Author: Rhys Gregory

A series of arrests across southern Wales and the West Country aimed at tackling the supply of drugs saw 20 people taken into custody including 12 on a single day. Led by Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) for southern Wales, Operation Altar is a large-scale investigation into an organised crime group responsible for the production and supply of Class B drugs across the southern Wales region. The mass-enforcement activity took place on Monday, November 4 and involved over 60 police officers from the ROCU, South Wales Police, Gwent Police, and Dyfed-Powys Police. They were joined by officers from…

A 61-year-old man has been jailed for an unprovoked attack on a woman in a pub. John Welsh, of Bodlondeb Terrace, Holyhead, appeared before Llandudno Magistrates Court on Thursday, November 7th charged with affray and assault causing actual bodily harm. Welsh, also known as Jackie, admitted the offences and was jailed for 26 weeks. He is also banned from entering all licenced premises in Anglesey, Gwynedd and Conwy for two years. In the early hours of Monday October 28th, Welsh assaulted a woman at the George Hotel in Holyhead. Following an altercation with another man in the pub, Welsh threw a…

Contactless tap in, tap out ‘Pay As You Go’ rail payment option has now been extended to a further nine stations between Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay. Making it faster, easier and cheaper to travel, Transport for Wales launched the scheme in January on journeys between Cardiff Central, Newport and Pontyclun. It was then extended to the Ebbw Vale line in March, the Maesteg line in September and following its success it was expanded to an additional seven stations in October including Severn Tunnel Junction, Caldicot, Chepstow, Cwmbran, Pontypool and New Inn, Abergavenny and Pyle. The smoother travel option has now…

Schools in Pembrokeshire are leading the way in reducing issues with mobile phones with the Council among the first in Wales to develop a policy to support it. The rationale behind the policy is the ubiquitous presence of mobile phones and devices that presents significant challenges to how pupils behave and learn in school settings. Increasingly, there is mounting evidence suggesting that the unchecked use of mobile phones in schools is having a detrimental impact on pupils’ mental health and academic progress, while also draining the energy of school staff who must manage resulting problems. As well as distraction by…

Caegarw Primary School of Mountain Ash is due to receive a significant upgrade to its playground climbing equipment. The school has received a generous gesture from local business, T Samuel Estate agents. Under the Local Management of Schools, it is a school’s Governing Body that is responsible for playground equipment. The school’s initial saving plan for the refurbishment of the playground estimated a 5-year goal, with planned fundraising activities such as an Easter Extravaganza and Choir Concert helping to raise over £5,000 towards the fundraising target. Purchasing a rundown local property, T Samuel Estate Agents, with the help of community…

The Welsh Government has today (11th November) launched a 50-day challenge to help more people safely return home from hospital and to ease winter pressures on our health and care system. Health boards and local authorities will work together to use a 10-point action plan to support more people who have experienced long delays in hospital, to return home. The challenge is designed to ensure the NHS and local councils work together to share and learn from best practice to improve our system performance and ensure we have the right support available to help people stay well or recover at…

One year on from opening its European HQ in Cardiff, Rocket Science Group – a leader in game co-development and multiplayer engineering – is celebrating huge successes. In 12 months, the Wales team has grown to nearly 40 strong and looking to hit the 50 Welsh jobs target much sooner than the original 5-year goal. The added resource has also allowed Rocket Science Group to enhance its services globally and contributed to the company doubling its revenue. This side of the pond, the team works on top tiered AAA games projects, working across multiple time zones and using evolving tech…

How can Wales adapt to a changing climate? This will be the focus of this year’s Wales Climate Week – the biggest to date – with a five-day virtual conference, more than 70 climate conversations and exciting fringe events taking place right across the country. Organised for the week of Monday, November 11 when world leaders start to arrive at Baku for COP 29, Wales Climate Week was officially launched today by Deputy First Minister with responsibility for climate change, Huw Irranca-Davies. “Climate change is happening now and we are already feeling the effects,” he said. “Here in Wales, it…

Christmas has arrived in Cardiff Bay, and Tiger Yard’s Winter Wunder-Yard has returned for the season, transforming the popular venue into a dazzling winter escape. Running every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until 29th December, the Wunder-Yard has something for everyone: ice-free curling, cosy seating, seasonal décor, delicious festive street food, and holiday-themed events. Here’s what to expect during your visit to this seasonal Cardiff attraction. What’s on Offer: Ice-Free Curling and Family Fun The Winter Wunder-Yard’s ice-free curling lanes are one of the main draws, creating a fun winter activity for families, friends, and colleagues alike. Ten custom-built, under-cover curling…

YOU could help shape the future of one of North Wales’s most beloved historic attractions. Greenfield Valley Trust is searching for new faces to join its board, as foundations are laid for a major multi-million pound redevelopment as part of a wider 10-year strategy for the 70-acre site, near Holywell. The Trust has a vision to capitalise upon 2,000 years of history and sensitively and sustainably transform areas around the Valley’s picturesque lakes, streams, parks, tearoom and bistro, ancient monuments, museum and woodland walks. With new trustees joining in past months, including Martin Williams, director of award-winning St Asaph-based Radar…