Author: Rhys Gregory

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, has made £10m in Financial Transaction Capital available to fund regeneration projects across the country.  The Transforming Towns Loans programme supports local authorities with town and city centre regeneration projects and has allocated more than £62m since its launch in 2014. The aim of the scheme is to reduce the number of vacant and underutilised sites and buildings to diversify our town centre offers and increase footfall. The funding also encourages more sustainable uses for empty premises, such as leisure, key services and conversion to town centre residential, and help to prevent…

With secondary school teachers in the key subjects of Welsh, science and maths being particularly in demand, there are more ways than ever to begin a journey into teaching. This includes a salaried route, which enables trainee teachers to work at a school and qualify at the same time. With a teacher’s salary currently starting at £32,400 and reaching up to £140,600 for a headteacher it’s a great time to be a teacher in Wales. Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses are available at providers across Wales. Four ways to get into teaching: Salaried Route This route is a two-year PGCE…

Holidays, Hotels, and Flights 2025: It’s time to start planning next year. With the increasing travel opportunities and the variety of deals already available, let’s explore everything you need to know to organize your next adventures perfectly. The start of a new year is always the perfect time to begin thinking about future vacations. Whether it’s a relaxing weekend getaway, a long-term trip, or a simple romantic escape, 2025 promises to be a year full of opportunities for travelers. The available deals range from budget-friendly flights and luxury hotel discounts at affordable prices to vacation packages tailored to every kind of…

Horse racing is embracing new technology, changing the sport in many ways. For years, the focus has been on the track, the horses, and the riders. Now, technology is creating new ways for fans to connect with the action and for the industry to grow. With the horse racing betting industry driving it all, it was only natural that the tech revolution would also make its way there. In that sense, tipsters are now also embracing technology to enhance their services and reach a wider audience. Many now use advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence to provide more accurate predictions,…

The British Pound (GBP), like any other currency, is prone to fluctuations that can impact business and the final cost of goods and services. In the UK, the Bank of England is tasked with maintaining the value of the pound to ensure conducive business conditions. Stable exchange rates allow businesses to stay competitive, while fluctuations may present challenges. Why Do Currencies Fluctuate? Currency fluctuations are a natural part of the global financial system, primarily driven by changes in supply and demand. When a currency is in high demand, its value typically rises relative to other currencies. Conversely, when demand decreases,…

Balancing wellness with the demands of daily life can be challenging. Whether you’re managing work, family, or personal commitments, keeping up with your well-being often takes a back seat. However, maintaining a healthy balance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right approach and tools, it’s entirely possible to prioritise wellness alongside everyday life. Below are some practical tips to help you stay on track. Establish a Routine That Works for You Creating a routine tailored to your life is essential for keeping wellness in check. Rather than trying to mimic the habits of others, focus on a structure that…

HE Welsh Ambulance Service is asking the public to stay safe and use 999 responsibly this New Year’s Eve.Ahead of one of its busiest nights of the year, the Trust is asking people to take the following precautions to keep themselves well – Stock up on prescription medications before GP surgeries are closed. Consume alcohol in moderation, eating before you drink and alternating alcoholic beverages with soft drinks. Pre-arrange your transport home, and never drive under the influence of drink or drugs. Avoid high-risk activities like fireworks – as well as burns, smoke inhalation from bonfires and fireworks can also…

Nos Galan 2024 promises to be the knock-out event of the running season, as Wales’ first female champion boxer, the formidable, inspirational Lauren Price MBE, is revealed as the celebrity mystery runner! The council is delighted to be able to welcome one of the most decorated, celebrated athletes in Welsh history to Mountain Ash. Runners and spectators of all ages will be delighted to see Lauren Price MBE on the streets of Mountain Ash tonight. She is the valleys girl who went on to take on the world. She calls herself “the Lucky One”, but we are the ones in…

At-risk Flintshire pupils have reported a better attitude towards being in school following a hands-on and radical scheme that is having a positive impact on high schools throughout the county. LEAP (learn, explore, achieve, perform) is benefiting 80 learners who are at risk of becoming NEET – not in education, employment, or training. Schools defer pupils identified as going down the wrong path that could ultimately lead to exclusion, for reasons including truancy, poor social interaction with peers, and attitudes towards teachers. Run by Flintshire County Council, the programme has received key support from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund…

A leading civil engineering firm has hit a significant milestone by reaching 500,000 hours without recording a single lost time incident (LTI) at North Kyle Wind Farm. Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK is the principal contractor on Brockwell Energy’s £300 million 49-turbine scheme near Dalmellington, Scotland, which will have the capacity to power more than 160,000 households. An LTI is an injury sustained by an employee that leads to a loss of productive work time, meaning they are unable to perform regular duties. With up to 250 people on site at any one time, Jones Bros has utilised its ‘Together…