Author: Rhys Gregory

Major plans to create much needed, new and affordable housing in Swansea have taken a leap forward.  A planning application, submitted by Swansea Council, has now been approved for the development of 156 affordable homes in the Bonymaen community. A multidisciplinary team of architects, landscape architects and engineers from BDP, which has a studio in South Wales, is supporting the council in delivering the plans. The housing scheme is set to be developed in four phases along Brokesby Road, providing a mix of homes ranging from 1-bedroom flats, 2-bedroom bungalows, as well and 3 & 4-bedroom houses. The Council will…

The talent, skill and dedication of Pembrokeshire’s fantastic sporting community was celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony last week. The Sport Pembrokeshire Awards 2024 were held at Folly Farm on Friday November 29th. For the first time in 17 years, a new compere took charge after renowned sports journalist Bill Carne decided to hang up the microphone in 2023. Ceri Coleman-Phillips of BBC Wales Sport took up the presenting responsibilities with aplomb as the winners were revealed. The judges commented on how difficult their job had been to whittle the high-quality nominations down after 252 entries poured in from across…

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has started work on constructing the new Coed Ely Solar Farm, which will provide enough power for around 8,000 homes annually and provide direct power for the Royal Glamorgan Hospital. This important project is set to deliver clean, green energy to the local community and significantly support the Council’s ambitious goal to become carbon neutral by 2030. Councillor Tina Leyshon, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Youth Participation, and Climate Change, commented: “It’s fantastic to see this project breaking ground as we begin the journey towards completing the Coed Ely Solar Farm. This ambitious project provides a…

A popular visitor attraction in Blackwood town centre has received a funding boost from the Arts Council for Wales. The future of Blackwood Miners Institute has been under consideration over recent months as Caerphilly county borough council explores options for the venue to be run in a different way in the future. The venue was due to close at the end of March 2025, but last month the council applied for funding from the Arts Council for Wales, which means that Blackwood Miners Institute can remain open for an extended period. Cllr Sean Morgan, Leader of Caerphilly Council said, “We…

People at risk of becoming seriously ill from flu and Covid-19 have a short window to protect themselves before the viruses are in wide circulation. One of Wales’s most senior doctors is concerned that many people with health conditions, which can increase the risk of hospitalisation from winter illnesses, have not yet taken up their offer of vaccination this year. The most recent data shows less than 30% of younger adults who are eligible have come forward for a free flu jab; 62% of people aged 65 and over have been vaccinated. Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr. Keith…

A leading civil engineering firm’s commitment to nurturing the future of the industry has taken another giant step forward thanks to eye-catching improvements to its higher apprenticeship scheme. For the first time, the Ruthin-headquartered contractor is running a full degree apprenticeship which includes a BEng (Hons) in civil engineering or a BSc (Hons) in quantity surveying. Nine new faces joined Jones Bros on 1 October for three weeks of work experience before starting their studies at Coleg Cambria, which has partnered with Wrexham University. Seven of the intake are part of the civil engineering programme, with those apprentices attending a…

Royston Gill has been jailed for sexual assaulting two young girls in Cardiff. The 81-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by touching in August 2023 and July 2024. Gill, of Llandaff North, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday, November 27 to a nine-year extended sentence comprising five years in custody and a licence period of four years. The court heard that Gill poses a high risk to children despite his frail appearance. Officer in the case, Detective Constable Rhiannon Phillips, from South Wales Police, said: “I would like to commend the bravery…

It’s that magical time of year again: Christmas lights aglow, cosily dark nights, and restaurants enticing us with seasonal delights. This year, Alice and I were invited to The Botanist Cardiff to sample their much-anticipated Christmas menu. Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint. First Impressions From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that The Botanist has fully embraced the holiday spirit. The space has been transformed into a festive wonderland, adorned with larger-than-life Christmas trees, velvet red bows, and photo-worthy wreaths. Perfect for an Instagram-worthy backdrop, the décor sets the scene for a magical escape from the bustling streets…

Runners looking to take part in the fastest growing 10K in Wales need to set their alarms for Thursday 28 November when entries go on sale. Next year’s Brecon Carreg CDF 10K will take place on Sunday 7 September and will take in all the stunning sites of the Welsh capital. Runners are being encouraged to pre-register for the ticket launch to be first to know when registrations are live and be in with the chance of nabbing one of the 500 early bird entries available. Alternatively, they can enter now ensuring their spot in the race is secured by…

Seventeen chefs from across Wales and the borders have been selected to cook off in the finals of three prestigious competitions at the Welsh International Culinary Championships (WICC) 2025 in January. The Culinary Association of Wales (CAW), which organises and holds the three-day Welsh talent and food and drink showcase at ICC Wales, Newport from January 20-22, has announced the finalists of the National, Junior and Vegan Chef of Wales 2025 contests. The National Chef of Wales final will be contested by 10 chefs. Sam Everton from  Llangeler, Llandysul, who is a catering lecturer at Coleg Ceredigion, Cardigan, is bidding…