Author: Rhys Gregory

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…

North Wales is set for a major economic boost as the Prime Minister has confirmed that Wylfa will host the UK’s first small modular reactor nuclear power plant. The announcement is expected to bring thousands of new jobs and billions of pounds in investment over the next decade, marking a significant moment for Anglesey and the wider region. The decision means North Wales will lead the way in what has been described as a “golden age” of nuclear. The UK’s first ever small modular nuclear reactors will be delivered by publicly owned Great British Energy Nuclear and, subject to final…

Powell Bespoke Interiors Ltd based at Brynmawr, South Wales are a furniture manufacturer specialising in high-quality fitted interiors and custom cabinetry. Combining state-of-the-art CNC machinery with traditional craftsmanship, the company designs, manufactures, and installs bespoke furniture including wardrobes and kitchens. Their focus is on precision, efficiency, and delivering exceptional results tailored to each client’s space. With support from the Blaenau Gwent Business Development Grant, Powell Bespoke Interiors has invested in key equipment and infrastructure upgrades. These enhancements have transformed their workshop—streamlining production, improving efficiency, and elevating the quality of their finished products. Rick Powell, Director of Powell Bespoke Interiors Ltd…

Cardiff’s award-winning Park Plaza hotel is set to hold a Christmas pop-up shop running from 13 November to 24 December, bringing a festive feeling to Cardiff’s Castle Arcade. Stationed next to French restaurant Maison de Bœuf the Christmas pop-up will be an opportunity to purchase exclusive Park Plaza Christmas hampers and vouchers for use across the hotel and its high-end facilities so gift buyers don’t have to worry about a thing.  The hotel has partnered with a group of their most trusted suppliers and the luxury hampers are all filled with carefully selected premium Welsh products. Treats in the hampers,…

UEFA EURO 2028 has officially kicked off its journey with launch events across the UK and Ireland, and Cardiff is set to take centre stage when the tournament begins next summer. The opening match will be held at the National Stadium of Wales on Friday 9 June, marking a huge moment for Welsh football as the Principality Stadium adopts its international host name for the event. The venue’s switch back to its traditional title follows UEFA protocol for major tournaments and helps place global focus on Wales as millions of fans tune in for the first game of the competition.…

A man has been jailed for assaulting two police officers in Butetown, Cardiff. Abdul Yusaf, 27, made off from the scene of a road traffic collision on Bute Street and became violent when officers attempted to detain him. PC Jabber was hit in the eye causing him to lose vision and PC Fitchett was punched and kicked. Extra officers were deployed to Hannah Street and Taser was used to prevent further injury. While in custody at Cardiff Bay Police Station, Yusaf went on to racially abuse PC Jabber and then refused to provide a sample of breath for analyses in…