Author: Rhys Gregory

Latest statistics from 2023 on sectors supported by Creative Wales show an annual turnover of £1.5 billion has been generated in 2023 alone, an increase of over 10% on the previous year. Other highlights in the statistical report show: Over 3500 businesses now operate in the creative industries in Wales, a 12% increase since 2018 Over 35,000 people are now employed within Creative Wales priority sectors, in addition to a significant freelance workforce Annual turnover has increased for TV and Film, Gaming, Digital and Music sectors The creative industries are widely recognised as one of Wales’ major success stories following…

The Welsh Government will move ahead with a Deposit Return Scheme that delivers for Wales, Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies has confirmed today. In a written statement, the Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change announced the decision. He explained that issues are caused by the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020, ‘inherited by the UK Government’ from the previous administration. Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: “Wales already ranked second in the world for recycling, it places us in a unique position of implementing a scheme into an already high recycling nation. “That means that to develop a…

One of the most profound social trends of the past decade is for individuals to incorporate non-medical wellness practices into their everyday lives. The phenomenon is part of an even larger activity in which people of all ages seek alternative and holistic remedies for all sorts of maladies. All the techniques focus on boosting either mental or physical well-being, some of which promote emotional stability or lead to a more fulfilling life. Here are pertinent details about the most popular ways for making non-medical wellness a part of your lifestyle. Learning How to Meditate Those who meditate regularly claim that…

Pontypridd comedian Paul Hilleard has been named the winner of the BBC New Comedy Awards 2024. The 31-year-old SEN teaching assistant from Pontypridd impressed judges with his unique blend of surreal, observational humour at the televised finale, charming a live audience of over a thousand people at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre. Known for his vivid storytelling that reflects his working-class roots, Hilleard’s winning set featured tales from his hometown, delivered with a fresh and imaginative twist. Recognised as a major launchpad for some of the UK’s most celebrated comedians, the award has previously catapulted stars like Alan Carr, Peter Kay, Sarah…

A woman from Pontypridd has been banned from keeping animals for ten years after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to her dog, and failing to meet the animal’s needs. Joanne Ridgeway of  Pontypridd, was also handed a two-year community order and a 20 day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR), and must pay a victim surcharge of £114, costs totalling £1,023 and a £50 fine. The court heard that in October 2023, an RSPCA Animal Welfare Officer visited a property in Ynys Close, Pontypridd in response to welfare concerns reported to the charity about a dog at the address. The dog’s…

Pro Steel Engineering has opened a new assembly facility at Mamhilad Park Estate as the specialist steel fabrication company prepares for growth in the aviation sector. With turnover having increased by 50% to £12 million in the last year, Pro Steel Engineering has expanded its offsite fabrication facilities with a 22,000 sq. ft unit at Mamhilad Park Estate, the 140-acre business park owned and managed by Johnsey Estates UK Limited. The industrial unit will accommodate the assembly of steel-clad frames for Heathrow Airport that will be used as security check points for contractors and staff entering the main airfield. This…

Just before 10.25pm on Monday July 10, 2023, we received a call that a 34-year-old woman had been stabbed. Firearms officers attended an address in Wildmill, Bridgend and found the victim with three stab wounds to her back. Darren Brown, aged 35 from Wildmill, was still at the scene and was promptly arrested. Corinne Brown was taken to hospital where it was discovered that she had sustained a punctured lung. She has since made a full recovery. Brown told officers upon his arrest that it was Corinne who had been armed with the knife and that she had caused the…

Electric ‘tri-mode’ trains will be introduced to passenger services for the first time in the UK today (18 Nov) as part of the South Wales Metro. They will be introduced on the Valley lines in South Wales for the first time ever signifying a huge moment in the delivery of the next phase of the South Wales Metro. They will enter passenger service first on the Merthyr and Aberdare lines, followed by the Treherbert line. In a phased introduction, they will replace TfW’s older trains, with fourteen set to be in service by Spring next year (2025). Transport for Wales…

Denbighshire County Council are warning residents of a scam circulating the county where they receive texts about potential winter fuel payments. Recently, the Council have been made aware of a scam that has been targeting residents claiming they are entitled to receive winter fuel payments. Recipients receiving these texts, are notified that they are entitled to winter fuel payments and are invited to provide more information by clicking a fraudulent link. Denbighshire County Council would like to remind residents to think twice before responding to any suspicious text messages from unknown numbers and report any suspicious contact from unknown numbers.…

One of the largest community park redevelopment projects in Neath Port Talbot is now underway, as the Glynneath Welfare Park is set for a major transformation. Supported by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Project Development and Funding Team, the redevelopment is a Glynneath Town Council scheme aimed at improving facilities at the park for residents of all ages. The ambitious ‘Phase One’ of the project, valued at £817,860, will introduce a range of new and improved facilities. The existing bowls green will be replaced with a children’s park, tailored to young adventurers up to eleven years old. The new play equipment…