Author: Rhys Gregory

Particles as different as soap bubbles and ball bearings can be made to arrange themselves in exactly the same way, according to a new study that could unlock the creation of brand new materials — including those with promising biomedical applications. The international study, involving Professor Simon Cox from Aberystwyth University, reveals how diverse particles self-organise into identical geometric patterns when confined. The discovery could help scientists design advanced materials for medical use – including in smart drug delivery systems and targeted therapies.  It could also offer valuable insights for tissue engineering where understanding how biological cells arrange themselves in…

A café initiative founded by Ukrainian refugees in Wales has opened a new location in Swansea, backed by a £25,000 micro loan from the Development Bank of Wales. Ruta Kitchen was set up in Neath by founders Vladimir Pavliiciuc, Volodymyr Iliev and Ihor Tertyshnyi in January, 2025, with the aim of supporting displaced Ukrainians and fostering community integration. The café brings together Welsh and Ukrainian food and culture, while also providing work for refugees following the invasion of Ukraine.  Its first premises on Orchard Street, Neath, has proven popular with locals. It provides a range of Ukrainian and British food,…

A section of the A40 at Pontargothi will be closed in both directions on 13 November while emergency crews clear debris from the road and nearby bridge. The closure follows the heavy rain and unsettled weather seen over the last couple of days, which has led to debris collecting in the area. Traffic Wales says the road will be shut from 09:30 until 15:00. A diversion route has been set up and drivers are advised to follow the signs and allow extra time for their journey. More details along with the diversion map are available on the Traffic Wales website.

The Richard Taylor Memorial Skatepark at the Knap Gardens is set to receive a vibrant new addition as work is set to begin on a new mural. The project, which marks the second anniversary of the skatepark’s opening, has been made possible thanks to funding from the National Lottery secured by the Richard Taylor Memorial Trust. Following the original skatepark design consultation, local residents and skaters suggested that a street art mural would be a fitting tribute to Richard and the thriving skate community the park has inspired. After discussions with CADW and the successful completion of planning consent, the…

The development of 22 energy-efficient homes in Denbigh is close to completion, with the tenants of the new homes moving in soon. The Llwyn Eirin development is part of Denbighshire County Council’s Affordable Housing Programme, which is helping to deliver new homes across the county. Other recent schemes in the town include the former Pennant Flats site (Grŵp Cynefin), the development at Rhodfa Cae Llewelyn next to Ysgol Pendref (Adra), and the Awel y Dyffryn Extra Care development (Grŵp Cynefin) which, together with Llwyn Eirin will deliver a total of 193 new affordable homes for local people. The Llwyn Eirin…

WORK has now been completed on the £12m project to modernise visitor facilities and restore historic features at the 240-acre Gnoll Country Park. The comprehensive work will ensure one of Neath Port Talbot’s most cherished attractions will continue to welcome local residents and tourists. Led by Neath Port Talbot Council and funded by the UK Government through the Vale of Neath Heritage Corridor project, the year-long development has created: A brand new, fully accessible two-storey visitor centre, replacing the former ageing building – featuring a modern café, a stunning south-facing balcony with lake views, flexible event and meeting spaces, and…

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is proud to support Day Two of Trading Standards Wales’ (TSW) Spotlight Week, which today, focuses on “Get Cosmetic Confident,” empowering residents to make safer choices about the products and procedures they choose. The THREE day campaign by Trading Standards Wales’ and ALL Local Authorities focuses on consumer safety and awareness. On Day two the Council is issuing a warning to residents ahead of the festive party season about the true cost of beauty, highlighting the significant dangers associated with buying fake cosmetics and undergoing risky, unregulated special procedures – All in the name of beauty!…

The new Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council has pledged to take positive action to improve the lives of residents across the borough by “getting things done”. Cllr Jamie Pritchard, aged 40, has become the youngest leader in Caerphilly County Borough’s history. He previously served as Deputy Leader, holding the Regeneration brief since 2021 and has represented the Morgan Jones Ward for the last 13 years. He was elected as Leader at a meeting of Full Council on Tuesday 11th November, following the resignation of the former Leader back in September. On day one as leader, he has pledged to…

This week, their Majesties The King and Queen will visit Cyfarthfa Castle to meet members of the local community, businesses and well-known Welsh cultural figures, to celebrate His Majesty’s 77th birthday. Built in 1825 by Ironmaster Williams Crawshay II, Cyfarthfa Castle is often referred to as the Jewel in Merthyr’s crown and this visit is set to be one of the highlights of what has been a wonderful year of celebratory events to mark its bicentenary year. Councillor Brent Carter, Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, said: “It is a great honour and privilege to welcome Their Majesties to…

Powys County Council’s Cabinet is being asked to back the next big step for the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme (SVWMS) – a project that’s already secured £10 million of Government funding to help tackle flooding, water shortages, and land pressures across the upper Severn catchment. Recent modelling for the SVWMS shows that, during extreme wet weather, the area could need to manage over 100 million cubic metres of flood water, which is enough to supply the daily needs of half a million people for nearly four years. Cllr Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, said: “This staggering figure…