Author: Rhys Gregory

REVOLUTIONARY new seismology software will shake up the way organisations measure footfall and have a positive impact on town centre regeneration. Menter Môn trialled the innovative Raspberry Shake wireless technology as part of the wider Patrwm Smart Places project at last summer’s National Eisteddfod, held in Boduan, Gwynedd. Created by software development pioneers Kodergarten, sensors were placed in strategic areas locally, including the neighbouring towns and villages of Abersoch, Nefyn, Pwllheli, Y Ffor and Y Maes at the Eisteddfod itself. Ahead of the country’s first ever Smart Towns Cymru conference in Wrexham this Friday (March 15), results have revealed significant…

Chronic kidney disease is one of the leading causes of death in the world and affects more than 10% of the population in the UK. In fact, figures show that there are over 93,722 people diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in Wales alone. Although there are multiple treatments for chronic kidney disease, like a transplant and dialysis, it’s a lifelong condition and there is no cure. That is why this World Kidney Day (14 March) event organisers Run 4 Wales are raising awareness of the support available to families and research happening in Wales. Kidney Wales is the leading kidney…

A Cardiff man who went on the run in March 2020 has been jailed for 12 years. James Dean Connors from Splott was the principal member of an Organised Crime Group (OCG) involved in the supply of Class A drugs. The OCG was discovered when a mobile phone was found at the scene of a road traffic collision involving an off-road bike in St Mellons, Cardiff, in June 2018. The phone, which was handed into police by a member of the public, contained drug dealing messages and photographs of a block of white powder, believed to be a kilo of…

The wraps are starting to come off an historic Swansea building that’s being saved for future generations. The 138-year-old Palace Theatre building has been wrapped in protective covers for more than two years as the council continues to sensitively restore the structure. A restored entrance door is now visible along with glimpses of expertly refreshed stonework through the tall scaffolding that’ll come down in the coming weeks. Council leader Rob Stewart said: “This is a welcoming new view of the Palace as it starts to emerge from the sheeting that’s been in place recently. “The project is on track to be…

Wales will be taking on Italy on Saturday 16 March at Principality Stadium. With the kick-off taking place at 2.15pm – there will be a full city centre road closure from 10.15am until 6.15pm to ensure all ticket holders can get into and out of the stadium safely. The M4 motorway is expected to be very busy – please plan ahead – and avoid the congestion in Cardiff by using the park & ride at the former Toy’s R Us site car park in the Sports Village. Gates open at 12pm, those attending the rugby match are strongly advised to…

Two ladies who worked as codebreakers at the top secret Bletchley Park mansion during the Second World War have celebrated their 100th birthdays at a joint party in Port Talbot. Mrs Gwenfron Picken who was 100 on February 29th, 2024 and Mrs Kath Morris who reached her centenary a week later on March 7th, are both from Port Talbot but Mrs Morris now lives in a care home in Neath. During the dark days of World War Two, both worked in the iconic huts and blocks of Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire, a Victorian mansion which housed the Government Code and…

Pembrokeshire County Council licensing officers were out with officers from the LA’s Integrated Transport Unit again this week checking vehicle safety. Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Enforcement officers joined the joint operation to spot check licensed taxis and buses after dropping off learners at Pembrokeshire College. The checks resulted in five vehicles licences being suspended for not meeting licence standards. All larger passenger carrying vehicles (PVC), including buses and coaches, all passed the inspections carried out by the DVSA with no reported faults. This follows a similar operation in late January at Portfield School where Dyfed-Powys Police assisted in…

Users of the Lady Windsor Cycle Route between Ynysybwl and Pontypridd will notice improvement works being delivered next week. The Council has secured funding from Welsh Government’s Active Travel Fund, and will invest in important upgrades across the shared route and its links. The work will start in the week commencing Monday, March 18 – and will last around 10 days in total. The route will remain open throughout with the path being temporarily widened at some of the work locations, where this is necessary to ensure safety. A range of improvements will be delivered – including resurfacing works and…

Caerphilly County Borough Council has announced plans which could transform secondary education in the Upper Rhymney Valley over the next few years. A special Board of experts have been considering options for the future of single sex education, as well as looking at the impact of surplus places on the current school configuration in the area. Caerphilly is the only council area in Wales to still operate single sex comprehensive schools – one at Lewis Girls School in Ystrad Mynach and the other at Lewis School Pengam. The Board agreed to explore ways in which families can be brought together…

The opening of a new market development in the heart of Caerphilly town centre is to be postponed. Despite the best efforts of all parties, the significant rainfall in recent weeks has impacted construction of the market and a difficult decision has been made to delay the launch, which was due to take place on Friday 15th March. Following consultation with the market operator, a revised opening date is anticipated in early April to allow the final works to be completed to the high standards expected of an exciting project such as this. An official launch event will follow. “The…