Author: Rhys Gregory

As COP 29 continues this week, new research from leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP finds that less than half (43%) of UK mid-sized businesses have sustainability targets, such as for net zero, in place. This is according to data from the Grant Thornton International Business Report*, which surveyed 301 mid-sized businesses in the UK (3,748 businesses globally). While it finds that only 43% of UK businesses have sustainability targets in place, this is found to be higher than the global average (39%). In fact, while many of the UK businesses surveyed have still not implemented core…

The latest Language Trends Wales report from British Council Wales reveals that entries for French and German GCSEs have more than halved over the past decade, highlighting that interventions are needed at crucial points during secondary school to protect International Language learning in Welsh schools. This year’s report emphasises the need to protect the pipeline of International Language learners to ensure that Wales is able to remain outward looking and competitive on the world stage. Language Trends Wales, now in its 10th year, highlights the steep decline in the uptake of International Languages at secondary level. GCSE entries in French,…

Gower Unearthed CIC has announced the launch of an exciting new project, funded by the UK Government, to preserve and celebrate Gower’s rich farming history. This initiative captures stories, photographs, and historical insights from the farming communities of Mumbles, Bishopston, Murton, and Manselfield—communities that have been instrumental in shaping Gower’s heritage. The project includes the reprint of two important local history documents: Gower Farm Trail, by Roscoe Howells, and The Farms and Families of Manselfield, by Carolyn Llewellyn. These limited-edition reprints, available through Gower Unearthed, give new generations the chance to reconnect with the area’s agricultural roots and understand the…

A 50-year-old man has been jailed after stealing over £50,000 worth of jewellery from a Bangor shop. Iain Butterworth, of Plas Marchogion, Maesgeirchen, Bangor, appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court on Friday, November 15th after admitting to theft and criminal damage. On March 25th 2023, Butterworth trespassed into the Deiniol Centre on Bangor High Street whilst it was closed, using a tool to break the glass doors of a and antique shop to break in. On gaining entry, Butterworth stole a large quantity of jewellery worth around £56,100 from the antique shop, putting it all in a plastic bag before fleeing…

Bridgend County Borough Council has confirmed that the all-new Porthcawl Metrolink opened its doors yesterday (Monday 18 November 2024). Located on land at the heart of the regeneration area alongside the Portway and Salt Lake, the new Metrolink forms part of the wider Metro Plus programme, which seeks to improve public transport links across south-east Wales. It will be used by all bus services currently operating within Porthcawl, including: The First Cymru X2 service between Porthcawl, Bridgend and Cardiff (Monday to Sunday). The First Cymru 63 service between Bridgend and Porthcawl (Monday to Sunday). The Peyton Travel 861 service to…

Councillors and Officers from Denbighshire County Council were delighted to attend the official opening of the new police station in Prestatyn on Monday, 18 November. The new station, which is based at Llys Llên, Denbighshire Housing’s latest development on Nant Hall Road, will be the new base for response officers and the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Prestatyn. North Wales Police have agreed terms with Denbighshire County Council for a 15-year lease at Llys Llên which also comprises 14 one bedroomed energy efficient apartments on the upper floors and another commercial space on the ground level. Councillor Rhys Thomas, Lead Member…

Following a tender process, Graham Group has been awarded the contract for the Detail Design and Build for the first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail. This follows the news that both Welsh Government and the UK Government have confirmed their financial contributions for the project – £50m from the UK Government, with Welsh Government match funding a further £50m for the scheme. Graham Group has been appointed under an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) Contract, which will allow the Council and TfW to work with them during the early stages of the contract to manage the cost of the design and…

FRANCES O’BRIEN HAS started her role as the new Chief Executive Officer of Neath Port Talbot Council, taking over from outgoing Chief Executive Karen Jones who has retired. The new Chief Executive, formerly Monmouthshire County Council’s Chief Officer for Communities and Place, was formally appointed earlier this year. Speaking on her first day, Monday, November 18th, 2024, she said: “Taking up the post of Chief Executive of Neath Port Talbot Council is truly an honour and the greatest opportunity of my working life. “It’s also a homecoming for me and my family. Growing up in the area, my love and…

A community evening will be held this week with the contractor taking on construction of the new modern Public Transport Interchange (PTI) for Haverfordwest. Kier Construction Ltd will be at HaverHub on Thursday, 21st November for people to meet the team and find out more about the development which is due to start its rebuild phase imminently. The event will be open 3pm to 7pm and is a fantastic opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the plans. The scheme forms part of the South West Wales Metro project and will provide a modern and innovative transport hub,…

Plans to create a bicycle pump track off Station Road and Taff Street in Ferndale can now be viewed. The recreational facility is proposed as an end use for a Receptor Site used as part of the Tylorstown Landslip remediation. Residents can now view key documents for the proposal on the Council’s Planning Portal, including a detailed Design, Access and Planning Statement produced by consultants Redstart, on behalf of the Council. It forms part of a planning application to restore the site and secure a new permanent use. The site is located off Station Road near the boundary with Blaenllechau.…