Author: Gavin

The Rhondda Tunnel Society has applied for planning permission to expose the buried tunnel entrance at Blaencwm at the head of the Rhondda Fawr Valley. At just under 2 miles long, the tunnel was opened in 1890 to transport Rhondda coal to the ports of Swansea Bay for export. In 1968 it had to be […]

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has submitted planning applications for two exciting hydro-electric schemes in Treforest and Aberdare, which both put forward innovative proposals to contribute to the Council’s carbon reduction targets. The respective schemes are planned for the Treforest Weir and Dare Valley Country Park, with the Council proposing an investment in new infrastructure that […]

Estyn, the education and training inspectorate for Wales, will lead a review to understand how Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) is currently used in schools across Wales. The review will examine current use of Gen AI tools and explore the potential benefits to schools, while also considering the challenges they may pose. The first phase […]

“Feel the hwyl. Only in Wales” – Visit Wales’ latest campaign – officially kicks off today with a call to visitors from far and wide to celebrate and experience joyful and fun moments unique to Wales. ‘Hwyl’ has no direct translation in English, but describes a deep state of joy that comes from being totally […]

Over £1.2m of grant funding will help tackle litter across Wales and clean up our streets. This extension of grant funding was confirmed today by Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change, Huw Irranca-Davies. The Welsh Government Local Environment Quality Funding helps Keep Wales Tidy support community groups, volunteers and local authorities right across […]

A work scheme will begin next week to rectify damage to a large wall in Cilfynydd, which requires necessary traffic management over the weeks ahead. The masonry retaining wall is located between Cilfynydd Road and the A470 – with the pictured section of the structure needing to be rebuilt. It sustained the damage during a […]

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and South Wales Police are working in partnership to educate people  on the dangers of illegal off-roading on coal tips, the damage this causes to  tip drainage systems, and the danger this poses to the public and are looking for your help to report these incidents. Works to remediate the Tylorstown […]

Pupils and staff at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llyn y Forwyn have returned to school in style this week, by moving into fantastic new facilities that are fit for the 21st Century. It follows completion of the Council and Welsh Government’s major investment in Welsh Medium primary education for the Rhondda Fach. The Ferndale school’s first day […]

Work as part of the Hirwaun Safe Routes in Communities scheme has this week progressed to a new location – the pictured section of Rhigos Road and Brecon Road. Phase two of the Welsh Government-funded scheme started in November 2024, and work to install a new safe crossing point at High Street and Davies Row […]

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has announced that significant funding is now secured to redevelop the Marks and Spencer site in Pontypridd Town Centre. Following the appointment of a contractor, work is on course to start in February 2025. The site at 97-102 Taff Street has been earmarked for development as part of the Southern Gateway […]

With the country facing a number of weather and flood warnings, Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, has issued its own warning, and is advising owners to keep their dogs away from floods and ice. Many dogs love to swim but with the country experiencing freezing temperatures and heavy rainfall, they may find their […]