Author: Rhys Gregory

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet has this week (13th December) unanimously approved plans to transform how tenants access its landlord services. Cabinet members agreed to the permanent closure of housing offices at Lansbury Park, Graig y Rhacca and Gilfach, and a community office in Ty-Sign, Risca.  The relocation of landlord services to the Council’s Penallta House offices was also agreed, which will see staff join the wider Caerphilly Homes housing team to facilitate better partnership working and reduce duplication. Under the new plans, the landlord service will transition from a traditional office-based model to a community-based delivery model.  This means…

A consultation has been launched into the way Pembrokeshire bus services are operated from 2024 and beyond. There are over 25 local bus services operating in the county, nearly all of which are subsidised by the Council. Passenger numbers fell significantly during Covid and are still below previous levels on most services. All bus services are being retendered and funding pressures and increasing costs mean that it may not be possible for the Council to keep funding all bus services in the same way in the future. The public is being asked to get involved in the consultation to give…

A local community transport organisation is celebrating a successful funding bid to bring its fleet into the 21st Century. Working with the Community Transport Association (CTA) Wales, DANSA has secured Welsh Government funding of £468,000 which will enable it install two EV charging points in the Dulais Valley, to buy two electric Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) and two fully accessible electric minibuses, as well as creating solar panels and battery storage and an electric food vehicle able to deliver nutritious meals throughout the area. DANSA (Dulais, Afan, Neath, Swansea and Amman valleys), which has its headquarters in Crynant, Neath, is a…

A new café, nursery and meeting spaces for voluntary groups form part of a Heart of the Community project aimed at transforming an historic Gorseinon church and hall. The church hall at St Catherine’s Church on Princess Street will soon be redesigned, thanks to the Parish of Casllwchwr and Gorseinon successfully applying to Swansea Council for investment as part of the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. Once complete, it’s anticipated the new multi-purpose community space will be able to host over 50 activities and services for people of all ages. The project is expected to create numerous jobs, while also…

Schools from across the county borough have won prizes in an annual competition set by the Welsh Heritage Schools Initiative – a scheme which encourages learners to take an interest in their Welsh heritage, as well as share their knowledge and understanding with their communities. Promoting the development of cross-curricular skills through the study of the history and culture of Wales, the competition this year has placed a spotlight on the quality work that has been produced in local schools. Ffaldau Primary School won the South Wales Institute of Engineers Educational Trust: The William Menelaus Prize for best project on…

Emergency services remain at the scene of a fire at a premises on Severn Road, Treforest Industrial Estate, Rhondda Cynon Taff. This follows reports of an explosion at a property shortly after 7.00pm, Wednesday evening. There are no reports of any serious injuries. However, one person remains unaccounted for. Residents living nearby have been advised to close all doors and windows while this incident is continuing. Businesses in the area are requested to implement their own business continuity plans to deal with the on-going road closures which will affect them throughout the night and into the morning. Significant road closures…

The final consultation on the Sustainable Farming Scheme  which will be the main support for farmers in Wales from 2025, aiming to make Welsh farmers world leaders in sustainable farming, is published today [Thursday, 14 December]. The Sustainable Farming Scheme aims to secure food production systems, keep farmers farming the land, safeguard the environment, and address the urgent call of the climate and nature emergency. The Scheme will support farmers to become more efficient and resilient, enabling them to respond to changing consumer demands and compete in a decarbonising global economy. The proposals have been shaped by feedback received from…

Living in remote parts of Wales can be challenging. Access to basic facilities, such as a shop or doctors’ surgery, can be restricted, and some things people take for granted can be a chore for people. Indeed, nearly 20% of the Welsh population live in a community of fewer than 1,500 people. Those areas are often not served by some of the most basic outlets, such as opticians. When you combine that with the fact that 111,000 people are living in Wales with sight loss, a figure expected to double by 2050, it presents a significant problem. With that in mind,…

As the digital marketing world constantly evolves, staying ahead with innovative strategies is crucial for your business’s success. One trend gaining momentum is the integration of animation into digital marketing strategies. This approach offers a fresh and engaging way to connect with your audience, making your message stand out in a crowded online space. Whether you are looking to simplify complex ideas or add a creative flair to your marketing campaigns, animation can be a powerful tool in your arsenal. In this post, we will explore how animation is transforming the marketing landscape and how you can effectively incorporate it…

Dear Editor, Christmas can be challenging for many of us, but for families experiencing dying, death or bereavement it can often feel impossible. People who are grieving may find the festive season particularly tough and emotionally draining, as that’s when we often miss our loved ones the most. Many families may also be facing the last Christmas with a loved one or the first without them, and not know where to turn to help get them through the season. Marie Curie is here for anyone with an illness they’re likely to die from, and those close to them. Our free…