Author: Rhys Gregory

A state-of-the-art, 4,400 sq ft strength and performance gym is the fourth fitness business to open at Mamhilad Park Estate this year, as owners seek the next occupiers to complete the business park’s “top-to-toe” health and wellbeing offer. Gareth Betts Strength and Performance was previously based at Cwmbran Stadium. Gareth is a former professional rugby player with Ebbw Vale and Newport RFCs as well as Pontypool RFC, where he is now the strength and conditioning coach. The gym, which is fully equipped with a 3G area with a shock pad, a 25-metre running track, power racks, free weights and an…

Residents and businesses in Pontypridd have been reassured that there is currently no confirmed start date for the proposed demolition of the former police station and Berw Road car park site. Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council has issued an update following a number of enquiries after site notices suggested that demolition work could begin from June 12. The Council has clarified that this date only represents the earliest possible start point and does not mean works are scheduled to begin on that day. Officials explained that site notices are a standard part of the planning and delivery process, allowing…

A full road closure will be in place on Lansbury Park Distributor Road from the Mornington Meadows junction through to the Graham Court junction. The closure will begin at 8:00 am on Friday, 1 May and will remain in place until 6:00 am on Monday, 4 May. These emergency works are necessary to carry out structural repairs to the concrete road base, followed by full resurfacing of the affected carriageway. The repairs are essential to maintain the long-term safety and integrity of the road. During the closure, no through traffic will be permitted. Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes…

Monmouthshire County Council has announced the opening of Expressions of Interest for its Place and Growth Investment Fund, which aims to support projects that enhance local areas and promote sustainable economic growth. The Place and Growth Investment Fund is a single access point for grants supporting property improvement, regeneration, and employment space. The fund provides grant support for projects that bring vacant or underused buildings back into use, strengthen town centres, and create space for businesses and jobs. An Expression of Interest is a short, initial stage that helps determine whether a project is eligible before progressing to a full…

Monmouthshire County Council’s Trading Standards has led a multi-agency operation to seize a significant quantity of illegal tobacco from a retail premises in Abergavenny. This enforcement action took place on Thursday, April 23, 2026. It involved officers from Monmouthshire Trading Standards, supported by the Operation CeCe Wales Regional Investigation Team and Gwent Police. This operation forms part of Operation CeCe, a national initiative jointly-run by HM Revenue & Customs and National Trading Standards, aimed at disrupting the illegal tobacco trade across the UK. Monmouthshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service is currently reviewing evidence and will consider appropriate enforcement action against…

Dealer who boasted about supplying 9 ounces of cocaine a week jailed. Joel Crump from Ebbw Vale was jailed for six years at Cardiff Crown Court after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Crump’s involvement in the supply of the class A drug in Abertillery was uncovered when officers were reviewing a phone seized as part of a separate investigation and found messages linked to the 35-year-old. PC Owen Furlong, the officer in the case said: “The messages linked to Crump demonstrated that he was involved in supplying significant volumes of cocaine, including boasting about moving…

Wales is set to enjoy a spell of dry and sunny weather today, with temperatures climbing to a pleasant 20°C in some areas. According to the Met Office, any early mist and fog will quickly clear this morning, giving way to blue skies across much of the country. Winds are expected to pick up, particularly in the south, although it will feel warm in more sheltered spots. Tonight will remain dry with largely clear skies, though some high cloud may drift across at times. Temperatures are set to drop sharply overnight, with lows of around 0°C and the possibility of…

Sports betting is like driving in a new city. Signs are everywhere. Everything moves. Mistakes cost money. But with basic rules, the road becomes clear. Beginners often start with emotion, not structure. They see a match. They pick a big name. They click. Then they wonder what went wrong. This is a weak start. Betting needs a different approach. First understand the field. Then the tools. Only then take risk. This article gives a clear framework. No noise. No hype. You will learn why football is the best entry point, how live betting works, and why bankroll matters. These are…

Motorists across South Wales are being urged to allow extra time for their journeys this morning, with congestion reported on several key routes around Cardiff and the M4. According to Traffic Wales, there are delays on the eastbound M4 between Junction 45 Ynysforgan and Junction 43 Llandarcy, with drivers advised to plan ahead and expect slower moving traffic. Further disruption is being reported on the A4232, with congestion building northbound between Culverhouse Cross and M4 Junction 33, a key route for commuters heading towards the motorway. On the A470, delays are also affecting southbound traffic between Nantgarw and Coryton, adding…

Palé Hall Hotel marked the close of the jump racing season in style on Sunday 26th April, unveiling its brand-new Jockey Bar with an intimate evening celebration and a generous show of support for two racing charities.  Alongside 20 private guests, owners Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney welcomed a select gathering of racing’s finest to the five star hotel in Snowdonia, including champion jockey Nico de Boinville, legendary trainer Nicky Henderson, and television presenter Matt Chapman The evening carried an extra note of celebration, with Anthony’s own horse Jinko Blue claiming victory on the Saturday at Sandown – a timely flourish to mark both the end…