Author: Rhys Gregory

Bridgend County Borough Council has become the first authority in Wales to successfully complete a digital switchover of its emergency telecare alarm calls, to ensure the upmost safety of their client’s welfare. In 2017, BT announced plans to switch off their analogue telephone network (PSTN) by 2025 and replace it with an all – IP digital solution. The old network was no longer fit for purpose and the telephone network needed to be brought in line with other countries such as France, Germany, and Sweden to meet future demands. In readiness for the digital switchover and in a drive to mitigate any…

A new nature reserve is ready to welcome the first roots of a unique woodland. Development is underway to create a nature reserve at Green Gates, St Asaph, which will eventually grow into a 70-acre site supporting local biodiversity. And trees grown from locally sourced seeds in the county will take root in their new home. The nature reserve development is part of the Council’s response to protect and restore local nature habitats to contribute to the nature recovery goal. Increased hedgerow and tree cover will also contribute to continuing efforts to reach the net carbon zero goal by increasing…

Two more shops selling illegal tobacco and vapes have been temporarily closed on Clifton Street in Cardiff. Vape Mini Market and Best One Vape have been shut for three months by Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) following placement of Anti-Social Behaviour Closure Orders imposed by Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, both on Friday, November 22nd and Tuesday, November 26th. The Orders close the shops with immediate effect and stop them trading for three months. If they are opened for business during this time, the business owner(s) could receive three months in prison, a fine, or both. An investigation was launched following complaints from…

Admiral has been confirmed as the headline sponsor once again for the much-loved Swansea Bay 10K event, when it returns to the city next year. Swansea Council, which puts on the event for thousands of runners each year, is pleased to announce that Admiral have extended their support of the Swansea Bay 10K for another year. The 2025 race will be held in the city on Sunday 14 September, when thousands of people are expected to run or line the 10k route along Swansea’s sweeping bay. Councillor Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration, Events and Tourism at Swansea Council…

RESIDENTS now have a chance to help shape Neath Port Talbot’s future by having their say on a crucial strategy document which will guide development across the county borough for the next 15 years. Following approval by a full meeting of Neath Port Talbot Council on November 27th, 2024, residents can give their views on the Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP) Preferred Strategy (2023-2038) from midday, December 12th, 2024, to midday, February 6th, 2025. The Preferred Strategy (the first formal public consultation stage of the RLDP) is entitled Aiding economic recovery and valuing our unique opportunities in Neath Port Talbot.…

In a UK-first, Wales now has mandatory licensing rules in place to help protect the public’s health when getting acupuncture, body piercings, electrolysis, or tattoos including semi-permanent make up. From today (Friday 29 November), practitioners and individuals in charge of premises or vehicles where any of these four special procedures are performed must complete an infection prevention and control course for special procedures, and their premises and vehicles must meet strict safety standards, among other criteria. These new measures, introduced by the Welsh Government, aim to reduce the hygiene and safety risks of these special procedures, such as bloodborne infections,…

A global trial in which Swansea was a leading player has been a game-changer in the treatment of a particularly aggressive type of cancer. Analysis of a clinical trial that used a combination of drugs to treat metastatic melanoma, or skin cancer which had spread around the body, shows that almost half of patients are surviving 10 years or more. This compares with 2011 when the average survival was just six-and-a-half months. The Cancer Institute at Singleton Hospital was one of the sites around the world that participated in the trial, called CheckMate 067, in 2013-14. It involved using two…

Tesco customers can make a huge difference to the lives of Wales’s people facing hunger and hardship by donating long-life items this week. This comes as stores in Wales are taking part in the 12th annual Tesco Winter Food Collection, with donated items going directly to the charities Trussell and FareShare. Both charities expect to see extremely high demand for their services this winter, and the Food Collection provides vital extra donations. Ken Murphy, Tesco Group CEO, said: “Our partners tell us they’ve seen even more families needing their help and they expect demand to increase this winter, so we’re…

A spectacular lantern procession on Friday 6 December is planned in Cardigan by Small World Theatre with their river Teifi themed giant lantern sculptures and top-class local musicians Samba Doc and the Cardigan African Drummers. Brought to you by the team at Small World Theatre, this year is set to be the best yet. A Small World artist said: “We’ve been busy making lanterns with local schools, groups and the public this month. We’re designing and making giant lanterns around the theme of the river Teifi, so expect to see a range of giant lanterns inspired by the Teifi’s abundant…

Pembrokeshire Council, in collaboration with Pembrokeshire College, has launched a new campaign to inspire school leavers to pursue a rewarding career in teaching. The initiative, supported by local schools, community partners, and current educators, aims to highlight the profound impact teachers can have on future generations and encourage school leavers to consider teaching as a career path. With over 60 schools in the county, there is a growing demand for passionate and skilled educators to foster a bilingual and forward-thinking education system in Pembrokeshire. The campaign aims to nurture the next generation of teachers by sharing real-life stories from current…