Author: Rhys Gregory

Neath Port Talbot Council has approved a programme of investment designed to improve neighbourhoods, strengthen local infrastructure and support communities across the County Borough. The Neighbourhood Improvement Plan will direct around £4.5m of funding into priority areas over the next three years. The funding forms part of the £5m allocation previously approved through the Capital Strategy. A portion of this amount has already supported urgent upgrades to playgrounds, and the remaining funds will now be distributed across four key areas of work. The first area will provide £250,000 for new plant and equipment for Neighbourhood Services and the Rights of…

Businesses across Neath Port Talbot, Swansea and Bridgend are being invited to apply for a major new funding opportunity designed to support investment, growth and job creation as part of the Tata Steel transition. The Economic Growth & Investment Fund, administered by Neath Port Talbot Council on behalf of the UK Government and Tata Steel UK, is now open for applications, offering grants of between £300,001 and £1.5 million to support business expansion and new economic opportunities in the region. The fund has been established to help stimulate investment in sectors with strong growth potential, including advanced manufacturing, engineering, green…

Pembrokeshire County Council has released plans for a brand‑new school in Milford Haven that will provide modern, inspiring learning spaces for children and young people across the community. The accompanying video includes the First Minister, Local Authority Deputy Leader, Cabinet Member and Headteacher providing an opportunity to talk about what the new school will provide regarding specialist teaching areas, improved accessibility, and high‑quality outdoor learning and play spaces. It also highlights the project’s strong focus on sustainability, with energy‑efficient features and modern building standards designed to reduce environmental impact and deliver long‑term value. The project is part of a Strategic…

Newport City Council’s cabinet have approved a proposal to buy a building in Commercial Street which once housed two large shops but now lies empty. One of the units was home to WH Smith until the company ceased trading while the other adjoining store was formerly used by Mothercare and BlueInc, among others. It was agreed to carry out an appraisal of the site to consider potential options for the site, particularly to find out if there is any alternative to demolition. The total cost of buying the building will be just over £455,000 and will be met by an…

Caerphilly county borough council has welcomed a major funding announcement from Welsh Government to deliver a number of integrated transport schemes across the area. More than £115million of funding has been awarded to local authorities across Wales as part of Welsh Government’s Regional Transport Fund (2026 to 2027). A major new transport interchange has been given the green light in Caerphilly town centre, which will transform the existing railway and bus stations into a new flagship transport hub. Other schemes include road safety improvements outside Markham Primary School, investment in Active Travel schemes across the county borough and funding for…

From Monday 23 March, initial works will commence on the brand-new Riverside Plaza Playground. The final design takes inspiration from the nearby Cyfarthfa castle and will cater to children of all ages and abilities, as well as making the playground as accessible as possible to wheelchair users – young and old. Leader of the Council, Cllr Brent Carter said; “I am delighted to announce the successful start of this project. It’s one very close to my heart and something I am thrilled to bring to fruition during my time as Leader. “Not only will it provide a fun, safe space…

159 new affordable homes will be delivered across Wales after the Welsh Government agreed loans totalling £45 million to five Registered Social Landlords (RSLs). The low-interest loans will fund a mix of social rented, intermediate rented and shared ownership homes. All properties will be energy-efficient and meet Welsh Government quality standards. Funding will be paid in two stages: £33.3 million this year and £11.7 million in March 2027. The five successful housing associations are Cardiff Community Housing Association, Codi Properties Limited, Tai Hedyn Limited, Taff Housing Association and Valleys to Coast. Together they will deliver homes across Cardiff, Swansea, Newport,…

A week of intensification tackling drug-related crime has seen over 70 people arrested across the South Wales Police force area. The force’s enhanced activity, as part of the national County Lines Intensification Week, saw people arrested and charged, along with seizures of class A and B drugs, knives and cash. Organised Crime, Intelligence, and Exploitation teams worked together across south Wales to on operations aimed at safeguarding victims of exploitation, identifying and arresting those selling drugs in our communities, and closing drugs lines across the force area. Neighbourhood teams also spent time in the community dedicated to spreading awareness of…

PC Catrin Hughes is pioneering a groundbreaking initiative aimed at making women feel safer when running outdoors. A passionate runner herself, Catrin understands firsthand the anxiety and vulnerability that women can experience while out on the roads and trails. Going above and beyond her ‘traditional duties’, she and her colleagues have joined women runners, addressing any instances of misogyny in the moment and speaking directly with individuals whose behaviour falls short of what is acceptable. PC Hughes said: “I chose to start Operation Cadence because I recognised that a lot of people – especially women – enjoy running and being…

A mother and a father have this week been jailed for causing or allowing the death of their daughter. Alan Davies and Bernita Davies, both 60, of Bluebell Estate, Pandy, Wrexham appeared at Mold Crown Court on 19 March for sentencing. The couple both previously denied a charge of manslaughter and causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult. In January this year, at Mold Crown Court, they later admitted causing or allowing the death of a vulnerable adult. Both Alan and Bernita Davies were sentenced to eight years in prison. Two thirds must be served in custody before…