Author: Rhys Gregory

A man from Hirwaun has been jailed after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. The collision happened on Thursday, February 29, on Brecon Road in Hirwaun, when a Ford Fiesta driven by Harley Whiteman collided with a pedestrian. As a result of the collision a 13-year-old local boy died. Nineteen-year-old Harley Whiteman, from Cae Felin Parc, Hirwaun, was sentenced to six years and nine months’ detention in a youth offender institute for death by dangerous driving after pleading guilty at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Tuesday, April 30. Harley Whiteman CCTV clip The family of 13-year-old Kaylan Hippsley…

Neath Port Talbot councillors are being asked to approve a planned closure of Pontardawe Swimming Pool at the end of August this year on the grounds of public safety. Encouraging people of all ages to adopt active lifestyles is one of the council’s aims, so Cabinet members will also be asked to approve a feasibility study into providing a replacement pool, currently estimated to cost between £10-12m. Building experts ARUP identified significant structural weaknesses within the 50-year-old pool’s concrete structure in 2022 and advised the building had a maximum two year lifespan even with the substantial propping works that took…

From 2 June passengers from across the South Wales Valleys and Cardiff will benefit from more frequent services later into the night as delivery of the south Wales Metro moves another step closer. New timetables on the Merthyr, Aberdare, Treherbert, Rhymney, City and Coryton lines will provide more regular services improving connectivity between the south Wales valleys and the capital city. These changes include: Increase from 6 to 8 trains per hour between Cardiff and Pontypridd, with all 8 calling at Treforrest Estate Increase from 4 to 6 trains per hour between Caerphilly and Cardiff Increase from 1 to 2…

Healthier white bread could soon appear on the shelves of bakers and grocers across the UK thanks to research at Aberystwyth University. Working with leading organic millers Shipton Mill, the team at Aberystwyth will be studying the milling and blending process for white flour. The work, which could see UK sourced peas, beans and oats added to wheat flour to boost its nutritional value, is funded by Innovate UK’s ‘Better Food For All’ initiative. The project is one of 47 projects to receive a share of £17.4 million from Innovate UK to improve food quality, create functional foods, boost nutrition,…

This year, Popham Kidney Support, the Swansea-based kidney charity, saw two of its dedicated runners take on the iconic London Marathon in support of the organisation. Andrew Golley and Simon Treharne, both members of the charity’s affiliate running club – ‘Paul Popham Running Club’, raised an impressive £3,000 for Popham Kidney Support, contributing funds that will greatly assist in providing essential support to individuals facing kidney disease across Wales. Popham Kidney Support was established in March 2013, originally named ‘The Paul Popham Fund, Renal Support Wales’, following the passing of Paul Popham, father of current CEO Joanne Popham. Under Joanne’s…

While dogs are welcome on the majority of the 50 plus beaches in Pembrokeshire there are some that have summer restrictions – and just two with total bans. Between 1st May and 30th September Tenby North Beach and Whitesands, St Davids has a total dog ban and there are partial bans on nine others. These are: Lydstep; Newgale beach and promenade; Coppet Hall (voluntary); Saundersfoot beach and promenade; Tenby Castle and South Beach; Amroth beach and promenade; Poppit Sands; Broad Haven North and Dale. These restrictions do not apply to Guide Dogs. There will be maps at each of these…

In collaboration with our Public Services Board partners, GAVO, National Resources Wales and Keep Wales Tidy, Caerphilly County Borough Council held two successful volunteer planting weeks in March at Wyllie Woodlands and Parc Cwm Darran. Over 120 volunteers planted nearly 3000 trees across both sites. Tree species were chosen to reflect local provenance alongside identifying species that would be the most adaptable to a changing climate. Oak, Hawthorn, Maple, Sycamore and Alder were amongst a range of tree species planted. Volunteers came from far and wide to support the tree planting including individuals from the local community, local councillors and…

DEXL, part of The APC delivery network – the largest independent parcel delivery network in the UK – has announced further investment into its Cardiff site. This investment comes following continued growth for the business, spurred by the strength of its SME customers and the ongoing demand for parcel services. The investment in the 5,000 sq. ft. site, one of three DEXL depots within The APC Network, combines with DEXL’s portfolio of over 37,000 sq. ft. of space. This will allow the business to expand on its Overnight parcel collection and delivery service offerings to local businesses across South Yorkshire,…

Chartered, Certified Accountants, Ashmole & Co, are delighted to announce their expansion following the acquisition of JonesWard accountancy firm in Carmarthen. Ashmole & Co Carmarthen has today taken over JonesWard who have closed their office in Lammas Street, Carmarthen. All JonesWard staff, including Ian Jones and James Ward, have transferred over to Ashmole & Co and will be based in the Old School, the Quay, Carmarthen. JonesWard informed their clients that the administrative burden of running a practice had increased significantly over recent years due to the constant changing money laundering and tax regulations, software requirements and so on. Over…

A 34-year-old man has been jailed for persistent domestic abuse against his partner. Jamie Warner, of Market Street, Holyhead, repeatedly subjected his partner to controlling and coercive behaviour between January 2021 and August 2023, causing her to fear she would come to considerable harm. Throughout their relationship, he continually messaged his partner asking where she was and making her feel guilty when she visited family. He verbally abused and threatened her, and each time she tried to end the relationship, she received a bombardment of texts and messages accusing her of being with other men. He appeared at Caernarfon Crown…