Author: Rhys Gregory

Bridgend County Borough Council is embarking on a ground breaking project to address hate graffiti across the county borough, through the use of the newly developed StreetSnap App from Swansea University. The initiative positions the council and its partners at the forefront in aligning with Welsh Government’s Anti-racist Wales Action Plan to create a “Wales where everyone is respected and valued and where we can enjoy and celebrate our differences”.  The project is funded by a SMART Partnership between Swansea University, Bridgend County Borough Council, and Welsh Government.  At this stage, the StreetSnap App will be used by practitioners from…

CITY residents are set to have their say on plans that will see around an extra £15m spent on council services in the next financial year. Consultation has opened on Swansea Council’s budget proposals that will go to full council for a final decision in March. Swansea has secured an increase on its budget for 2024/25 from the Welsh Government of around £15.3m or 3.7% which will help the council support residents through the tough times ahead. However, Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council warned that 22 local councils in Wales were getting only an extra £165m between them this…

Work will soon begin to deliver a significant repair and improvement scheme to Bodringallt Bridge, which carries the A4058 in Ystrad. Minimal disruption to the main road or the wider community is expected during the work. The scheme will infill the void beneath the bridge, ensuring the bridge deck no longer functions as a structural element. Additional improvements will reprofile the embankment slope, install a highway drainage system, repaint the metal parapet and remove vegetation. The masonry approach wall and wing walls will be repointed, while the western approach wall will be demolished/rebuilt. Work will begin from Monday, January 15,…

Presteigne and Norton becomes the first community in Wales and mainland England to be designated as an International Dark Sky Place by DarkSky International. This achievement represents a unique collaboration between the local community, Presteigne and Norton Town Council, Powys County Council and Dark Source Lighting Design Studio, to pursue a dark sky ambition through tackling light pollution. Mayor of Presteigne and Norton Town Council and Powys County Council local member, Cllr Beverley Baynham said, “The whole community in Presteigne and Norton are delighted to learn that our six-year campaign to become a dark sky community has been successful. “It has…

After four years and two trials, five men have been jailed after running a highly organised class A drug operation. It began in April 2020 when police officers stopped Sameh Mohamed, 24, in Swansea following reports of drug dealing in the area. When he was searched drugs were recovered and he was arrested. A further search of his home resulted in Sulieman Miskry, 30, being found there along with cash, cannabis, ketamine, cocaine, mobile phones and paraphernalia associated with drug supply. Both men were posing as students at Swansea University and were supplying drugs to the student population in the…

A man who lured a woman into his vehicle by pretending to be a taxi driver before locking the doors and launching a sexual assault on his victim has been jailed. 45-year-old Andras Jancso, from Llanelli, has been sentenced to six years in prison at Swansea Crown Court (Friday 12th January 2024) for kidnapping and sexual assault. In the early hours of Sunday 2nd July 2023, the victim was looking to return home after a night out in Swansea with friends. She entered what she believed to be a taxi – the vehicle was parked in a taxi rank area…

A business in Rhuallt, Denbighshire is an export success story, exporting to over 15 countries, including Germany, France and New Zealand, and is now setting its sights on further growth.           Fifth Wheel designs and builds luxury fifth wheel caravan tourers, and is the only manufacturer of EU compliant fifth wheel tourers in Europe. Exports currently account for 50 per cent of its trade and the company plan to increase this figure further. The company’s export success has been backed by support from the Welsh Government’s export specialists.  They also work with local colleges to provide experience to students. Minister…

Powys-based charity, Ponthafren has received a significant donation from two-local businesses following a year of fundraising events. Teams from sister companies SJ Roberts Construction and Lowfield Timber Frames, both based in Lowfield near Welshpool, undertook a series of fundraising events during 2023 that included both the Welshpool and Newtown 10k runs, Brynkinalt Running Festival, Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon, Oswestry 10k and a series of bike events. In doing so, they raised £3,500 which will support the charity in its provision of positive mental health support services across mid-Wales. Managing Director of SJ Roberts Construction, Mike Sambrook, commented: “The dedication that…

Wales is stepping up as a leader in the transition to renewable energy, and solar power is at the heart of this green revolution. With an increasing number of households and businesses embracing solar energy, the expertise of top solar panel installers, such as Glow Green, is in high demand. This shift towards sustainable energy is not only environmentally crucial but also economically beneficial, marking a significant step in Wales’ journey towards a sustainable future. The growing appeal of solar energy in Wales The adoption of solar energy in Wales is fueled by its abundant benefits. It’s an environmentally friendly…

With more than £3 million to his name in prize money over the past five National Hunt seasons, Vale of Glamorgan racehorse trainer Evan Williams is no stranger to winning. His CV is long and illustrious, although unexpectedly he has just one victory to his name at perhaps British racing’s premier event: the Cheltenham Festival. That came way back in 2008, so that’s definitely an itch that the Llancarfan handler wants to scratch. And he might have a chance to do exactly that in 2024 courtesy of a jet-propelled maiden hurdler… Cruise Control In his two wins to date, Minella Missile…