Author: Rhys Gregory

Councils across Wales will receive an increase in their funding next year. Core revenue funding for local government will increase by 3.1% on a like-for-like basis, compared to the current year. No local authority will receive less than a 2% increase. Schools, social services and social care, refuse and recycling collections and other key services provided by local authorities will be backed with £5.7 billion in Welsh Government Revenue Support Grant and non-domestic rates. This settlement reflects the government’s commitment to protect the services we all rely on every day, meaning there have been some difficult decisions to radically redesign…

A new innovative procurement service launched by Cardiff Council, Ardal, has strengthened its team with the appointment of Gemma Ellis as Senior Category Manager, who will oversee its collaborative procurement partnership with Monmouthshire County Council, Torfaen County Borough Council, and the Vale of Glamorgan Council. Ardal was formed to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving procurement landscape and to provide solutions in line with Welsh Government legislation, including the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the Social Partnership and Public Procurement (Wales) Act 2023. Gemma will oversee all category teams, approximately 25-30 people, including those engaged on…

A local developer has donated a grand to a youth football team in Cardiff as part of its Community Champions scheme. Persimmon Homes East Wales, the company behind the St Edeyrns development in the north-east of the city, presented Pentwyn Dynamos Under 12s with its cheque at its training site. It has used the funds to purchase new kits for the players, which Persimmon has sponsored. Pentwyn Dynamos’ U12s has been run by volunteers Natalie Souli – the team manager – and coaches Dean James and Justin Jones since 2019. They have a large squad of players from the Pentwyn…

A specialist centre for people receiving cancer treatment in Swansea has moved to a new home. The Chemotherapy Day Unit, or CDU, at Singleton Hospital has been relocated to a former cardiology ward within the main hospital building. Not only does this provide the potential to expand the service in future it means improved safety for patients, and many more benefits besides. But while the CDU has its new home, it’s lacking a homely feel – so plans are being drawn up to make it look and feel warmer and more welcoming. CDU manager Sue Rowland said: “One of the…

RSPCA Cymru has launched an appeal for information after a Yorkshire Terrier – with a matted coat – was found in Cwmavon. The dog – who has been named Ralph – was found on Saturday 16 December at Brunel Industrial Estate, Cwmavon by a concerned member of the public. He was taken to RSPCA Llys Nini Animal Centre in Penllergaer – where RSPCA animal rescue officer Rohan Barker then took him to a veterinary practice for treatment. Unfortunately a microchip wouldn’t scan and an appeal for information has now been launched to trace his owner. RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben, who…

An overweight butcher who survived two “near death” scares has opened a new shop and won a major award after taking part in a life-changing TV show. Matthew Rees, 46, from Carmarthen, was one of the stars of the FFIT Cymru series on S4C,  which he described as a “gamechanger”. He left his job as an accountant to run the family’s butcher’s shop in Carmarthen market but piled on the weight in the last six years after two serious illnesses. After suffering sepsis four years ago, he had a clot on his lung in 2020 following a  Covid-19 infection and…

A zoo that’s dedicated to conserving endangered animals is also helping to save the planet by feeding them with surplus fruit and veg from supermarkets. The Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay takes delivery of around 1.5 tonnes a week of food from local stores that would otherwise be sent to the rubbish dump. The types of fruit and veg they receive can vary depending on the time of year. During the run-up to Christmas, the consignments feature a lot of Brussel sprouts and carrots which are particular favourites of the zoo’s fallow deer. It’s mainly items that are past…

Musicians from a  world class orchestra brought the magic of Christmas alive for care home residents. The talented duo from the Hallé performed a string of festive favourites as part of an enrichment partnership with the Pendine Park care organisation in Wrexham. Cellist and keyboard player David Petri and violinist Caroline Abbott spread the Yule Tide cheer for the residents of Pendine’s Hillbury and Gwern Alyn care homes. Mrs Elsie Galley, who’s in her 90s, was praised by the professionals for her beautiful voice as she sang along to the Irving Berlin favourite White Christmas and the soulful In the…

Three exciting new courses have been revealed for the 2024 ABP Newport Wales Marathon, Half and 10K.  The event, which will be taking place on Sunday 28th April, has been expanded into a full festival of running. And with the new half marathon distance joining the day, there will be something for every level of ability and ambition.  After engaging with previous participant feedback, several exciting changes have been made with the aim to improve the atmosphere and event experience.  But first-time runners or those looking to secure a PB, don’t need to worry as event organisers, Run 4 Wales,…

The person who died following an assault in a property on Princess Street, Treforest, on Sunday, 17th December, can now be named as 30-year-old Daniel Rae. Detective Superintendent Mark O’Shea who is leading the investigation said: “Our thoughts continue to be with Daniel’s family and friends at this very difficult time, and our specially trained Family Liaison Officers will maintain their contact with the family as our enquiries move forward. “I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the public that this is a contained incident and that at this time there is not believed to be any wider…