Author: Rhys Gregory

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…

Ammanford-based Augustus Payroll Services is celebrating the acquisition of Payroll Compliance Ltd thanks to the legal advice and guidance of Peter Lynn and Partners Solicitors. Led by James Lewis-Hyndman and Rob Cherry, the two lawyers were able to complete the transaction within a two-week time frame, facilitating a smooth transition for both the new owners and the client base that was being transferred across. “James and Rob were fantastic,” said Kay Augustus, owner of Augustus Payroll Services.  “We had a very tight timescale to complete the purchase, however, they were more than up to the task which allowed us to…

A terraced cottage in the south Wales valleys village of less than 1000 people sold for three times its guide price at auction. The stone built end terrace house in the village of Blaenllechau, nestling in the Rhondda Fach valley, is surrounded by breathtaking views in Rhondda Cynon Taff. Listed with a guide price of £19,000-plus, 20 Aberdare Road, was sold by Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions for £62,000. Angie Davey, of Paul Fosh Auctions,  said: “Although the three bedroom house does require full renovation it attracted a huge amount of interest. We had nine different bidders placing 73 bids for…