Author: Rhys Gregory

A leading civil engineering firm is undertaking the construction of one of the UK’s largest battery storage projects to date. Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has been engaged by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners and E.ON to carry out the multi-million-pound contract at Uskmouth in South Wales. The 230MW battery energy storage system (BESS) scheme is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2025 and will be a key contributor to achieving the country’s net zero targets of decarbonising all sectors of the economy by 2050. Having completed the enabling works at the site of a former coal-fired power station, with…

Residents and businesses can soon give feedback on a proposal for a major new public sector hub development that’s aimed at boosting Swansea city centre and the local economy. The public sector hub being earmarked for land at the former St David’s Shopping Centre site would include commercial floor space for shops and restaurants, with the council occupying office space above with a range of other public sector partners. Made up of four floors above ground level and one floor below, close to 1,000 workers could be based there. The public sector hub would enable the redevelopment of the Civic…

As the summer heat rolls in, it’s essential for pet owners to take proactive steps in ensuring the well-being of their furry friends. Just like humans, pets can also suffer from heat-related illnesses and discomfort. As the days get hotter, veterinary surgeon Dr. Nick Horniman MRCVS and the team of experts behind mypetsvet.co.uk have provided eight valuable tips to help you keep your cats, dogs and other pets cool and safe during the scorching summer months. Provide lots of fresh water Hydration is crucial for all pets, particularly during hot weather. Make sure your pets have constant access to clean,…

A new opera has been written to mark the 90th anniversary of the Gresford Colliery disaster which claimed the lives of 266 men and boys. The new work, Gresford – Up From Underground, will receive its world premiere on the opening night of the North Wales International Music Festival at St Asaph Cathedral on Thursday, September 12, when it will be recorded for broadcast by BBC Radio Cymru. It has been written by musician and composer Jonathan Guy and will be conducted by his brother Robert, with the words by poet Grahame Davies. The production by the brothers’ Wrexham-based NEW…

Researchers at Aberystwyth University are looking for contributors for a new study into the effects of poor internet connections on rural communities. Building on a major study into the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on households and businesses in Ceredigion published last year, the team from Aberystwyth Business School are seeking contributors for focus groups that will be held at the University in September 2024. Dr Aloysius Igboekwu, Senior Lecturer in Finance at Aberystwyth Business School, was one of the authors of the 2023 reports and is behind the new study into the inadequacy of the digital infrastructure in Ceredigion.…

A man from Neath Port Talbot has been jailed for multiple sexual assaults and possession of indecent images. 65-year-old John Charles, from Briton Ferry, was only identified when his child victim confided in a teacher at school. Five Category A indecent images of children were later found on Charles’s laptop. He has been sentenced to ten years in prison at Swansea Crown Court. Detective Constable Sophie Davies said: “John Charles totally took advantage of his defenceless child victim to carry out a series of abhorrent sexual assaults. “He clearly posed a huge risk to others, particularly children, so it is…

During a recent visit to Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm, the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies had an opportunity to learn more about the wonders of bugs, the role they play in our lives and what humans can do to help them. Located near St Davids, Dr Beynon’s Bug Farm is an innovative and unique research and visitor centre, farm and nature reserve which has a Tropical Bug Zoo, Bug Museum, British Bug House, Insect Farming Exhibition, Farm Trails and a Walled Garden. During his visit, the Cabinet Secretary had the opportunity to see how Welsh…

NEATH PORT TALBOT Council aims to ensure all local children get the best start in life, residents enjoy long, healthy lives with well paid, green jobs and the area becomes a destination of choice for living, working and leisure. These ambitious well-being objectives are at the core of the council’s Corporate Plan 2024-2027, Working towards a more prosperous, fairer and greener NPT. The plan, approved by the council at its meeting on Friday, July 26th, 2024, details the council’s ambitions and the actions now needed to be take with residents, businesses and other partners to achieve them. However, a report…

A by-law which helps control where pet owners and their animals can visit on Swansea Bay, is being reviewed, to help meet the future needs of all beachgoers. Swansea Council wants to hear from dog-owners and other beach users about the current restrictions, which are in place between the months of May and September and are there to ensure dogs and their owners only visit dog-friendly sections of the bay. The by-law has been in place since 1991 and has helped ensure dog-owners can access the beach and also ensures families that are nervous around animals can go to sections…

Three men from Swansea have been jailed for their involvement in illegal drug activity. 31-year-old Benjamin Simons, from Portmead, and 33-year-old Leon Simons, from Blaenymaes, were arrested following the execution of four Section 8 warrants, during which large quantities of cocaine – 1.7kg – and cash – were recovered. Scales for measuring drugs and a large knife were also found during the warrants. A Fforestfach unit used by the brothers was found to contain items including a hydraulic cocaine press, a jet ski and quad bikes. Leon and Benjamin Simons have each been sentenced to six years in prison at…