Author: Rhys Gregory

Blaenau Gwent Council has this week approved its budget which continues to protect key services, support vulnerable residents, and keeps the Council Tax rise as low as possible at 3.75%. With constructive working between members of the Labour and Independent groups, the Council Tax increase is lower than originally planned, demonstrating a shared commitment from political leaders to minimise the impact on households in Blaenau Gwent. An improved funding settlement from Welsh Government, together with a range of efficiencies. The revenue budget, alongside the capital programme, will deliver increased investment for schools, environmental services, and highways, while maintaining support for…

A defence sector company has purchased Welsh Government land in Powys to develop and test new military equipment for defence clients. BANAIR has purchased two plots at Wyeside Enterprise Park, in Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, and has started testing its own-design lightweight aluminium vehicle bridging system at the site. Spanning up to 30 metres, the equipment is being developed to enable military operations to cross water or gaps over dry land, and BANAIR is developing this capability with direct innovation support grant funding. BANAIR – which is headquartered in the West Midlands and operates from multiple sites, including manufacturing facilities in…

A new collection will provide learners with greater opportunities to learn about their local area and the diverse history of Wales. Launched by Adnodd, the national body for educational resources for the Curriculum for Wales, the collection resources cover eras of Welsh history from the Celtic and Roman times through to the modern day. They will help schools tell a range of stories, like the history of Wales’s coal and slate mining industries, the drowning of Cwm Tryweryn and the Aberfan disaster. The Hanes Cymru collection also includes tips for teachers and learners to discover their Cynefin – their own…

The second phase of work on the Menai Suspension Bridge is continuing to progress as it reaches a further stage next week. The further work on the crossbeams has been successfully completed, and the next stage will see the lifting of the scaffold, known as the Aerotruss, to the underdeck. To allow this to happen a tidal flow traffic management system, will be in place from March 9th for a period of approximately six days, to facilitate the preparation and installation of equipment required for underdeck painting and bearing maintenance operations. From 7am – 1pm traffic will be able to…

Welsh Mountain Zoo has confirmed that one of its chimpanzees, Mellony, has experienced the loss of a stillborn infant. In a statement on Facebook, the zoo said Mellony is currently holding onto her baby, which is a natural and instinctive behaviour commonly observed in chimpanzees following such a loss. Staff have placed warning signs at the entrances to the chimpanzee viewing areas to alert visitors that the situation may be upsetting, and keepers are available to answer any questions from the public. Zoo officials said their priority is the wellbeing of the entire chimpanzee troop and that Mellony and her…

AN INCLUSIVE member support specialist has secured a flagship national contract to provide services for a groundbreaking arts access scheme for disabled people. The win marks the launch of The People Connective, a specialist member support business appointed by Arts Council England to deliver the accessible helpdesk for its flagship All In programme. Based in Sandycroft, Deeside, the firm is part of The Card Network, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and is entering a major growth phase following new ownership. Marketing Director Suzi Peake said: “This is a hugely proud moment for our whole team. Accessibility has always…

Bathgate Business Finance, the West Kirby-based business finance specialist, has expanded its operations with the launch of a base at M-SParc in Garwen, Wales. Officially opened in 2018 and part of the University of Bangor network, M-SParc is a hub for knowledge-based businesses, innovation, and digital growth in North Wales. As part of its partnership, Bathgate will provide dedicated support with business finance for tenants, as well as businesses operating across North Wales. The initiative is led by Bathgate Director and business development manager (BDM), Ian Adams, who lives in North Wales, and BDM, Gary Beggs, who will offer free…

This summer at TK Maxx presents Live at Llangollen Pavilion just got even hotter – with more special guests announced.   Joining this year’s sizzling line up are 80s inspired contemporary pop band Deco, and Welsh rising DJ star Katie Owen, adding even more excitement to a blockbuster run of shows in the heart of North Wales.  Kicking off the summer in style – and opening the very first show of the season ahead of beloved pop icon Rick Astley’s debut headline performance at the pavilion on Wednesday June 24 – will be retro-loving party starters Deco.   Then Wales’ very own…

Ceredigion is set to welcome the Lloyds National Road Championships once again in 2026, with the event taking place from 25–28 June 2026. The return forms part of British Cycling’s agreement with the Welsh Government to host the Championships in Wales until 2027. Across three days of elite racing, the Time Trial, Circuit Race and Road Race Championships will take place in locations across the county. The Time Trial Championships will be held in Lampeter, with the Circuit Race and Road Race Championships starting once again in Aberystwyth. Full routes will be announced in due course. Ceredigion successfully hosted the…

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) and the National Sheep Association (NSA) are collaborating to launch a new Welsh Sheep Village at this year’s Royal Welsh Show. Located on the site of the former NSA Pavilion, the village will celebrate the Welsh sheep industry’s importance. Including trade stands and educational activities, it’s designed to showcase innovation and good practice to farmers, whilst helping the wider public understanding of sheep farming and the vital role it plays in shaping our landscape and heritage. Called Cynefin – Welsh for “habitat” or “place of belonging” – the village will reflect the deep connection…