Author: Rhys Gregory

Three British nationals have been arrested and 36 firearms seized as part of joint Spanish National Police and National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation. Armed officers deployed to 36-year-old Anthony Finnigan’s property in Murcia, Spain, on 20 June. Finnigan is suspected of being part of a British organised crime group, based in the Murcia area, responsible for trafficking class A drugs through Spain to the UK. He emerged from the property accompanied by another British national, Hasan Topal, 35, and a firearm was discharged in the direction of the attending officers. Warning shots were then fired by the officers and both…

A Neath Port Talbot man has been jailed following conviction for multiple cases of stalking and harassment. 38-year-old Neal Hancock, from Sandfields, was previously handed a restraining order preventing him from contacting his victims, which he subsequently breached. As a result, he has now been sentenced to 46 weeks in prison. Inspector Jared Easton said: “Neal Hancock is a serial stalking offender who has made the lives of numerous victims a misery through his unacceptable behaviour. “He displayed an obsession with his victims, leaving them fearing for their safety.” Stalking and harassment are offences under the Protection from Harassment Act…

Two newly refurbished sports facilities have opened in Talbot Memorial Park, Port Talbot, and Parc Siencyn Powell, Cwmafan as part of a partnership project. Funded by Neath Port Talbot Council and Sport Wales, these new facilities are now open to the public, providing spaces for tennis, netball, and basketball. The previously underutilised areas have undergone a £167,000 revamp, which includes: Resurfacing of the games areas and improved drainage. New court markings set to governing body standards. New court furnishings including tennis nets, and basketball and netball hoops. New perimeter fencing. Improved wheelchair accessibility. Councillor Cen Phillips, Cabinet Member for Nature,…

Newport City Council has welcomed the publication of a report which sets out potential future growth opportunities for the city’s creative sector. The Creative Industries Cluster Hub Impact Report (Un, dau, tri: Steps towards developing a framework to support regional creative clusters), written by Cardiff University’s Centre for the Creative Economy, sets out the findings of a demonstrator pilot project to develop cultural hubs and the creative industries in Newport, Monmouthshire and Rhondda Cynon Taf. The project followed on from the learnings of Clwstwr, a creative industry cluster hub established in Cardiff from 2018-2023. Newport’s pilot was centred around providing business…

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Local Government and Planning recently visited the Bush housing scheme in Sketty, Swansea. The scheme is being developed by Coastal Housing Group and will see the creation of 13 new affordable homes for social rent. The homes will include 13 two-person one-bedroom flats. A new dedicated car park for residents is also being built and will include dedicated disability spaces for the first time. Coastal are also exploring whether secure bike storage and EV charging facilities can also be offered as part of their commitment to environmental sustainability The scheme has received more than £1.7m…

The First Minister has announced the appointment of Rhian Bowen-Davies as the new Older People’s Commissioner for Wales Rhian is recognised as an expert chair of Domestic Homicide Reviews involving older people and was Wales’ first National Adviser for Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence. She will take up the post in September, when Heléna Herklots’ term as Commissioner comes to an end. In 2008, Wales became the first country in the world to appoint an Older People’s Commissioner. The Commissioner has a range of legal powers to help safeguard and promote the interests of older people. The…

CARDIFF Bay’s leading entertainment venue, The Red Dragon Centre, is hosting a summer market to kick off its summer of fun. Taking place on July 13, the Dragon Bay Summer Market is The Red Dragon Centre’s first venture with Green Top Markets. Located inside the Centre, the market will welcome up to 20 traders and local makers selling gifts, cheeses, breads and more. Green Top Markets host food and craft markets in south Wales to promote local produce and creating a community hub within a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The event promises to be an action-packed day for all the family…

The former Tonypandy Police Station complete with cells is up for sale. Details of the  ex-South Wales constabulary premises on Dunraven Street, Tonypandy, have been taken down. And Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions are now distributing the particulars in their search for a buyer. The building has history. A date carved into the front of the Rhondda Valley building, 1876, shows the former police station was operating at the time of the ‘Tonypandy Riots’ of 1910. Then local and drafted in police, and troops called up by Winston Churchill, clashed with miners in a bitter dispute over wages. Debra Bisley, of…

Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) is co-sponsoring the Science & Technology Village (SaTV) at the 2024 National Eisteddfod along with the University of South Wales (USW). The National Eisteddfod is one of Europe’s biggest cultural festivals, attracting 170,000 people each year to celebrate Wales’ culture and language, while looking to the future with science and technology – this is also the first time the festival has taken place in Pontypridd since 1893. The Science & Technology Village is a firm fixture in the festival, attracting 60,000 visitors each year with a large iconic Dome that seats 100 people. CCR will be…

Dwr Cymru Welsh Water have submitted new proposals for a water treatment works at Merthyr Tydfil. Following a consultation with the local community the previous plan to develop a site at Gurnos Farm is no longer being considered. The new proposals are for a smaller treatment works at Dan-y-Castell Farm next to Pant Industrial Estate and upgrading the Llwyn-onn Treatment Works. The plans have been revised in response to community feedback and to reduce environmental impact and cost. The investment is needed as three water treatment works in the area, Pontsticill, Cantref and Llwyn-onn, are ageing and nearing the end of their operational life. A…