Author: Rhys Gregory

Award-winning South Wales law firm JCP Solicitors has announced a merger with Howe & Spender Solicitors in Port Talbot, bringing investment and opportunity to the region. Expanding the business to Port Talbot strengthens JCP Solicitors’ offering to private clients and businesses in the area, while supporting growth and opportunity for the town. In addition to the retention of the skilled team at Howe & Spender in the firm’s Port Talbot offices, there is scope for future expansion for additional apprentices, trainees and qualified roles. Howe & Spender Director, Ian Spender, will be joining as a Director in the Lifetime Planning…

A man from Swansea has been jailed after he assaulted his former partner on numerous occasions. 44-year-old Ian Price, from Mayhill, slapped his ex-partner to the head and the side of the face during arguments. He prevented her from leaving the home address, telling her he was in control and even headbutting her fridge, causing a dent. Price pleaded guilty to multiple counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage. He has been sentenced to 27 months in prison. PC Andrea Jones said: “Ian Price is an extremely jealous man who enacted physical violence upon his ex-partner due…

A long-standing Welsh building and civil engineering company has been selected to help bring new life to three historic Swansea structures. South Wales-based Andrew Scott Ltd plans to start work on site this year in a Swansea Council scheme to transform the Vivian and Musgrave Engine Houses, and the V&S No.1 Locomotive shed. Over the coming few months, the company will lead on the final stages of design for the project, on the site of the former Hafod-Morfa Copperworks. Andrew Scott – which dates back more than 150 years and has worked on a wide range of projects – was…

A new community garden has officially opened in Sandfields, marking the latest milestone in an effort to bring people together, reduce isolation and improve wellbeing in the area. The garden, developed on unused green space behind Sandfields Library, was officially unveiled this week by Councillor Jo Hale, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services and Alan Roberts, local resident and Chair of the Friends of Sandfields Community group. Led by Local Area Coordinator Aled Davies and supported by a wide range of local residents, volunteers and partner organisations, the garden is the result of more than two…

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed presented a British Empire Medal at County Hall this week at a special ceremony in the Council Chamber. Miss Sara Edwards was presenting the honour to David Bellis, who was named in the New Years Honours for his services to Heritage Preservation in Hong Kong. Mr Bellis is the founder of the website Gwulo.com which has developed into an online database, archiving Hong Kong photographs, information, maps and memories. It is the largest digital archive of Hong Kong history with more than 50,000 historical pages and 30,000 images. Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Cllr Maureen Bowen…

Glass salvaged from the former Newport Centre is set to become an integral part of the city’s new leisure and wellbeing facility. Thanks to the skill and artistry of a specialist company, the waste glass will be transformed into key details in the new building in the city centre. Award-winning designer Dr Tyra Oseng-Rees explained: “In total, around 100 square metres have been salvaged from the old leisure centre and some of the glass has already been collected and is now at the studio, where it is undergoing research and development. “The fused recycled glass material that is made is…

Six Welsh games development companies are set to receive an £850k funding boost from the Welsh Government, helping them to hit ‘play’ on the next level of their projects. The Games Scale Up Fund for Wales is the first scheme of its kind. It was launched earlier this year by Creative Wales in partnership with UK Games Fund, who managed the applications. Its aim is to help Wales-based developers take their games projects from a pilot to a more substantial and self-sustaining model, by allowing for growth in scope, reach and impact. A total of £850k in funding support has…

Applications for a grant of up to £1,919 for learners aged 19 and over in further education are now open for the 2025/26 academic year. The Welsh Government Learning Grant for Further Education provides funding to learners aged 19 and over to continue their education journey. Full-time students with a household income of £18,370 or less could receive up to £1,919 per year, while part-time learners may be eligible for up to £959. The grant level has increased this academic year to provide further financial support and help learners with the increased cost of living. This non-repayable grant aims to…

Welsh Government Ministers have been in West Wales this week, visiting communities, hearing from local people and holding their weekly Cabinet meeting in Aberystwyth. It is part of the Welsh Government’s commitment to holding Cabinet meetings across Wales. Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers have visited a range of communities and projects, meeting local residents, businesses and volunteers and hearing their priorities. The Cabinet meeting that followed focussed on the economy of rural Wales and how it impacts local people. First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Bringing Cabinet to Aberystwyth demonstrates our commitment to govern for the whole of Wales. These meetings are…

Over £44m is being awarded to projects to support key priorities in education in Wales, focusing on areas including literacy, numeracy and science over the next three years. Grants have been awarded to a range of organisations from the third and public sector, universities, and private companies to give schools and settings the expertise, training and materials they need. Support is prioritised around a range of key areas, including: Helping children make better progress in maths and numeracy Boosting science teaching Empowering schools to design an engaging and challenging curriculum for their learners Continuing the National Music Service, providing music…