Author: Rhys Gregory

A man who committed robbery offences in Bridgend town centre has been sent to prison after appearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday, August 6. James McKernan, 26, from Bridgend, was sentenced to one year and six months in prison after pleading guilty to robbery on Monday, July 8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAnoeJbjyAs On June 8, 2024, McKernan entered the Greggs store on Adare Street in Bridgend and approached counters where food is displayed and took a number of items and put them in his bag. McKernan then made threats towards staff members that if they try to stop him, he would stab…

Bridgend County Borough Council has confirmed that action is underway to remove a number of caravans which have parked illegally on land near Wilderness Lake at Heol Y Goedwig in Porthcawl. Council officers have visited the location, which is close to a children’s playground, to complete necessary checks and have served a legal notice giving the caravan owners 24 hours’ notification to vacate the site. This process has now been completed and the site should be clear. Councillor Paul Davies, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, said: “While we appreciate the concerns of local residents, dealing with illegal…

When a former Cardiff University student came across a new sport during a walk in a park in the Welsh capital, little did he know that within a few years, he’d be bringing the world’s best to Britain. But that’s what happened to urban planner Jack Collard, who was walking through Roath Park in 2018 when he saw someone playing Roundnet. Jack asked if he could join in and was bitten by the bug. Fast-forward to 2024, and away from his Bristol-based day-job, Jack is CEO of British Roundnet, the governing body of the sport in England, Wales and Scotland,…

A new collection of stylish Swansea city centre homes is about to open for families and city centre workers – and there are more to come. The latest openings will come at Market Lofts on the corner of Oxford Street and Portland Street, above a former greetings cards shop. The shop unit itself has been refurbished and is set to reopen this year as a new city centre outlet for a well-known business. Swansea-based company Oxford Portland acquired the building in recent years and began transformation work last year. It’s expected that the 11 apartments – with one, two and…

Carolyn Brownell, executive director of Cardiff’s Business Improvement District, has been named a national ambassador for the UK-wide safety initiative Ask for Angela. She joins a team of other national ambassadors, including London’s Night Tsar Amy Lamé and Welsh rock band Chroma, whose 2023 debut album Ask for Angela was named after the scheme. In her tenure as executive director, Carolyn has supported women, girls, and other vulnerable groups through launching a number of support programmes. From creating and chairing the Women’s Safety Network, to founding the UK’s first Women’s Safety Charter, to signing up almost 100 Cardiff businesses to…

A local housebuilder has secured reserved matters planning permission for its latest phase at a major site in Cardiff. Cardiff Council recently granted approval for 74 high-quality homes at Persimmon Homes East Wales’ major site at Llanilltern Village on the west of Cardiff. The new phase of development will be known as ‘Glan y Coed’ and will provide four and five-bed detached open market homes for local families to purchase in 2025 through Persimmon’s sister brand, Charles Church. The new 7.3-acre site will feature additional space allocated for ecological enhancements, community sports pitches and facilities, an artist led playground, and…

A son has taken on ownership of his parents’ businesses, backed by a £240,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales, via the Wales Flexible Investment Fund. Founded and owned by Phil and Amanda Hardman, Electronic Services (Wales) Ltd began as a television repair shop in Uplands, Swansea in the early 2000s. Over the years, it has evolved into a specialist in the repair of household appliances such as televisions, fridge freezers, washing machines, and tumble dryers. The company has expanded its services to include other white goods repairs, leading to their relocation to larger premises in Fforestfach. Today, Electronic…

A 41-year-old man who damaged five police cars has been jailed. Stephen McCouid, of no fixed abode, but originally from the Liverpool area, appeared at Llandudno Magistrates Court this week, August 14th. He pleaded guilty to five counts of criminal damage. During the evening of Monday, August 12th, McCouid used a stone to smash the windscreens and windows of five police cars outside Caernarfon police station. He was jailed for 10 weeks. Gwynedd North District Inspector Ian Roberts said: “This mindless and unwarranted act of damage against emergency service vehicles cannot be comprehended. “The vehicles damaged remain out of service…

Ahead of A Level and GCSE results day, Working Denbighshire is shining a light on a recent young person they supported into work after leaving education. Alex, who has a passion for Engineering, expanded on it further through a Work Start scheme. The Work Start Scheme is designed to provide people with invaluable work placement opportunities in a sector they are passionate in, and proved to be a turning point for Alex. After gaining his Level 2 qualification in Engineering, he sought after expert guidance from a Placement Officer, who helped Alex secure a 12-week placement in mechanics after demonstrating…

Several concerts will be taking place at Alexandra Head between August 21st and August 24th which will restrict access to the Cardiff Bay Barrage. The following roads will be closed to traffic during the dates and times below: Britannia Quay; Pierhead Street; Heol Porth Teigr; and Cardiff Bay Barrage. Wednesday August 21st – McFly: From 2pm until midnight Thursday August 22nd – New Order: From 2pm until midnight Saturday August 23rd – Becky Hill: From Midday until midnight Sunday August 24th – Tiesto: From Midday until midnight. Although this route will be restricted, access for those that wish to cycle…