Author: Rhys Gregory

This new year Denbighshire Libraries are challenging their readers to read 25 books in 2025. Every summer, Denbighshire’s Libraries run the Summer Reading Challenge for children but this year, the Libraries team are also challenging adult readers to read more. The ’25 Book Challenge’ will encourage readers to step out of their comfort zone and try reading books from 25 different genres and themes in the form of book bingo. Themes include prizewinning novels, books set in a different country and books by a Welsh author. Bingo sheets can be collected from local Libraries and readers will win prizes after…

Topgolf to drive new era at Cardiff’s International Sports Village, while council tackles waterfront and parking upgrades A major new golfing leisure attraction could soon be coming to Cardiff International Sports Village (ISV). Proposals to bring a Topgolf venue to the former Toys R Us site, previously earmarked for a new Velodrome, are set to be considered next week. Topgolf attractions offer hi-tech golf games that everyone can enjoy, along with food and drink, all-weather hitting bays, and music. The leading international sports entertainment company, which currently operates at only four locations in the United Kingdom, is planning a significant…

Following a number of landslips which occurred late last week on the Wisemans Bridge to Coppet Hall cycleway, a small area of the path has been closed. The fall happened towards the Western end of the path, between the Coppet Hall and Wisemans Bridge tunnels, and affects access between Wisemans Bridge and Coppet Hall beach. The top path remains open. Pembrokeshire County Council’s geotechnical advisor has recommended that the path be closed until a remedial solution can be implemented. A council spokesperson said: “Given that we are in the middle of winter, there are a number of triggers that could…

A landlord of a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in Pontypridd has been fined over £1500 after they breached conditions of their HMO Licence. Mr Daly, landlord of a property in Llantwit Road, Treforest, which is licensed as a HMO under the Council’s Additional Licensing Scheme 2019 for a maximum of 5 people living as 5 households, was found by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to have not complied with regulations and conditions relating to his HMO licence after a number of follow up inspections. The Council’s Environmental Health Officers attended the HMO for a routine inspection in October 2023 and…

Newport City Council has won a landmark private prosecution after a woman was found guilty of illegal tree-felling. The council brought the case against Claire Rands and Damon Rands after the couple felled a lime tree in their garden which was subject to a tree preservation order (TPO). Mrs Rands was found guilty at a hearing this week at Newport magistrates’ court, and her case has been referred to Newport crown court for sentencing next month. Mr Rands was found not guilty. A tree preservation order is a legal order which protects specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands in…

Caerphilly County Borough Council is thrilled to announce the upgrade of Abercarn Primary School’s sports facility, funded by the Welsh Government’s Community Focused Schools Grant. This project is being delivered in partnership with Abercarn Primary School and local community groups, as part of the Council’s wider Sport and Active Recreation Strategy. The project has seen the installation of a state-of-the-art 3G surface with floodlighting, providing an enhanced space for both school and community use. the facility will offer a high-quality venue for local sports clubs and organisations to train and host activities, supporting the Council’s commitment to increasing opportunities for…

The Welsh Government has announced a £700,000 investment to help Cwtch Mawr, a multibank in Swansea, expand its reach and offer free essential items to even more people in need. Cwtch Mawr distributes surplus goods like cleaning products, toiletries, and furniture, working with over 60 referral partners such as social workers, health professionals, and charities. Since launching in March last year, it has already supported over 120,000 people – three times its first-year target of 40,000. This extra funding will allow Cwtch Mawr to extend its services helping families and individuals. Cwtch Mawr is run by Swansea-based charity Faith in…

Wales will take part in the largest ever UK wide pandemic response exercise this Autumn. The commitment is part of the Welsh Government’s comprehensive response to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s first module published today, which examined the nation’s preparedness and resilience prior to the pandemic. The response outlines the significant steps already taken to strengthen Wales’ emergency preparedness. First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Our priority is to keep the people of Wales safe. We are committed to learning lessons from the pandemic and building on the existing foundations to ensure Wales is prepared for future emergencies. “Over the past six…

An additional £1.5m is set to be provided for warm hubs across Wales which provide a welcoming and safe space for people of all ages. The hubs offer a safe place where people can meet, get advice, and stay warm, helping communities of all ages through challenging times. Many warm hubs provide practical help with managing bills, claiming benefits, and accessing energy-saving advice. They also create opportunities for social activities, learning new skills, or simply for enjoying a warm drink and a chat. This funding commitment in the Welsh Government’s draft budget for 2025-26 builds on the £1.5m provided for…

The Welsh Government and Carmarthenshire County Council have invested in the delivery of a £12m sustainable commercial development as part of a commitment to green economic growth. Parc Gelli Werdd features 26 state-of-the-art workshops and offices at the Cross Hands East Strategic Employment Site. Thirteen units are already occupied, with a further three under offer, demonstrating strong market demand for sustainable business premises. The low carbon development, which is part of the Welsh Government’s Property Delivery Plan, comprises high performance insulation and roof mounted solar panels that will deliver reduced building running costs and benefit the environment. Designed to achieve…