Author: Rhys Gregory

Residents and service users across Powys County Council are being reminded that abuse, threats and violence towards staff will not be tolerated. The warning comes after two residents were successfully prosecuted for assaulting a civil parking enforcement officer. Council staff work across the county every day delivering vital services, often in challenging and complex situations. While the authority acknowledges that people can feel frustrated or upset, it has stressed that this must never lead to unacceptable behaviour towards employees. Emma Palmer, the council’s Chief Executive, said: “Our staff deserve to feel safe and respected at work. They are simply doing…

A “bully and dangerous man” has been jailed for rape. Mark White is also subject to a 15-year restraining order to further protect the victim. White, 50, from St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, was sentenced at Newport Crown Court on Thursday, April 30. He had previous pleaded guilty to rape at an earlier hearing at Cardiff Crown Court. In a Victim Personal Statement read in crown court, the victim described the impact of White’s crime. She said: “I cannot forget that night when he lost control and raped me. “He hurt me emotionally and physically… He is a…

A special celebration took place on Saturday 2 May to mark the 30th anniversary of the reopening of Carrog station, bringing together residents, volunteers and visitors for a memorable community event. President of Llangollen and Corwen Railway, Bob Creasey was joined by President, Gordon Heddon and the guest of honour, John ‘Chicken’ Mason, who was one of the those who led the reopening of the station in 1996. The day marked three decades since the railway returned to Carrog in 1996, and the occasion was filled with pride, reflection and gratitude. The event featured a wonderful performance from pupils of…

The executive chef at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff says he is bursting with pride and cannot wait to represent Wales in the Global Vegan Chefs Challenge in his home country later this month. Ryan Jones, 42, from Maesteg, who works for Aramark, will be competing against seven rival chefs from across the world in the final at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 which is being held at ICC Wales, Newport from May 16–19. He will be supported by commis chef, Carys Williams, who works for Home by James Sommerin in Penarth and is a student at Gower College…

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of Llanhilleth Pharmacy in Abertillery, Gwent. Llanhilleth Pharmacy is a well-established community pharmacy that dispenses an average of 7,370 items per month. It is nestled on the main street of the traditional Welsh village of Llanhilleth, on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The pharmacy has been owned by local GP, Dr Satish Narang, for 15 years, and was brought to market to allow them to invest in other ventures. Following a confidential sales process with Richard Thomas at Christie & Co, it has been purchased by…

Business professionals encounter numerous interruptions that fragment concentration during transit between meetings, airports and venues. A chauffeur-driven S-Class https://lbtravel.co.uk/mercedes-benz-s-class-chauffeur-hire/ addresses these challenges by placing all driving responsibilities with a skilled operator while surrounding passengers in an optimised environment. This arrangement supports sustained focus on core objectives or essential recovery periods without compromise. The model integrates advanced engineering with professional service to elevate every segment of executive mobility. The following sections explore the distinct advantages that make this choice a strategic asset for high-performance travel. Prioritising Uninterrupted Work With a Chauffeur-Driven S-Class for Business Travel A dedicated chauffeur assumes complete control…

Across Wales, patterns of everyday spending are quietly evolving. While rising living costs and economic uncertainty remain central concerns, another, less visible factor is influencing how people allocate their time and money: digital entertainment. From streaming services to mobile gaming, online platforms are becoming an increasingly integrated part of daily life. This shift is not just about leisure; it reflects broader changes in consumer behaviour, financial decision-making, and even local economic activity. The Growth of Digital Leisure in Local Communities In towns and cities across Wales, digital access has improved significantly over the past decade. Faster broadband connections and widespread…

A former South Wales valleys church dating back almost 160 years has gone up for sale at auction with a price tag of just £7,000. The Calvinist Methodist Bethel Chapel, on Ruperra Street, in New Tredegar, Gwent, dates from 1860 comes complete with pews and fabulously intricate and colourful gallery balustrades and is being sold by Paul Fosh Auctions. Sean Roper of Paul Fosh Auctions said: “The former church is crammed with a host of original features. In fact the church looks very much as it must have done when the last member of the congregation and the minister left…

The top HR and people development talent in Wales has been recognised at the 2026 HR in Wales Awards, building on the huge success of last year’s inaugural ceremony. Held at the Marriott Hotel in Cardiff, the awards were launched in 2025 by Lesley Richards, independent HR consultant and former head of the CIPD in Wales, to recognise the crucial role of the people profession in the workplace. This year’s awards saw another record number of entries from organisations across Wales. The outstanding contributions of six organisations and four individuals were acknowledged at the lunchtime ceremony, with fierce competition across…

Food lovers are in for a treat this summer as The Great British Food Festival returns to Margam Country Park for a three-day celebration of food, drink and family fun. Taking place from August 29 to 31, the popular event promises a packed programme of live entertainment, chef demonstrations and artisan food experiences in one of South Wales’ most scenic settings. Widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading foodie events, the festival will feature hundreds of artisan producers, a wide range of street food stalls and fully stocked bars, offering something for every taste. Visitors can also enjoy live…