flood mitigation works were funded by the UK Government. Denbighshire County Council secured £10.95m from UK Government for the former Clwyd West constituency to support the development of 10 projects aimed at protecting Ruthin’s unique heritage, wellbeing and rural communities. The works consisted of reconstructing an existing stone river wall which had subsided,…

The great outdoors offers endless opportunities for fun and bonding with friends, family, or colleagues. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, group activities are a fantastic way to make memories while embracing the beauty of nature. Below are some thrilling and enjoyable outdoor group activities to try, ensuring your next outing is one to remember. 1. Paintballing: A Burst of Adrenaline and Strategy If you’re looking for a heart-pounding, action-packed activity that combines teamwork and strategy, paintballing is the perfect choice. Paintballing in Bristol, for instance, offers a mix of challenging terrains and thrilling game…