Author: Rhys Gregory

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…

Cardiff’s City Hospice has received a cheque for £1,000, becoming the latest recipient of Persimmon Homes East Wales’ Community Champions scheme. This year, City Hospice celebrates 40 years of caring for Cardiff with home-based specialist palliative care for patients suffering from cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. This donation will go towards supporting more patients and families. The consultant-led clinical team at the Hospice consists of doctors, specialist palliative care nurses, welfare rights officers, social workers, occupational therapists and bereavement counsellors. Over 100 patients per month are referred to the charity and it costs over £2.3 million to fund its services.…

Aldi is currently looking to recruit for 130 store colleagues in Wales. In a welcome boost to the local economy, the UK’s fourth largest supermarket is looking for people of all levels of experience to fill roles at its stores across the region. This includes both full-time and part-time positions such as Store Cleaner and Store Assistant, all the way up to Deputy Store Manager. Stores in Wales where Aldi is looking to hire include Cardiff, Swansea and Bangor. Kelly Stokes, Recruitment Director at Aldi UK, said: “As we continue to open in new areas, we’re looking to welcome hundreds…

The Friends of Fishpond Park community group in Panteg have given a new lease of life to the fishpond with help from Bron Afon’s Pitch4Pounds scheme.  The group, which looks after the pond as part of their responsibilities for maintaining certain areas of the park, successfully bid for £1000 of funding from the scheme in April.  Wendy Woods, secretary of Friends of Fishpond Park, said, “It was a lot of work over many months but all worth it for the end result. It’s all working really well and it’s lovely to see and feel the spray from the fountain.  It…