Author: Rhys Gregory

The amount of gas and electricity needed to power Powys’ leisure centres have been cut by close to a 10th, after just over £1m (£1,052,028) was invested. Improvements have been made at all 14 sites run by Freedom Leisure for Powys County Council, backed by grants worth £284,881 from Sport Wales. Other funds have mostly come from the council, but there have been contributions from Welsh Government’s Community Focused Schools programme and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. Freedom Leisure’s gas use per year has now been cut by 750,000 kWh (9.6%) and its electricity use by 181,000 kWh (8.7%).…

The legacy of a former school in Neath Port Talbot is being remembered and restored as it makes way for a new housing development after more than 5,000 tonnes of materials from the old building are being saved and reused. Linc Cymru, a housing association and care provider based in South Wales, has stripped everything from flooring to ceramics and cookers to stone from the former Lower Dyffryn School and is reusing it in a variety of innovative and creative ways. The project known as ‘What once stood’ is the brainchild of social value manager Natalie Hawkins at Linc Cymru.…

Nilaqua, a leading waterless washing brand, has launched an extended range of innovative pet-washing products. Designed to remove the hassle of washing pets while being kind to the environment, these groundbreaking products simplify pet hygiene for owners while ensuring the utmost care for pets’ skin and fur. Nilaqua was the first company in the UK to introduce waterless pet shampoos, endorsed by vets who recognised the product’s potential and effectiveness. Since then, Nilaqua has been at the forefront of waterless washing innovation. Produced at the firm’s manufacturing base in Swansea, each product is formulated with a blend of natural, biodegradable and safe…

Extra nighttime patrols have been launched in Gwynedd as part of an operation to tackle rural crime. It follows recent reports of burglaries targeting properties in rural areas of South Gwynedd. Operation Mantel aims to provide a visible police presence to reassure communities and intercept rural crime. Patrols have so far been conducted in Llanwrin, Esgairgeiliog Ceinws, Dinas Mawddwy, Corris and Dolgellau. PC Gina Cinderby said: “As the evenings become darker once again, we are reminding rural communities to be vigilant and report suspicious activity. “Ensure all valuables are locked away and keep keys in a separate secure location. “Installing…

A Neath Port Talbot man has been jailed after he was found guilty of child sex offences. Andrew Wager, 38, from Neath, raped and sexually assaulted his then-15-year-old victim while at a party at his home. Wager denied committing the offences, but was found guilty by a jury at Swansea Crown Court. He has been sentenced to seven years in prison. Detective Constable Alison Thomas said: “Andrew Wager is a dangerous predator who raped and sexually assaulted his helpless child victim. “The amount of lasting damage he has caused to his victim cannot be put into words. “He will now…

Plans have been revealed for a brand-new tramway from Cardiff Central railway station to Cardiff Bay, connecting the two directly by rail for the first time. The first phase of Cardiff Crossrail, which is being delivered by Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales (TfW), will significantly improve the railway network between the city centre and Cardiff Bay, benefiting the wider city and region. Members of the public are being invited to share their views as part of a 6-week consultation which runs from 16 September to 27 October 2024. The consultation is available on: haveyoursay.tfw.wales/cardiff-crossrail The scheme will deliver a…

The new Bee Hapus Community Garden officially opened earlier this month at the Heritage Gate residential development in Llantwit Major Made possible through the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Section 106 Public Art Programme Funding, the garden was created in partnership with Persimmon Homes housing developers and Studio Response Art Consultant. Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Wellbeing and Leader of the Llantwit First Party, Cllr Gwyn John officially opened the garden to the crowd of artists, residents, representatives of Persimmon Homes, the Vale Council’s Section 106 Officers, and poet Rae Howells. The garden, which features over…

Features have been added to a new Henllan area to help support both nature and the community. Work is progressing at the Henllan Community Nature Space which began life back in the Spring of this year. The area is one of four new community nature spaces – alongside similar areas at Rhyl, St Asaph and Clocaenog – that Denbighshire County Council’s Countryside Service and Climate Change teams are creating in the county this year to boost benefits for both local wildlife and residents’ wellbeing. The Community Nature Spaces work alongside woodland creation work this year at schools across the county…

Plans have been unveiled for the future of three historic buildings that form part of Swansea’s great industrial heritage. Swansea Council wants to save and transform the disused structures as part of its work to bring new life to the Lower Swansea Valley. It’s all part of the council-driven £1bn regeneration of Swansea which has already seen the saving and transformation of heritage structures such as the Albert Hall. Two planning applications have just been submitted by the council for the copperworks’ Vivian and Musgrave Engine Houses, and for the V&S No.1 Locomotive Shed. All three have listed status. The…

Cymru Football Foundation’s Fit-For-Future Facilities Programme is supporting the development of a new 3G pitch at Greenhill School, Tenby. Pembrokeshire Leisure has successfully secured a £407,000 grant to replace the old astro turf pitch with a new 3G facility that will enhance the provision for both the school  and community clubs. Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services said: “This project will play a significant role in ensuring that Pembrokeshire can continue to provide first class facilities across the county. “The collaboration led by Pembrokeshire County Council’s leisure section and incorporating the Cymru Football Foundation, Sport Wales, Greenhill School…