Author: Rhys Gregory

Following an extensive and thorough procurement exercise Swansea University and Swansea Council have entered into an agreement with Freedom Leisure to operate the sport and leisure facilities at Swansea Bay Sports Park (SBSP). The partnership is a key element of a new long term operating model for SBSP which has been developed to enhance customer experience, improve performance and create a foundation for future investment and development of the facilities, maintaining SBSP’s status as a regional hub for performance, student and community sport. The agreement will be overseen by SBSP Ltd, a not-for-profit joint venture company, wholly owned by the…

Raj Kitchen has secured a landmark double award win, being crowned Fine Dining of the Year at the 10th Asian Food & Restaurant Awards (AFRA) 2025 and Asian Restaurant of the Year at the Welsh Restaurant Awards 2026. The back-to-back accolades place the Swansea restaurant firmly among the very best in Wales and the wider UK, recognising both its refined dining experience and its commitment to authentic Indian cuisine. “To win both Fine Dining of the Year and Asian Restaurant of the Year is something I’m incredibly proud of,” said Raj Chowdhury. “We’re just focused on doing what we love…

The world class countryside on our doorstep is celebrating its 70th birthday on May 9 as the UK”s very first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Back in 1956, the Gower Peninsula was officially recognised for its stunning natural landscapes, and it’s easy to see why. From award-winning beaches and dramatic limestone cliffs to rolling green commons, saltmarshes, hidden coves and charming villages, Gower has been stopping people in their tracks for generations. More recently it was also designated as one of 46 National Landscapes across the UK. Gower’s legal status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty remains unchanged…

Road users in Newport are being warned of disruption next month as resurfacing works are carried out on key sections of Malpas Road. Newport City Council has confirmed it will begin improvements in May, with works taking place across multiple dates and locations along the busy route. Overnight closures will be in place on the southbound carriageway between Pillmawr Road north junction and Llanover Close on May 5, 6, 7 and 11. The road will be closed from 8pm each evening until 5am the following morning. Residents in the area will receive letters outlining access arrangements, and motorists are being…

More than 7,000 people flocked to Caerphilly town centre for this year’s Caerphilly Food and Drink Festival, marking the busiest footfall of 2026 so far. The popular event, held on Saturday April 18, transformed the town into a lively hub of food, entertainment and family-friendly activities, attracting visitors from across the region. Organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Events Team, the festival was the fourth major event of the year and drew in families, couples and groups, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the town. Visitors were able to explore a wide range of stalls offering high-quality food and drink, alongside…

A group of young footballers from Blaenau Gwent are preparing to represent Wales on the world stage as they head to Mexico City for the Street Child World Cup. The girls’ team, made up of 10 players aged between 14 and 17, will take part in the global event organised by Street Child United, which combines football with creativity and youth-led advocacy. In the final days before departure, the team has been supported by the local community, with well-wishers celebrating both their sporting success and the powerful message they will carry with them that every child deserves a voice, a…

South Wales Police is continuing its investigation into the fatal road traffic collision which occurred on the junction of Llynfi Road and Upper Street, Maesteg, on Saturday, April 25, at 12:04am. The family of Brandon Tatchell, the 21-year-old who died following the collision, have given the following tribute: “Brandon was a much-loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend to many. “Brandon’s fun-loving demeanour will truly be missed by everyone. Anyone who knew Brandon will know that if someone needed help or guidance he would always try his upmost to help in whichever way he could. “Brandon was a hard-working…

A search is underway to find a missing man from Cardiff, with police appealing to the public for help. South Wales Police has issued an appeal to locate Rampal Singh, 41, from the Splott area, amid concerns for his welfare. He was last seen in Cardiff city centre at around 11.45am on Wednesday, April 29. Officers are urging anyone who may have seen Rampal, or who has any information about his whereabouts, to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact South Wales Police quoting reference 2600132883. You can get in touch online via the South Wales Police website,…

Three men from Merthyr Tydfil have been jailed after a firearm incident in the Gurnos area. Rhys Mew, 25, Jack Mew, 19, and Garyn Marshall-Palmer, 20, all of Gurnos, Merthyr Tydfil, were brought before court following an extensive investigation. At approximately 12.30am on Sunday August 10, 2025, South Wales Police became aware of an altercation that occurred in the Gurnos area, near to Magnolia Close. The victim was identified, however did not support police investigation. Despite this, investigations continued. Following further investigation, witness reports, and searches, reports of three men threatening another man were detailed, and a mobile phone and 9mm bullet casing were found at the scene. The phone located linked…

The family of a man who sadly died following a collision in Mynytho on 25 April have paid tribute to him. Roger Hawcroft was 67 years old and lived in Botwnnog with his loving family. In a tribute to him, they said: “Dad died doing what he loved, in the place he loved, with the sun on his face and the sea by his side. “As devastatingly sad as we are, he wouldn’t have wanted it to be any different and neither would we.   “We know how many people were there to help him on the day, both professional…