Archive
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Childhood friends and Dragons prospects to battle at 9 in first SRC Gwent derby
THERE will be a battle of the Dragons' bright young 9s in Super Rygbi Cymru when best friends Morgan Lloyd and Che Hope take to the field for Pontypool and Newport. The promising scrum-halves, who grew up as neighbours in Hollybush, have been released
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Wales to face Canada, Scotland and Fiji at 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup
WALES will go up against Canada, Scotland and Fiji in the group stages of next year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. Ioan Cunningham’s side will face each of their Pool B rivals over three weekends in the tournament, which runs from August
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LIVE: severe road delays on M4
7:09pm Hello, and welcome back to our live blog. Delays have eased and traffic flow on the M4 Westbound between the
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'It was torture,' South Wales firefighter walks for 24 hours breaks world record
A firefighter based at Pencoed fire station has broken a world record and raised money for Cancer Research. Grant Sparkes, aged 42, has broken the world record for the longest distance walked in firefighting equipment and completed a walk of over
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McDonald's confirm they are looking to open new branch in this Gwent town
McDonald's have confirmed they are looking for opportunities to open up a branch in Chepstow. A spokesperson for McDonald's said: “We are always on the lookout for suitable locations and are currently exploring a number of opportunities in the
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'Someone could have died': Series of fire service failures saw public tackling blaze
Failures from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) meant it took 25 minutes for a fire engine to attend a boxing club fire in Monmouthshire, leaving people entering the building trying to combat the fire themselves. A Freedom of Information
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Dodgy shopkeeper caught selling counterfeit cigarettes for £5
A DODGY shopkeeper was caught selling counterfeit cigarettes, illegal vapes and rolling tobacco and bottles of orange Fanta with labelling in a foreign language. Azad Ahmad was found out when an undercover trading standards officer bought Lambert
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Local pub known as 'beating heart of community' rewarded for commitment
A PUB situated in a village just outside Caerphilly has been recognised for its commitment to tackling isolation and bringing the local community together. The White Cross Inn in Grosewen, near Caerphilly, is supporting its local community by
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County spoilt for choice at the back as fit-again winger pushes for first start
A MONTH ago, Newport County AFC had to get creative in defence due to a long list of absentees but against Chesterfield they will be spoilt for choice. The Exiles entertain the Spireites in League Two on Friday night (kick-off 8pm) with the aim
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Five charged in connection with suspected crime gang investigation across Gwent
FIVE people have been charged in an investigation looking into a suspected crime gang, after £400,00 worth of class A drugs were seized in September. 28-year-old Ryan Sage from Cardiff has been the latest person charged after his appearance at
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Former district nurse credits 'love of exceptional man' for reaching 100
A WOMAN from Cwmbran who was a former district nurse has celebrated a major milestone this week, turning 100 years of age, and credits the 'love of an exceptional man.' Hilda Blackwell, who lives in Cwmbran, celebrated her big day on Wednesday,
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Over 600 properties lose electrics in two power outages
TWO power cuts affected over 625 properties across Monmouthshire on Thursday, October 17. Since 6.07am on Thursday, 550 properties were off supply for electricity while 75 properties have had their power restored. Properties around The Narth
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Liam Payne's family say they are 'heartbroken' over his death in first statement
The family of former One Direction star Liam Payne have said they are “heartbroken” over his death, in their first statement. The singer died after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Argentina on Wednesday (October 16). Local
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Wales great Davies retires from Test rugby ahead of autumn internationals
Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies has announced his retirement from international rugby. The 34-year-old won 77 caps and scored 17 tries in a decade-long career for Wales. Davies made his Wales debut in 2014 against South Africa and was selected
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LOOK: Flooding in Gwent and South Wales
SINCE Wednesday, several flood alerts and flood warnings were issued across Gwent and South Wales around the Rivers Usk, Wye, Monnow and Trothy. Natural Resource Wales issued flood alerts across multiple rivers following heavy rain since Tuesday
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Freeview launching and closing channels amid 'important changes' to UK TVs
Freeview is making some changes including launching new channels and shutting others down. So with that in mind, you might fancy giving your set-top box or TV a retune. The popular free-to-view service has just announced some 'important changes
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Pontypool's leaky defence cause for concern ahead of derby clash with Newport
NEW Pontypool boss Tom Hancock has called on his side to show more steel in defence when they face last season's top scorers Newport in the first Super Rygbi Cymru Gwent derby. The rivals meet in Torfaen on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm)
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Britain's Got Talent auditions postponed following death of Liam Payne
Auditions for the new series of Britain's Got Talent have been postponed following the tragic death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne at the age of 31. One Direction was formed in 2010 after singers Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne,
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Battle of the Bluebirds as high-flying Trethomas head west in the Welsh Cup
IT’S the battle of the Bluebirds in the second round of the Welsh Cup on Saturday when Cymru South pace-setters Trethomas attempt to show their quality at Cymru Premier Haverfordwest. The top-tier teams have entered the competition in the race
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The genius water bowl hack that cleans an entire oven in just 20 minutes
It's one of the most dreaded tasks we have to do - cleaning the oven. The task itself can be difficult and all comes down to a number of factors. How long you leave it (or what you've cooked inside). It can either take forever - done well - or
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These riverbanks burst flooding roads and trapping one couple in their home
MONMOUTH riverbanks burst following high tides and heavy rain flooding local resident’s roads and gardens. On October 16, (yesterday) at around midday, Natural Resource Wales issued multiple flooding alerts for rivers across Wales. The alerts
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Council to review salaries of its highest earners 'to attract quality'
A COUNCIL has begun the process of establishing a committee that could recommend an increase in its chief executive’s £123,679 annual salary. Monmouthshire County Council has already agreed to establish a remuneration committee to assess the “
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Woman spared jail time for sharing drug dealer's availability in phone messages
A WOMAN from Caerphilly was spared jail time for sharing her drug dealer’s availability via phone messages. Alyson Ashford, 51, of Caerphilly, appeared before Cardiff Crown Court to be sentenced for being concerned in the supply of class A drugs
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County hopeful of goalkeeper return as boss gives encouraging injury update
NEWPORT County AFC are hopeful goalkeeper Nick Townsend will be ready to start Friday's League Two clash with Chesterfield - but boss Nelson Jardim would have no concerns about fielding deputy Jacob Carney. The Exiles could welcome back four players
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Welsh Labour MP tables law to ban fur products import in the UK
A LABOUR MP in Newport has presented a Bill to ban the import of animal fur products to Great Britain. Ruth Jones, the MP for Newport West and Islwyn, presented a Private Members Bill to Parliament on Wednesday, October 16, calling for the ban
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Seal pup found dead on beach after protective fence ripped down
Members of the public are being warned to keep their distance from wildlife following the terrible mutilation of a seal pup on a Pembrokeshire beach. The seal pup at Ceibwr Beach, Moylegrove, was killed on Sunday. It was seen alive earlier in the
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Coroner raises new drivers concerns after four teens killed in crash
A coroner has raised concerns about young, newly-qualified drivers carrying passengers after an inquest into the deaths of four teenagers who died when their car rolled into a ditch in North Wales. Hugo Morris, 18, lost control of his silver Ford
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Calls to raise tax on petrol and diesel cars in bid to reduce electric car costs
Ministers have been urged to consider raising taxes petrol and diesel cars so that they can reduce the “premium” associated with electric vehicle purchases. A report by the Resolution Foundation recommended that this action is taken if “concerns
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Did Liam Payne have a baby with Cheryl? When the X Factor stars first met
Before Liam Payne and Cheryl were in an official relationship, the pair first crossed paths back in 2008 when he was 14. When the former One Direction star, who has died at the age of 31, first auditioned for X Factor, Cheryl was a judge on the
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Olly Murs leads tributes to Liam Payne following 'devastating' death
Tributes have been pouring in after it was revealed One Direction star Liam Payne has died at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Liam was one of five One Direction members, along with Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson,
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Ex-One Direction star Liam Payne's last social media post hours before his death
Just hours before his death at a hotel in Buenos Aires, former One Direction band member Liam Payne was posting on social media. Local police said the 31-year-old fell from the third floor into the courtyard of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo
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Expert warns homeowners to look out for these 5 pests during colder months
In the colder months of the year, you might notice some pests that have made their way into your garden. Identifying a pest problem as soon as possible is crucial to avoid damage and the spread of diseases, explains a pest control expert. Joshua
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Dragons to sign overseas prop after Jones blow leaves them down to one loosehead
THE Dragons are signing an overseas prop on a short-term deal because of a loosehead injury crisis, with Rhodri Jones ruled out until the New Year. The Rodney Parade club are down to their last fit specialist loosehead, Rodrigo Martinez, because
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Major Coronation Street star confirms show exit in emotional post
A major Coronation Street star has confirmed they will be exiting the popular ITV soap opera in an emotional post online. Well-known villain Joel Deering (played by Calum Lill) has been seemingly killed off from the programme. Channique Sterling-Brown
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Power restored to over 600 properties in rural market town
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WATCH: BBC releases first trailer for new Wallace & Gromit movie
The BBC have released the first trailer for the upcoming Wallace & Gromit film, Vengeance Most Fowl, which will be air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Christmas. The new trailer gives fans an exciting glimpse into Wallace and Gromit’s latest adventure
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Pensioners affected by winter fuel payment cut targeted in loft insulation scam
A consumer choice group has warned elderly homeowners who may be impacted by the winter fuel payment cut of a new scam targeting them. Which? has claimed that fraudsters are claiming to be from fake companies like UK Energy Hub and UK Eco Home
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School gets £1,000 donation for community shop and kitchen
The Big Bocs Bwyd Community Shop and Kitchen, run by volunteers and children at Willowtown Primary School in Ebbw Vale, has received £1,000 from housebuilder Persimmon Homes. Founded two years ago, The Big Bocs Bwyd Community Shop and Kitchen supports
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Memory boxes important for families experiencing baby loss
A bereavement midwife has highlighted the impact of memory boxes for families experiencing the heartache of baby loss. Louise Howells, lead bereavement midwife for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, has been a midwife for 21 years, with nearly
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Pub goers asked to donate advent calendars for those in need
Ten community pubs across Wales are asking customers to donate advent calendars this year so everyone gets a treat in the lead-up to Christmas. Maindee Hotel, Newport, is the only pub in Gwent taking part. The pubs, which are part of Proper
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Conference will highlight electric as good for net zero
A manufacturer and supplier of vehicle adaptations and driving aids will be at an EV consultation event taking place in Newport. Mobility in Motion will be leasing an EV vehicle, kitted out with the latest driving adaptations, which will be on
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New bags for recycling for Torfaen residents
New red recycling bags for plastics, tins, cans and cartons are being delivered to households across Torfaen County Borough. From the end of October and throughout November, every household will get a new bag, a leaflet explaining what to put in
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Welsh Government plans university rescue fund
Wales’ new post-16 education minister has revealed plans for an emergency fund for universities amid concerns about an estimated £100m shortfall. Vikki Howells was quizzed in the Senedd about reports of a rescue plan for universities in England
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Church to host summit to address rivers’ crisis
The crisis facing Wales’ rivers will be the focus of a national summit hosted by the Church in Wales. More than 70 people from across the UK, including scientists, farmers, environmentalists and water industry representatives, will come together
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Minister ‘optimistic’ Wales will retain water pollution revenue
The deputy first minister told the Senedd he is optimistic that revenue generated by UK-led reforms to water pollution regulations will stay in Wales. Huw Irranca-Davies, who is also climate change secretary, appeared before a Senedd committee
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Children's recycling poster design could win a £250 Aldi voucher
A supermarket chain is calling on children in Gwent to design a poster encouraging people to recycle as part of Recycle Week. Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket is inviting the youngsters to submit their designs for the chance to win a £250 Aldi
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Cross-party calls for targets on tackling child poverty
Senedd members from across the political divide reiterated calls for targets to tackle the scourge of child poverty after the Welsh Government published a “monitoring framework”. Jane Dodds said a review, which was published alongside the child
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Bus shelter mural recognises local heroes in Abertillery
Young people have been given the opportunity to brighten up a bus shelter in a Gwent town with a graffiti mural of local people who inspire them. The mural in Abertillery came about after the Blaenau Gwent Council’s Youth Service’s Positive Futures
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Monmouthshire author's new book is a gripping murder myster
A Monmouthshire author is about to publish a gripping murder mystery set within the eerie atmosphere of Dartmoor. 'I Know You Were There' is the sequel to author J D Pullan’s successful first novel 'I’m Going to Find You'. Described as a ‘
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'Give youngsters more chance for outdoor learning' - Estyn report
A Gwent school should make sure its younger pupils have more opportunities for purposeful outdoor learning. That was one of the recommendations from an Estyn report on Llanmartin Primary School, in Llanmartin. The school was inspected in July
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Readers recommend local bands to go an watch live
Newport and the surrounding area is well-known for its live music scene so it made sense for us to ask our readers who they would recommend to go and watch. We posed the question on our Facebook page and got loads of replies. Bands including Apple
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Kickboxing prodigy hooks gold and silver at World Games
A Torfaen teenager has won a gold medal and a World Championship belt in kickboxing at the WMAC World Games. Representing Wales, Joshua Herring, an 18-year-old from Pontypool, also took home a silver medal in his continuous low kick category at
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Physical activity up among pupils but so is bullying
Physical activity among secondary school pupils in Wales has increased according to a new survey by Schools Health Research Network. The Wales-focused SHRN survey is one of the biggest surveys of school pupils in the UK. The latest survey was
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Embrace the autumn at Newport Wetlands
Wildlife lovers are being urged to embrace the autumn at Newport Wetlands nature reserve by the RSPB. On October 25 families are invited to enjoy an evening bat walk at the reserve between 5pm and 7pm. Peter Wilton-Jones will Peter Wilton-Jones
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Parents rationing heating due to financial worries, survey finds
Almost half of Welsh parents (43 per cent) are rationing their heating, according to the National Parent Survey, conducted by YouGov on behalf of the parenting charity Parentkind. The findings, which are higher than the UK average of 35 per cent
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Groups meet MP to discuss climate crisis
A group from Greenpeace and Christian Aid have met with Monmouthshire MP Catherine Fookes to discuss the climate crisis as part of the National Day of Action organised by the Climate Coalition The meeting also talked about measures the new government
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Asian launchpad for ‘once in a generation’ global culinary event in Wales
The playing of an anthem by Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins at a ceremony in Asia will be the launchpad to Wales hosting a global culinary event in 2026. Members of Team Wales, who led the winning bid to host the World Chefs Congress and Expo 2026
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Ministers set to ‘accelerate’ planning decisions in clean energy push
Wales’ economy secretary vowed to make speeding up planning decisions a top priority as part of a push towards clean energy. Rebecca Evans committed to a sector deal with Wales’ renewable energy industry, which she said will include action to accelerate
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MS backs calls for direct bus route from Abergavenny to the Grange
Laura Anne Jones, MS for South Wales East, has backed calls for a direct bus service to The Grange Hospital. Ms Jones raised concerns from local people in the Senedd after hearing about a distressed resident who started a petition urging the Welsh
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Pontypool Indoor Market needs your help to prepare for the future
Pontypool Indoor Market is celebrating 130 years of being at the heart of the town centre and Torfaen County Borough Council is calling on residents to share their thoughts on the market's future. Many residents remember the market’s bustling atmosphere
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Girl's football team celebrates £1,000 donation
A girls football team has been given a £1,000 donation by a new homes developer. Persimmon Homes East Wales has donated the money to Thornhill Athletic FC’s U12s Girls' team as part of its Community Champions initiative. The money will be used
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'Beautiful' family-owned Italian restaurant reopens in Gwent town centre
A 'beautiful' Italian restaurant has opened in the heart of Abergavenny town centre and is run by a local family. Il Gusto is the newest addition to Abergavenny's well-established restaurant scene, providing authentic Italian food, "all made fresh
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In the Dock: Look who’s just been in court
A ROUND-UP of recent cases heard at Newport Magistrates’ Court. DANIEL BRAKSPEAR, 41, of Ribble Square, Bettws, Newport must pay £1,420 in a fine, costs and a surcharge after pleading guilty to failing to take measures to secure that the transfer
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Major protest held over proposals to cut local school bus service
Angry parents and their children have taken to the streets to protest the proposed cuts to their school bus service. Residents of Wattsville and Brynawel led the protest on Monday, October 14 against Caerphilly Council’s plans to cut the free home
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Life-long fraudster targets vulnerable grandma by breaking into her house at night
FRAUDSTER from Blackwood with a lifetime's worth of previous convictions broke into a 71-year-old grandmother's home in the middle of the night. Jonathon Sterry, 42, from Blackwood, had been out of prison for just one week when he broke into the
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Tributes paid to the lost on anniversary of 'worst disaster in British mining'
TRIBUTES have been paid to the hundreds of people who lost their lives in what has become known as the 'worst disaster in British mining' history. The Senghenydd colliery disaster of October 1913 saw 439 miners killed after an explosion tore