Author: Rhys Gregory

When Swansea-based South Wales Transport (SWT) agreed its sale to Tower Transit, it marked a major step for a much-loved local operator with deep roots in the community. The deal creates new opportunities for growth across South West Wales while keeping the character and continuity that have defined the business for decades. SWT began life as a family-run company founded by Bev and David  Fowles, and what started as a small local operation grew steadily through commitment to service and community focus. His son, David Fowles, continued that approach and has guided the company through modernisation and steady expansion over…

A magnificent former industrial South Wales Valleys church dating back 170 years is for sale at auction. The former Beulah Baptist Church, on Victoria Street, once served a thriving and growing congregation in the former heavy industrial village of Dowlais, near the town of Merthyr Tydfil. Dating back to its initial foundation in 1856, the impressive property which was enlarged in 1869 to its current size, is listed for sale with a guide price of £48,000. James Hollingsworth, of Newport-based Paul Fosh Auctions who are selling the church, said the closed down but still fully fitted 170-year-old property presents an…

The Pension Protection Fund has published the 20th edition of its Purple Book, offering a detailed snapshot of the health of the UK’s defined benefit pension landscape and pointing to a continued improvement in scheme funding levels. The annual report, which analyses data up to 31 March 2025, shows higher funding ratios, falling liabilities and a further reduction in risk across the sector. Commenting on the findings, Sarah Garnish, Consultant at Quantum Advisory, shared her insight into what the latest figures mean for schemes, members and the wider pensions market, highlighting several key trends shaping the direction of travel for…

Cardiff City take on Chelsea at the Cardiff City Stadium tonight in the Carabao Cup quarter final with kick-off at 8pm. The Bluebirds have booked a mouth-watering tie against Premier League opposition after progressing through earlier rounds, and with tickets now sold out there will be a lively atmosphere as fans back their side in a bid to reach the semi-finals. Chelsea arrive looking to manage their squad through a busy festive period, with manager Enzo Maresca expected to make changes and key attacker Cole Palmer ruled out of this match. Supporters heading to the game are reminded that gates…

Several roads in Swansea have reopened after flooding caused disruption across the city, with highways teams continuing work in a small number of areas today Tuesday. Swansea Council confirmed that Ynys y Mond Road in Clydach has now reopened after water levels dropped. Parts of the A4067 have also partially reopened, with outbound lanes between Castle Bingo and the Ynysforgan roundabout now back in use. The inbound lane from the M4 was not affected by flooding. However, Cwmbwrla roundabout remains closed today as pumping equipment continues to remove a large volume of water. The council has warned motorists to plan…

52-year-old Christopher Smith, from Penlan, was found in possession of a quantity of cocaine in 2022, and in March this year he was found with a quantity of heroin. Smith changed his plea to possession with intent to supply cocaine from not guilty to guilty on July 21. He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply heroin in April, having earlier already pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and an offensive weapon – namely a knuckleduster – in a public place. He has been handed a total sentence of seven years and six months in prison. Meanwhile, 30-year-old Magda…

Cardiff’s music scene is set to get another boost in 2026 as Cardiff Council’s ALLBWN / OUTPUT funding scheme returns, following a successful pilot earlier this year, with an expanded remit to support new and emerging electronic artists and DJs, as well as gigs. Designed to encourage promoters to take more risks and increase the supply of up-and-coming new artists playing in the city’s independent venues during the traditionally quiet early months of the year, ALLBWN / OUTPUT guarantees promoters who secure support through the scheme against financial losses on events costing up to £1,000. The guarantee means that if…

It is not the writing on the wall for Pontypridd’s Market Quarter but a bold new piece of art, giving the area a fresh look and setting the tone for an exciting 2026 in the heart of the historic town centre. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Pontypridd Market Company, Pontypridd BID and Horan, the contractor leading the redevelopment of the former M&S site, worked together to fund, plan and deliver a shared vision for the town. That vision has been brought to life by local artist Tee2Sugars, whose new mural celebrates the Market Quarter and everything it offers, including the much…

After a successful first 12 months, the funding for the X48 service from Craven Arms to Builth Wells will continue for another year. Funded by Powys County Council and Transport for Wales, the X48 service is run by Celtic Travel and operates six-days a week (excluding Sundays and bank holidays), providing a vital link along the Heart of Wales line. Following a recent review of the service, including feedback from passengers, residents and businesses, a new and improved timetable is now available (from 15 December), and includes: Four bus journeys per day, six days per week A bus journey between…

The public will be asked to help shape the future of support for people with dementia and their families, as a new 10-year strategy is published today. The new Dementia Strategy builds on the achievements of Wales’s first Dementia Action Plan which has helped to improve services and remove the stigma of living with dementia. More than 400 people have already helped develop the priorities in the new strategy. Now a consultation is being launched to further refine the strategy. It focuses on seven key areas: Reducing the risk of and preventing dementia. Raising awareness and understanding of dementia. Improving…