Author: Rhys Gregory

Cardiff Council is setting out further steps to improve the city’s recycling and composting rate, as it strives towards the Welsh Government’s 70% target. Recycling and composting targets in Wales are set in law by the Welsh Government, with the target set higher in Wales compared with other parts of the United Kingdom. Failure to meet the targets can result in significant fines, with a possible fine of £200 for every tonne that is not recycled. Recycling in Cardiff has improved in recent years, rising to 64% in 2024/25, but there is still significant potential to recycle more household waste. Around…

Work to transform secondary education in Barry is continuing as a major redevelopment project at St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School moves forward. The improvements are part of the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, which has already delivered new and upgraded facilities at several schools across the town. Back in 2020, new school buildings were constructed at Pencoedtre High School and Whitmore High School, while Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg was significantly extended. Each school now features modern classrooms, updated facilities and improved equipment designed to support learning. St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School is now set…

RCT Council has secured more than £4 million in new Welsh Government funding to continue to develop local flood alleviation schemes, with a total of 24 projects being designed and/or delivered over the year ahead. This significant programme will ensure flood alleviation remains a priority investment area for our communities. This allocation will complement the Council’s own funding in this area and, combined with grants already in place for 2026/27, the total funding for flood alleviation in Rhondda Cynon Taf next year will likely be more than £6 million. The investment will focus on the Council’s area of responsibility in…

A total of 260 girls from across Caerphilly County Borough came together for a Girls’ Football Festival at the Centre for Sporting Excellence, led by Sport Caerphilly. The festival featured 26 teams from 23 schools, with every school representing the county borough. Teams played in a 7-a-side format with squads of up to 10 players, creating an energetic and supportive environment focused on participation, enjoyment and development. With no overall winners declared, the event prioritised experience over competition. The day provided valuable match experience, helped build confidence and created opportunities for girls to develop their skills in a positive setting.…

Blaenau Gwent Council has presented Jayne Medlicott MBE, co-founder of the Hospice of the Valleys with a Special Recognition Certificate to mark International Women’s Day 2026. This year’s theme is ‘Give to Gain’, celebrating the contribution of women who strengthen communities through leadership, compassion and commitment. The theme highlights the value of generosity and collaboration, recognising that by supporting others we create lasting, shared benefits for individuals and communities alike. Jayne was presented with the award at a special presentation at Bedwellty House and Park by the Council’s Presiding Member, Councillor Smith, Equality Member Champion. During the presentation, Councillor Smith…

Powys Council’s scrutiny committee will discuss the results of the comprehensive review of changes at Powys’ Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) at this week’s meeting (12 March). The major review was carried out six months after the booking system and DIY charges were introduced in April 2025, and gathered views from more than 6,000 residents, alongside staff feedback, councillor workshops, and considered things like fly tipping, recycling rate and customer compliments and complaints. Overall, the review has shown strong support for the booking system with 93% of those asked saying the booking system is easy to use, and almost three quarters…

A community space which opened a year ago in the centre of Swansea centre is now helping the city’s older people to stay connected, active and engaged in their communities. Social Care Minister Dawn Bowden visited the Collaboration Station in Swansea yesterday to see first-hand how the Welsh Government’s Age Friendly Communities Grant is helping older people. A wide range of weekly activities for people aged 50 and over are on offer at the hub, including Tai Chi, Tech Tuesday digital skills sessions, LGBTQ+ coffee mornings, social walks and community events. These activities are designed to tackle loneliness and isolation,…

Cardiff Council is preparing an updated Active Travel map showing where people can currently walk and cycle safely across the city – and where new and improved routes are planned in the future – which is a requirement set by Welsh Government.Before the map is submitted to Welsh Ministers, the Council will carry out a 12‑week public consultation from May to June 2026, giving residents, businesses and community groups the chance to comment on the proposals and suggest improvements. The consultation will include targeted engagement to ensure the views of different communities are properly considered. The updated Active Travel Network…

A man has been jailed for attempting to rape a child. Ryan Williams, 37, of Hendre, Corwen, appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court for sentence on Friday 6 March. He was convicted on a count of attempting to rape a young girl in Wrexham, following a trial at Caernarfon Crown Court in January. Williams was jailed for 11 years, with a four-year extended license period. He was also handed a 25-year sexual harm prevention order and subject to notification requirements for life. A lifetime restraining order was also put in place to protect the victim. Detective Sergeant Keegans said: “At the…

Police have arrested two men and seized suspected drugs and cash following warrants carried out in Holyhead as part of an investigation into the supply of ketamine on Anglesey. Officers from North Wales Police executed warrants at two addresses in the Holyhead area on the morning of Friday 6 March as part of ongoing work to disrupt the supply of ketamine locally. During the searches, officers seized a significant quantity of suspected ketamine and cocaine, along with a large amount of cash. Two men, aged 25 and 22, were arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences. Both remain in police…