Author: Rhys Gregory

Popham Kidney Support, the Swansea-based kidney charity, unveiled plans for further growth and expansion at its annual Supporters Thanks. The charity’s employees, volunteers, supporters, and partners attended the annual event, held at the Mercure Hotel, Swansea, on Wednesday 18th December. In 2023, its tenth year in operation, the charity surpassed a significant milestone, accumulating over £800,000 in funds raised since its inception and is projecting that figure to reach £1 million by March 2024. It also supported nearly 4,000 people affected by kidney disease this year, including facilitating a record 59 grants totalling £7,320, helping its service users combat the…

The next phase of Porthcawl’s ongoing regeneration will begin next week with the installation of the first of several new pedestrian crossings. The crossing work is being undertaken by Aldi as part of a package of highway, pedestrian and cycleway improvements that Bridgend County Borough Council negotiated while granting permission for the development of a new food store at nearby Salt Lake. It will be constructed at the Portway where it will form part of the council’s efforts to ensure that shoppers and visitors will be able to move freely and enjoy quick, convenient access between Salt Lake and the…

Cardiff residents are being urged to take part in a far-reaching budget consultation which could see services cut and charges increased as the council looks to find £30.5m to balance the books in 2024/25 amidst a public sector funding crisis. Several factors including inflation, demand pressures, and expected pay increases for teachers, carers and other public sector workers, mean the council’s budget for delivering day-to-day services like education, social care, refuse collection, parks and libraries is set to cost £56m more next year than it will this year. Welsh Government’s recently announced 4.1% grant uplift for Cardiff – less than…

A new round of funding has opened for schemes aimed at boosting Swansea’s rural communities. 5pm on Friday January 19 is the deadline for applications forming part of the council’s rural anchor project being funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. More than £100,000 is available, with projects aimed at aiding biodiversity particularly welcome. All schemes will be considered equally if they support themes such as the rural economy and visitor experience, natural environment and climate emergency, innovation, and health and well-being. Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration, Events and Tourism, said: “Through…

Seventeen organisations have received UK Shared Prosperity Fund (Levelling Up) backed grants, totalling more than £420,000, to help them improve Powys communities. The awards from the Making a Difference in Powys Fund were made by Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO), on behalf of the Powys Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) Local Partnership. The projects that have received funding include one that will create art and deliver art events in association with the 2024 Urdd National Eisteddfod, which will be hosted in Meifod, and another to set up and promote heritage trails in Ystradgynlais linked to the renowned Jewish artist and…

Officers searching for Joshua Shaw are appealing for the public to come forward with any information, no matter how insignificant they may think it is. Joshua, 23, was last seen by police officers when he entered the river Taff around 6.05pm on Wednesday December 27. When last seen he was wearing a grey hoodie, dark coloured bottoms, and white trainers. Chief Inspector Matt Rowlands, of South Wales Police, said: “It is now a week since Josh was last seen and we have been carrying out extensive searches of the river between Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay. “Specialist officers continue to undertake…

Barry drug dealers have been jailed after being found with over 60kg of illegal drugs. Watch the moment where on 15th July 2023 officers executed warrants on Porthkerry Road, Barry, where 50kg of amphetamine were seized and a large amount of cannabis. Further searches were conducted at a house linked to Daniel David (left) and Nathan Mckernan where large amounts of cannabis and cash was seized. Nearly 10kg of cannabis was seized during the investigation. Mobile phones seized during the investigation also contained incriminating messages indicative of drug supply. Both men were arrested, charged and remanded for possession with intent…

A man who died following an assault in Tonypandy on Monday 1 January has been named as Conall Evans, aged 30, from Pentre. Conall’s family have paid the following tribute.“Conall was a very well-loved son, brother and family member and he will be dearly missed.” Officers investigating the assault have since charged two men with murder. Ashley Davies, 30 from Pentre, and Dewi Morgan 24 from Tonypandy. Both men will be appearing at Merthyr Magistrates Court on Thursday January 4. Detective Chief Inspector Paul Raikes, “I want to thank the community for their support and patience with us as we…

Cadw’s ambitious five-year programme of essential conservation works at the iconic Tintern Abbey will be the focus of BBC2’s Digging for Britain on Thursday 4 January. Tintern’s greatest glory, the Gothic Church, has stood on the banks of the River Wye for over 700 years. Over the centuries, the weather has eroded the soft medieval stonework and a large-scale conservation project is now underway to preserve the monument and make it safe for visitors. Archaeological investigations began on site in the summer to help inform the conservation works, which will address natural erosion and weathering. This includes historical research, surveys, detailed…

Emergency Departments and Minor Injury Units in Wales to get share of £2.7m to enhance environments for better patient and staff experience – the Welsh Government has announced The split funding will support different proposals submitted by every health board in Wales for wide ranging matters such as, improved accessibility, better access to information, infection prevention and control measures, enhanced safety and security, adaptations to better utilise space, and general estate improvements. This investment will see the creation of waiting areas and an increased number of assessment and treatment cubicles – helping to boost Emergency Department and Minor Injury Unit…