Author: Rhys Gregory

A man from Rhondda Cynon Taf has been handed a 16-year sentence for the sexual abuse of children. Gary Hayes, 61, of Garth Street, Taff’s Well, was found guilty of indecent and sexual assault of four children, all under the age of 13, between April 2002 and September 2016. He was sentenced to the following: 16 years in prison Registered sex offender for life Indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order Indefinite restraining orders against all four victims Detective Inspector Owain Morrison said: “Firstly my thoughts remain with the victims and their families having gone through such a terrible ordeal. “Gary Hayes…

As schools break for the summer holidays, Transport for Wales has issued a stark warning to young people about the dangers of trespassing on the railway. No Second Chances – a rail safety campaign launched by TfW last year – has successfully reduced trespassing on the valley railway lines by 45% (latest figures from TfW Annual Report 23/24), with TfW continuing to work hard to drive down trespasser numbers. The campaign has delivered rail safety workshops to more than 20,000 young people at 150 schools across Wales, a live exhibition in Cardiff and the valleys visited by over 750 young…

The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Planning Committee has granted permission for 90 temporary units of accommodation on the former Eagleswell School site in Llantwit Major for a fixed period. The units are a mix of single and two storey homes for use by couples and families either fleeing the war in Ukraine or already on the Council’s housing waiting list, with the first residents set to move in later this summer. Originally, it was anticipated that the new temporary homes would be used exclusively for Ukrainian refugees. However, as time has passed it now appears the site will have extra…

Neath Port Talbot Council has passed a motion calling on its Leader Cllr Steve Hunt to write a letter of serious concern to the UK and Welsh Governments over funding for local councils. The cross-party motion was taken at a full meeting of Neath Port Talbot Council on Friday, July 26th, 2024. It follows advice from Welsh Government that local authorities in Wales should plan for NO increase in Revenue Support Grant (the money given by Welsh Government to councils to run services) in the next financial year. The motion says the letter from Cllr Hunt should express serious concern…

Works are due to start on the final phase of the South Quay Development in Pembroke. This project includes visitor attraction, new library and café, restored and enhanced historic gardens within the burgage plots and the Pembroke Hwb, offering support services and community facilities to Pembroke and the south of the county of Pembrokeshire. Due to the extensive works there will be a requirement to close South Quay Car Park from Monday, 12th August to allow for construction works to begin on the South Quay regeneration projects. Access will be maintained to the slipway with the road being diverted to…

After almost three years in the making, the National Eisteddfod for Wales is almost about to open its gates to Rhondda Cynon Taf and the whole of Wales. The National Eisteddfod has been working closely with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to deliver what is planned to be a very special Eisteddfod in the heart of Pontypridd. During Eisteddfod week, an expected 160,000 visitors will visit Rhondda Cynon Taf and Pontypridd, supporting local businesses. The boost to the local economy during this week is expected to be up to £16 million. Over a number of years, the Eisteddfod has been engaging…

Caerphilly County Borough Council Cabinet have approved a report to allocate further funding towards the councils ambitious Place Shaping programme. The council’s capital investment programme aims to enhance local infrastructure and community facilities through its ambitious Place Shaping Programme, a part of the wider Mobilising Team Caerphilly transformation work. This initiative focuses on delivering vital capital projects, aiming to create thriving communities and sustainable development for the future. Specifically, cabinet have now agreed to utilise £9.21m of unallocated capital funding to support the progression of several exciting projects, including: Plasyfelin Primary School Ysgol Y Lawnt and Upper Rhymney Primary School…

In 2019, Blaina RFC and Blaina Cricket Club took the bold decision to merge and take over the running of their sports ground in a Community Asset Transfer. The newly formed Blaina Community Sports Club. Five years on, Central Park Blaina is looking great. In addition to activities on the pitch, they also host many community activities and private functions. They provide employment for 4 staff members and make every effort to operate both efficiently and profitably. The club felt it was now the right time to remodel their pavilion to enable them to make better use of the space.…

A once-neglected patch of land at TogetherWORKS in Caldicot has blossomed into a vibrant community garden, thanks to the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers. Flower beds and thriving vegetable plots now grace this green haven, inviting everyone to come, sit, and enjoy. The Caldicot Community Garden is more than just a place to grow plants. It’s a hub for community connection. Visitors are invited to sip coffee among the colourful blooms, while community groups and passersby find solace in this peaceful oasis. Whether you’re seeking tranquillity or a spot to savour your lunch, the garden welcomes all. To honour the…

A project to renovate and bring a Victorian-era building back into active use has received grant funding in Rhyl. The former Post Office building in the heart of the town centre has been vacant for almost a decade and its condition has continued to decline year on year. The renovation project will see the creation of quality ground floor commercial and retail space as well as two residential one-bedroom apartments. The two units will comply with Welsh Development Quality Requirements (WDQR) 2021 as well as Lifetime Home Standards, ensuring that the homes are modern, energy efficient and affordable. Up to…