Author: Rhys Gregory

A POPULAR television actress voiced support for a new initiative celebrating past pupils at her former secondary school. Coronation Street star Kimberly Hart-Simpson has given her backing to Rhyl High School’s alumni network, which launched this week. Kimberly, who also appeared in shows including Hollyoaks and Brassic and has her own successful fashion business, hopes the organisation will inspire present and future generations of learners at the school. Congratulating headteacher Claire Armitstead and staff for utilising the experience, talent, and platform of its ex-students, she said: “There are many former Rhyl High School pupils who will inspire the next generation…

James Technical Services (JTS), one of the UK’s few remaining manufacturers of environmental test chambers, has transitioned into Employee Ownership (EO) via an employee ownership trust (EOT) nearly 30 years since it was founded. Established in Talgarth near Brecon by Glen and Sue James in 1995, the business started with engineer and designer Glen refurbishing second hand chambers, and Sue looking after company finances and business development. Three decades on, JTS employs 10 people from its purpose-built factory and makes test chambers that can re-produce the harshest of environmental conditions, temperatures, humidity and vibration serving industries including aerospace, automotive, pharma…

ake Taylor, 18, from Pontypool, and Benjamin Grandon, 22, from Oakdale, Caerphilly, have both been disqualified from driving after a car meet in the car park of the Tesco store at Culverhouse Cross. On Sunday, June 18, 2023, two cars were identified by drone, performing doughnuts in the Tesco car park and nearly colliding with other cars. Following further enquiries, the drivers were identified as Taylor and Grandon. Benjamin Grandon appeared before Cardiff Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving.  He was sentenced on February 12, 2024 and was disqualified from driving for 12 months. He will then…

Comprehensive plans to enhance and increase Additional Learning Needs provision by more than 100 new formal places city-wide, could take place from September 2024 if agreed by Cardiff Council’s Cabinet. The proposals acknowledge the growing population of learners with complex learning needs, autism spectrum conditions and emotional health and wellbeing needs, and look to address the increased demand for specialist placements for primary and secondary age learners. They include: establishing a new 8 place Specialist Resource Base (SRB) for Emotional Health and Wellbeing at Baden Powell Primary School from September 2024 within the existing buildings. establishing an 8 place SRB…

Neath Port Talbot Shopmobility is introducing an Aberavon Seafront mobility scooter service for the first time and is also offering to make life easier for customers with a new door-to-door pick-up initiative. The two new services are available to registered users of the scheme from this week. For the pick-up service, Neath Port Talbot Shopmobility users are now able to book a car to bring them to the mobility scooters. Users will also be able to book a return journey at the same time. There will be a small charge for this door-to-door service, the cost being dependent on where…

RCT Council has received planning consent for the next two elements of the Rhondda Fach Active Travel Route – to build local community links in Maerdy, and upgrade the existing community route between Ferndale and Tylorstown. The Rhondda Fach Active Travel Route will create a 10km pedestrian and cycle path between Maerdy and Tylorstown, across five phases. Phase one is complete, from a location north of the industrial estate in Maerdy to a point near the Gateway Memorial. Phase two is substantially complete, resuming the route through Maerdy, heading 1.5km south along the former railway line alignment. Separate applications, seeking…

This week councillors at Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen Council agreed to become the first local authorities in Wales to share a Chief Executive Officer. At a special meeting of Blaenau Gwent Council yesterday it was unanimously agreed by councillors for the Council to work more closely with Torfaen Council, and to share a Chief Executive Officer responsible for both authorities. This followed unanimous approval at a full meeting of Torfaen Council held on Tuesday. The current Chief Executive of Torfaen, Stephen Vickers, will fulfil this role across both Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent for an initial period of up to nine…

Minister for Social Care Dawn Bowden heard from young carers during Carers’ Week about the importance of being identified, as a first step to accessing support in school. There are more than 22,500 young carers and young adult carers in Wales –almost two carers in every classroom. A third of carers under 25 report struggling to balance their caring responsibilities with school, college, or university work. Some young carers spend up to 50 hours per week looking after a family member with an illness or disability. Minister for Social Care, Dawn Bowden said: “It is important schools and colleges are…

A Wrexham supporter has been issued with a five-year Football Banning Order for disorder-related offences at an away game. Lewis James Hallam, 31, of Hampden Road, Wrexham appeared at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 6 June. He pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour whilst attending Wrexham’s League Two fixture against Accrington Stanley on 18 November, 2023. Prior to his arrest by Lancashire Police offices, Hallam was witnessed being verbally abusive towards Accrington fans before kicking and pushing other supporters. Hallam, who has previous convictions for football-related disorder, will now be prohibited from attending matches for five years. Superintendent Simon Barrasford…

Kieffer Moore could rejoin Cardiff City from Bournemouth this summer as The Bluebirds renew their interest in the Wales international. Moore was Cardiff City manager Erol Bulut’s top target in January, but a move failed to materialise. The striker instead joined Ipswich Town on loan from Bournemouth and played a central role in their Premier League promotion push. The 31-year-old has been linked with a return to Cardiff City in the last two transfer windows, and recent reports suggest the club remain interested in him. Their interest is well-founded, given the evident lack of a natural goalscorer in the current…