Author: Rhys Gregory

Daniel Niinmae, 41, from Risca near Newport, appeared at Winchester Crown Court this week (Wednesday, November 27, 2024) where he was handed a two-year six-month sentence following a thorough investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing Wales. Niinmae previously appeared at court in September where he was convicted of possession of a document containing information of a kind likely to be of use to a person preparing or committing an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Williams, Head of Investigations at Counter Terrorism Policing Wales stated: “We welcome the sentence handed…

One of the UK’s leading providers of bespoke stonework is reducing costs and carbon with the help of a £30,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales. Pwllheli-based Cerrig Granite and Slate has installed solar panels totalling 70kW that are expected to cut energy costs by £10,000 each year and save 218 tonnes of CO2 over the 25-year lifetime of the system. The installation has been part-funded by the loan from the Development Bank following an introduction by Business Wales. Cerrig Granite and Slate has 22 employees specialising in state -of-the-art stonework techniques, fabricating stonework for hotels, restaurants, cruise ships,…

A brand-new Aldi store in Pwllheli opened its doors to customers this week, with Team GB rugby hero Sam Cross cutting the all-important red ribbon alongside pupils from Ysgol Abererch. The Caernarvon Road store is the first Aldi to open in Pwllheli and will be run by Store Manager Kel Hughes, along with a team of 23 colleagues from the local community. Team GB silver medallist Sam Cross gave away complimentary bags of fresh fruit and vegetables from Aldi’s famous Super 6 range to the first 30 customers in the queue, before delivering an inspirational assembly for pupils at Ysgol…

The family of missing Cardiff woman Charlene Hobbs are appealing for information as detectives continue to investigate her disappearance. Charlene, 35, from Riverside, was last seen here on CCTV on Tuesday, July 23, at the Morrisons Local shop in Moira Place, Adamsdown. In a statement, Charlene’s family said: “Charlene, we are desperate to have you home. We have been out looking for you and will continue to do all we can to try to find you, and to understand what may have happened. “We would ask that any friends of Charlene’s or anyone who may know her, who may have…

A 60-year-old man from Neston has been jailed after he admitted causing a crash that killed a 20-year-old man in Gwynedd in 2022. Roger Peter Brenninkmeyer appeared before Caernarfon Crown Court on Wednesday 27 November, where he was sentenced to six years and eight months imprisonment after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. During the hearing, the court was told that on the afternoon of Saturday 4 June 2022, Brenninkmeyer reached speeds of up to 109mph on an unclassified road with blind bends at Pentreuchaf near Pwllheli. Brenninkmeyer lost control of his BMW which left the road and…

Bridgend County Borough Council has become the first authority in Wales to successfully complete a digital switchover of its emergency telecare alarm calls, to ensure the upmost safety of their client’s welfare. In 2017, BT announced plans to switch off their analogue telephone network (PSTN) by 2025 and replace it with an all – IP digital solution. The old network was no longer fit for purpose and the telephone network needed to be brought in line with other countries such as France, Germany, and Sweden to meet future demands. In readiness for the digital switchover and in a drive to mitigate any…

A new nature reserve is ready to welcome the first roots of a unique woodland. Development is underway to create a nature reserve at Green Gates, St Asaph, which will eventually grow into a 70-acre site supporting local biodiversity. And trees grown from locally sourced seeds in the county will take root in their new home. The nature reserve development is part of the Council’s response to protect and restore local nature habitats to contribute to the nature recovery goal. Increased hedgerow and tree cover will also contribute to continuing efforts to reach the net carbon zero goal by increasing…

Two more shops selling illegal tobacco and vapes have been temporarily closed on Clifton Street in Cardiff. Vape Mini Market and Best One Vape have been shut for three months by Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) following placement of Anti-Social Behaviour Closure Orders imposed by Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, both on Friday, November 22nd and Tuesday, November 26th. The Orders close the shops with immediate effect and stop them trading for three months. If they are opened for business during this time, the business owner(s) could receive three months in prison, a fine, or both. An investigation was launched following complaints from…

Admiral has been confirmed as the headline sponsor once again for the much-loved Swansea Bay 10K event, when it returns to the city next year. Swansea Council, which puts on the event for thousands of runners each year, is pleased to announce that Admiral have extended their support of the Swansea Bay 10K for another year. The 2025 race will be held in the city on Sunday 14 September, when thousands of people are expected to run or line the 10k route along Swansea’s sweeping bay. Councillor Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration, Events and Tourism at Swansea Council…

RESIDENTS now have a chance to help shape Neath Port Talbot’s future by having their say on a crucial strategy document which will guide development across the county borough for the next 15 years. Following approval by a full meeting of Neath Port Talbot Council on November 27th, 2024, residents can give their views on the Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP) Preferred Strategy (2023-2038) from midday, December 12th, 2024, to midday, February 6th, 2025. The Preferred Strategy (the first formal public consultation stage of the RLDP) is entitled Aiding economic recovery and valuing our unique opportunities in Neath Port Talbot.…