Author: Rhys Gregory

An innovative new research facility currently under construction at the Tŷ Gwyrddfai decarbonisation hub in Penygroes, north Wales, will unlock the potential to carry out research into more sustainable, cost-efficient and healthy homes. The facility, funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, is being developed through a collaboration between Bangor University, Adra and Busnes@LlandrilloMenai, and constructed on-site at Tŷ Gwyrddfai by Enbloc. Partners are keen to collaborate on research projects with both large companies and SMEs to test their products in a dual controlled environment. The facility will create and maintain two distinct thermal and environmental conditions…

THE academic year is off to a first class start at one of the country’s leading independent schools. St Gerard’s School in Bangor has brought all its pupils – primary and secondary – under the same roof for the first time in its 109-year history. The move follows a summer of huge investment at the Ffriddoedd Road site, including a new car park and toilet block, access, fencing, furniture, and signage, a major overhaul of the roof, and a £150,000 revamped heating system featuring seven state-of-the-art boilers. After securing some of the best GCSE and A Level results in Wales…

A man from Swansea has been handed an extended jail sentence for numerous offences including two counts of attempted rape. 20-year-old Leo Payne, from Bonymaen, was convicted of two counts of attempted rape against two separate victims, as well as one count each of sexual assault, indecent exposure, and GBH. He has this week been handed an extended sentence of 16 years in prison, of which 11 years and three months is custodial. Detective Constable Kelly Hurley said: “Leo Payne preyed upon his victims while they were alone and vulnerable in Swansea city centre. “His repeated offending shows that he…

Police continue to search for Andrew who has been missing from the Shrewsbury area since September 21st. Andrew’s white Audi was located close to Barmouth beach on Saturday evening. He is described to be five foot seven inches tall, has grey spiky short hair and a Japanese style tattoo on his chest. He was last seen wearing grey joggers and a black hoody. Superintendent Llinos Davies said: “We are supporting Andrew’s family who are deeply concerned for his whereabouts. “I am appealing for anyone who was in the area of the breakwater or estuary in Barmouth between 5pm until 9pm…

Work has been carried out at a Rhyl reserve to improve the area for local nature and residents. Denbighshire Countryside Services and volunteers supported by Nature for Health have carried out an age-old technique to help build stronger habitats for nature and improve community experience at Brickfield Pond Nature Reserve. Rangers and volunteers have started hedge laying at the site due to moving into the prime time of the year to carry out the by-gone skill. The site has seen ongoing development work which has opened up a new community orchard and pond, improvements to the walkways, removal of dead…

New funding support for Cardiff’s grassroots music venues has been announced by Cardiff Council as part of its ‘Cardiff Music City’ work to help protect and enhance the city’s music scene, which also sees the first ever Cardiff Music City Festival begin later this week. The fund, which is open to all grassroots venues in the city, offers capital grants of up to £10,000 towards venue improvements. Council Leader and Chair of Cardiff Music Board, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: “Cardiff’s grassroots venues play a vital role in the city’s music scene. They provide important opportunities for local artists to develop…

NEATH INDOOR MARKET has welcomed an exciting new store which has been officially opened by the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Steve Hunt. Goblin Box stocks historical model kits with settings ranging from the Roman era up to World War Two. The new stall will also sell tools and paints needed to get started with the hobby and will be local stockists of Warlord Games. The stall opened its doors to the public in a launch event at the market on Friday, September 20th, 2024 in which Cllr Hunt opened a ceremonial ribbon. The new arrival will not…

A cherished woodland in the heart of Magor and Undy is set to undergo a restoration project to enhance its ecological health, accessibility, and community value. Mill Common serves as a crucial green corridor for the local community. However, it faces significant challenges, including extensive ash dieback, overcrowded veteran trees, and degraded paths and steps. This initiative, supported by The Woodland Investment Grant (TWIG) administered by the National Heritage Lottery Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government, will serve as a flagship site for the National Forest for Wales and promises to rejuvenate this vital green space for future generations.…

More than 800 farm business have applied for a share of over £20 million from two support schemes. In April, The Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, confirmed two funding schemes to support investment in on farm infrastructure, which will help to improve soil, air and water quality, build resilience to the potential impact of climate change and reach compliance with the Water Resources Regulations. Both schemes are designed to enable farmers to improve slurry management by providing support for additional storage capacity and/or prevent rainwater entering slurry stores to reduce storage capacity requirement. A high…

Local businesses are set to benefit from new multi-gigabit-full fibre speeds as part of a deal agreed between Ogi and Caerphilly County Borough Council. The Tredomen Business and Technology Park is home to some 30 local businesses from law firms to accountancy practices and innovative tech startups. Through the deal, Ogi has completed the install of a new bespoke ‘Ogi Pro’ full fibre business network at the business park – leveraging its £5million network build in nearby Hengoed. Offering affordable business-grade connectivity up to 8Gbps from day one, with capacity to increase as demand grows. As part of the plans…