Author: Rhys Gregory

A project aimed at increasing the international presence of a Swansea company that manufactures energy efficient heat exchange fluids has won a funding boost. Swansea Council has awarded a Property Development Fund grant to Liquitherm Technologies Group, thanks to funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The Property Development Fund – which is now closed for applications – was aimed at helping businesses with the costs of constructing or expanding buildings for industrial use in Swansea to generate additional employment. Liquitherm – who are fluid specialists for process cooling and hydronic systems – will use the funding to help…

Welsh celebrities including film star Rhys Ifans are helping to celebrate the 10th anniversary of a pioneering project that’s transforming disadvantaged children’s lives through the power of music. More than 500 youngsters aged five to 11 years of age have been learning to make music completely free of charge thanks to Codi’r Tô (Raising the Roof), a community regeneration project working with pupils at Ysgol Maesincla in Caernarfon and Ysgol Glancegin in Bangor. Among those who’ve already recorded videos to wish the project happy birthday are legendary Welsh pop star Dewi Pws Morris, radio and TV presenter Huw Stephens, weather…

Patients having radiotherapy for breast cancer can now do so without a permanent reminder of their treatment for the first time in Wales. The South West Wales Cancer Centre at Swansea’s Singleton Hospital has developed advanced techniques to the point where tattoos used to ensure patients are in the correct position are no longer needed. Treatment outcomes are the same, but it means a huge psychological boost. Studies have shown that 78 per cent of UK people receiving radiotherapy would prefer not to have a tattoo or permanent mark. Some opt to pay for laser tattoo removal after treatment, or…

Following a £500K renovation, The Goat is thrilled to announce its grand opening this week. The newest culinary hotspot located on the Llandudno promenade is bringing a fresh and exciting dining experience to the area. The new restaurant features a brand-new kitchen and its very own wine cellar. It also offers diners a sleek and modern bar and an outdoor area from which to enjoy the beautiful North Welsh coastline. This, combined with a welcoming ambience, allows guests to enjoy a delicious meal in style. Anthony Lichfield of SB4 Group, the contractor used for the extensive project, has said, “We…

Brayden Clarke is hoping to be a guiding light for his Cymru teammates at the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals in Cyprus. Clarke, who is 16, played every minute of the 2023 tournament in Hungary and is the only player from last year’s squad to be selected again. The Arsenal defender is also the first player to represent Cymru at two UEFA U17 EURO finals. And now he wants to pass on his experience to the rest of the group as they get set for their first appearance at a major tournament. “I’m really excited to have another great…

A PIONEERING project which uses cutting-edge technology to help shape town centre regeneration will hit the road this summer. Smart Towns Cymru will host a series of events across Wales beginning in Newport on Thursday (May 16). Having welcomed up to 120 people to its inaugural conference, held at Ty Pawb in Wrexham earlier this year, the programme – delivered by Anglesey and Porthmadog-based Menter Mon – wants to engage with even more businesses and local authorities in Wales. The aim is to bring together key high street decision makers with retailers and relevant parties to help breathe life into…

The live export of animals abroad for fattening and slaughter has finally been banned from Great Britain – in a move the RSPCA has labelled “one of the biggest days for animal welfare in modern history”. On Tuesday, Members of the House of Lords voted in favour of the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill passing the final stage of its parliamentary journey. The law, which will now go on for Royal Assent, will outlaw the export of animals from Great Britain for fattening or slaughter. The RSPCA and its supporters have been campaigning for approximately 100 years to secure an…

A package of measures – designed to improve the lives of young people and the local community in the Cardiff estates of Ely and Caerau – has been agreed by Welsh Government and Cardiff’s Public Services Board. The Plan – aimed at addressing the concerns and improving the lives of residents in the area – was created by the local community, working with the Public Services Board (PSB), which includes Cardiff Council, South Wales Police, and Cardiff and Vale Health Board. Action for Caerau and Ely (ACE) – a local organisation with a long record of supporting the local community…

Pembrokeshire County Council Leader Cllr Jon Harvey has this week named his Cabinet. Cllrs Joshua Beynon and Jacob Williams join the Cabinet for the first time. Cllr Alec Cormack who served as Cabinet Member for Corporate Finance under former Leader Cllr David Simpson has decided to step down from Cabinet duties. Cllr Beynon will be responsible for the Corporate Finance and Efficiencies portfolio while Cllr Williams will be responsible for Planning and Regulatory Services. Cllr Paul Miller will continue as Deputy Leader. Council Leader, Cllr Harvey said: “I am delighted to announce my Cabinet which retains a strong mix of…

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has secured £6.94m funding support from Welsh Government across its Active Travel and Safe Routes in Communities funds for 2024/25 – to help progress and deliver several schemes this year. The two funds are available for councils in Wales to bid to each year, with officers putting forward local schemes for consideration. The Active Travel Fund supports projects that contribute to a shared vision that walking and cycling is the natural mode of choice for people’s short, everyday journeys. With a similar aim, the Safe Routes in Communities Fund supports ‘school streets’ schemes that improve pedestrian…