Author: Rhys Gregory

Police officers investigating a series of incidents of anti-social behaviour and where police vehicles have been targeted in recent weeks in the Gabalfa area of Cardiff have made a number of arrests. Early this morning (Sunday July 21) a 22-year-old man from Fairwater was arrested in the Pill area of Newport on suspicion of affray, possession of an offensive weapon and various drugs offences. A number of items were recovered at the address including a machete, quantities of cannabis and a large amount of cash. A significant proceeds of crime seizure was also made where designer bags, clothing and trainers…

As the opening of Porthcawl’s Metrolink draws closer, Bridgend County Borough Council addresses any concerns about its structure and grass rooftop. Built on solid bedrock on the landward side of the old Salt Lake harbour wall, concrete piles used in the construction of the Metrolink offer strength and support to the lightweight structure consisting largely of aluminium and glass. The steel piles have been positioned at least 10 metres into the ground, with building control inspectors monitoring each critical stage of the build, including the piling, pumping of concrete, laying of steel reinforced foundations, as well as the installation of…

SuperTed, the cuddly superhero created by an animation team in Cardiff, was one of the biggest television hits of the 1980s and continues to delight children today. Now, the character is set to star in a new production – an exhibition at the Museum of Cardiff focusing on the history of leisure in the city. Curators of the museum, based at the Hayes in the centre of Cardiff, have located an original poster promoting the cartoon and a fascinating drawing guide for artists to use when creating the popular bear. Another star of the exhibition is a vivid reminder of…

Communities, businesses and education providers throughout Swansea have benefited from a funding boost worth close to £22m over the last year. Swansea Council has approved hundreds of projects across the city and county that are being funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Anchor projects forming part of the overall funding programme include a rural anchor project, business support, culture and tourism, supporting communities and a transforming county anchor project. Projects to have benefited from rural anchor funding include an otter and water vole restoration project at Penllergare Valley Woods, as well as The Surf to…

Recently, 47 schools across Pembrokeshire participated in virtual workshops to create GIFs of popular places in Pembrokeshire. The project aimed to uncover the fascinating meanings behind our place names. Place names hold a wealth of information. They reveal geographical features, history, and even the people who settled in Wales, like the Romans and the Vikings. For example, Pembrokeshire has place names influenced by the Vikings, such as Skomer Island and Skokholm Island. The pupils had great fun in the digital illustration workshops hosted by Mwydro, who specialise in creating GIFs. These GIFs are now live and can be used on…

On 22nd July at the Royal Welsh Show, the Mid Wales Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) unveiled its update to the Employment and Skills Plan 2022-2025. It addresses the region’s evolving employment and skills needs, reflecting sector growth and economic demands. The updated plan incorporates new labour market intelligence and qualitative data, providing accurate growth forecasts for Powys and Ceredigion. The RSP collaborated with business-led cluster groups to gather industry-specific insights, ensuring the plan meets the Mid Wales economy’s current and future demands. The updated plan highlights key growth areas up to 2028, including a 6% increase in the construction and…

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways (FfWHR) has come with a unique ice cream flavour tantalise the tastebuds of visitors this summer. Porthmadog-based FfWHR is the only place in the UK where you can buy Steam Coal Ice Cream on a new platform ice cream stand. Catering manager Elwyn Edwards said the idea just came to him as he wanted something unique to the FfWHR which was also made in Wales. “It’s really important for us to serve local produce here at our catering outlets and choosing a Welsh Ice cream maker was top of my list,” he said. “Marios were…

Hay Festival Global has announced details for Hay Festival Hay-on-Wye Winter Weekend 2024, taking place in the grounds of Hay Castle, 28 November–1 December.  This year will mark the 25th winter edition, bringing together writers, activists and world changers in an inspiring programme, to be announced in full on Tuesday 24 September.  A 350-seater marquee in the grounds of Hay Castle will host an eclectic mix of conversations, candle-lit storytelling, comedy, music and performances for all ages.  Additional events will take place in the Castle’s Clore workshop space, plus venues around town, including St Mary’s Church.  More than 10,000 tickets…

Tramshed Tech, a leading coworking and innovation hub in South Wales is proud to announce the launch of two new business support programmes designed to boost the local economy and foster innovation in the Vale of Glamorgan. The Green Tech Zero Programme and Creative Cluster Programme are both fully funded and designed to boost the local economy by supporting SMEs developing innovative green solutions and nurturing talent within creative industries. These programmes underscore Tramshed Tech’s commitment to foster innovation and drive economic growth across the region. Green Tech Zero Programme: Supporting Sustainable Innovation In response to the urgent need for climate…

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of a development site in Cowbridge, South Wales, which benefits from planning consent for 50 retirement living apartments. The site was identified by Mercian Developments Limited as suitable for a retirement living development given its underlying affluent demographic and proximity to a wide range of amenities on Cowbridge’s bustling High Street. McCarthy Stone submitted and secured planning consent for a scheme of 50 retirement living apartments (C3) with communal facilities and has subsequently acquired the site from Mercian. Leah Tattersall Land Manager at McCarthy Stone, comments, “It is great…