Glamorgan Gazette
MS ‘ALARMED’ AT SCREENING FIGURES
PLAID Cymru’s Lindsay Whittle, pictured, said the news that only 69% of women invited for breast cancer screening attended was “the most alarming statistic I have read in possibly the past 35-40 years I’ve been involved in politics”. The figure came...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
FIRST MINISTER’S LUCKY ESCAPE
WALES’ First Minister Eluned Morgan has spoken about a plane crash she and her family were involved in while returning from a holiday when she was just 11. Mrs Morgan’s mother had to be pulled out unconscious and her brother was left with a broken...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘I WAS SCAMMED BY MY FRIEND’
CHRISTMAS is a time for giving but for Helen Morse, pictured, there’s just one gift she’d like to have received this year. She wants former friend Charlotte Blackwell, 31, to repay the £12,682 she scammed from her and three other women, who handed over...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
EXAMS PUT SCHOOL AMONG UK’S BEST
A BRIDGEND secondary school, which marked its 60th anniversary this year, has been listed among the top 10% of schools in England and Wales for its GCSE results. Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School in Brackla has consistently been among the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
OSPREYS HIT BY PLAYER EXODUS
JAC Morgan and Dewi Lake, pictured, will both leave the professional game in Wales at the end of the season. The pair are to exit the Ospreys and switch to English giants Gloucester. It is a hammer blow for the Ospreys and for Welsh rugby, which is at...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
£200K PARK PLAN DIVIDES OPINION
A COUNTRY park has announced a £200,000 refurbishment for its children’s play area – but many parents have been left unhappy by the proposed loss of a 30-year-old slide. Bryngarw Country Park in Bridgend has received the investment from the council to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CEFN CRIBWR
Send Your News To: 01656 740026 [email protected] Siloam Chapel Graveyard: Access is permitted to the graveyard at Siloam Chapel, Bedford Road, Cefn Cribwr to the families of the interred to view and place flowers on the graves on Christmas Eve and...
Read Full Story (Page 13)
HUSBAND TO FACE TRIAL FOR MURDER
A MURDER trial is set to take place in June next year after a husband denied murdering his wife on the grounds of diminished responsibility. Michael Davies, pictured, previously entered a guilty plea to a count of manslaughter after his wife’s body was...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PENSIONER WAS ‘LEFT FOR DEAD’
A MAN left his neighbour for dead in the street after a horrific attack. Retired roofer Lyndon Griffiths, 78, was covered in blood after being “pounded” in the assault by Ashley Morris,
Read Full Story (Page 1)
LOCALS PAY THEIR RESPECTS AT EVENTS
BRIDGEND Town Council co-ordinated two events in the town centre for Remembrance weekend. A children and family parade and service took place on Saturday, as well as the Remembrance Sunday parade and service, led by the South Wales Police Band.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
OPIOIDS LINK TO DEATHS IN PRISON
DEATHS at Bridgend’s Parc Prison have been linked to the “volatile threat” of synthetic opioids, a new report has found. Published by the House of Commons justice committee, a report into the drug crisis in prisons in Wales and England warned the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CEFN CRIBWR
Send Your News To: 01656 740026 [email protected] Art Exhibition: During his recent stay in Romania, David Greenslade held a one week exhibition of his visual work in the city of Galati and soon afterwards a bigger one month exhibition in Bucharest...
Read Full Story (Page 16)
CEFN CRIBWR
Send Your News To: 01656 740026 [email protected] Cefn Author’s Debut Novel: Cefn Cribwr’s favourite homegrown author Neville Granville has published a brand-new book. Set between 1912 and 1916 as global forces change the world forever – In Earth and...
Read Full Story (Page 14)
MAN MUST PAY £322K FOR ILLEGAL WASTE
A MAN convicted for waste offences after pleading guilty to illegally depositing waste at three separate sites across Wales has been ordered to pay back £322,500. Stephen Williams, 69, from Tondu, Bridgend, was the sole company director for two waste...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
GREEN LIGHT FOR DATA CENTRE PLAN
THE first stage of plans to turn a former car engine factory into a massive new data centre campus have been given the go-ahead by Bridgend council. They will now see the construction of a new two-storey data centre on the site of the former Ford...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
TRIAL TO OPEN TOWN CENTRE TO TRAFFIC
A TRIAL of reopening roads to traffic in Bridgend town centre, pictured, for longer periods of time will be carried out over the next 18 months. The move has been prompted by years of complaints from shoppers and business owners who say the lack of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
GROUP IN BID TO TAKE OVER SCHOOL
PARENTS fighting to save their children’s school have formally submitted a bid to run it themselves after raising millions of pounds. St Clare’s School in Porthcawl will shut at the end of this term, but a trust set up by parents would see it reopen...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ANGER OVER DAMAGE TO STEPPING STONES
VANDALS have sparked fury after carving their names into the stepping stones near Ogmore Castle, seemingly with a piece of machinery. Residents say they are “really, really angry” about the damage to the 41 slabs which cross the Ewenny River.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CELEBRATING OUR LOCAL HEROES
THE unsung heroes of Bridgend County Borough have been recognised as part of the Mayor’s Citizenship Awards, celebrating the volunteers, fundraisers and community champions who make a real difference to the lives of so many people.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SPECIAL MOMENT AS BETSY RINGS BELL
IN THE world of sport, success is often measured in trophies. But for top horse trainer Christian Williams, no win compares to the moment he and his partner, Charlotte Smith, watched their eight-year-old daughter Betsy, pictured, ring the bell to mark...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Amusement park opens after ride was derailed
CONEY Beach Amusement Park in Porthcawl reopened on Friday following a serious incident on Wednesday, August 13 that left 14 people injured. The incident occurred when the Wacky Worm rollercoaster – a small introductory ride aimed at children –...
Read Full Story (Page 2)
FREE
Family size bottle | T&Cs apply | Subject to availability SEE VOUCH FOR ER DETAIL S
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘MUM WAS WRONGLY LABELLED A THIEF’
KATIE Watson was a child when her mother was thrown out of the Post Office in the early days of the Horizon IT scandal. Subpostmistress Fiona Watson was suspended on suspicion of having her fingers in the till and her life began to unravel. She died...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
TANDY TAKES ON HEAD COACH ROLE
FORMER Bridgend coach Steve Tandy, pictured, has been revealed as Warren Gatland’s longterm successor as head coach of the Wales national side. This is the first time a Welshman has been permanent head coach of Wales since Gareth Jenkins in 2007.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S GOING TO CLOSE’
PORTHCAWL residents say they are devastated by the news that their historic seaside funfair will close its doors for the final time this year. The announcement, by the owners of Coney Beach Amusement Park, said the attraction will close for good in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
LALESTON & BROADLANDS
Send Your News To: [email protected] 01656 657846 Happy Birthday Harry: Many many happy returns to a lovely gentleman and former police officer Harry Holmes who will attain his 99th Birthday on July 15. After serving 30 years in the force Harry has...
Read Full Story (Page 12)
COUNCIL’S BUDGET UNDERSPEND
BRIDGEND council has reported an underspend on its budget for the 2024-25 financial year. The report came at a full council meeting where members heard how there had been a net underspend of £300,000 from the annual revenue budget, which has since been...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PIPERS ON PARADE IN TOWN CENTRE
BRIDGEND Town Council is inviting residents to join its annual Armed Forces’ celebratory event which honours the military community in the county borough. The free event takes place in the town centre between 10.30am and 3.30pm on Saturday and will...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
UNI DROPOUT WAS DEALING DRUGS
A UNIVERSITY dropout was found in possession of more than £1,000 worth of cocaine after he was stopped by police while driving under the influence of cannabis. Josh Murphy, pictured, had messages on his phone which showed he had been involved in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MAN ACCUSED OF MURDERING HIS WIFE
A MAN has appeared in court accused of murdering his wife at their home. Michael Davies, pictured, was arrested at an address at Cefn Cribwr, where the body of Tracey Davies was discovered by police on Friday, April 18.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SIX MONTHS OF M4 ROADWORKS
MAJOR roadworks will take place on the M4 for six months and drivers have been warned to expect disruption. The work will take between junctions 37 and 38 near Pyle, pictured. It is being carried out to “ensure the safety and long-term resilience of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
GIRL ‘LEFT LIVING IN FEAR’ AFTER ATTACK
THE mother of a child who was viciously assaulted by two girls has criticised their sentences as “too lenient” and says they should have been jailed. She said her previously outgoing daughter was now “a prisoner in her own home, living in fear” and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
CONCERNS OVER 200 HOMES PLAN
RESIDENTS say they have serious concerns over plans to build 200 homes on a former industrial estate, pictured, due to what they say is a lack of access roads. Those who live on Ewenny Road, Maesteg, say they have suffered for years with traffic jams...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SEEKING ANSWERS OVER TEEN’S HEALTH
A FATHER whose 14-year-old daughter has the mental age of a nine-month-old baby says they might never get answers about what happened to her. Teenager Mia, pictured, is the only child of Chris and Emma Connor.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘ROGUE BUILDER RUINED OUR LIVES’
A MAN who describes himself as a “builder extraordinaire” on advertising material, conned multiple residents to the tune of £263k, almost ruining their lives in the process. Michael Anderson, pictured, was even described as a crook by his own wife.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HYDROGEN PLANT CLEARS HURDLE
PLANS to build a hydrogen energy facility have been given the go-ahead after the removal of a Welsh Government holding direction. The project to develop a new hydrogen production facility and solar energy scheme, pictured, was put forward by Marubeni...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MAN, 72, DIED AFTER BEING HIT AT PUB
A MAN aged 72 died following a physical altercation between four men at a pub, an inquest has heard. Gavin Weekes, pictured, from Pencoed, was taken to the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, where he died following the incident at the Chatterton...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
GIRL LEFT SCARRED AFTER DOG ATTACK
A SCHOOLGIRL has been left with scars after being attacked by a neighbour’s dog while she was out playing. Lilly, pictured, then aged 10, was playing football with some friends opposite her home in 2023 when she was attacked by the dog. Now her dad...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MARATHON MAN TAKING ON IRONMAN
A FUNDRAISER is taking on his toughest challenge yet – after being inspired by his stepson. Joshua Granelli, pictured, is taking part in the Wales Ironman in aid of Epilepsy Action, having already run multiple marathons to raise funds for the charity.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PAEDOPHILE DROVE OFF WITH GIRL IN CAR
A PAEDOPHILE who abducted an underage girl after having sex with her wrote diary entries on his phone in which he said “I will help her become a woman”, a court has heard. Daniel Messham, pictured, drove off with the girl in his car, pursued by her...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
£4m FUNDING FOR PAVILION PLAN
FUNDING has been approved for the redevelopment of Porthcawl’s Grand Pavilion, A £4m injection of funds from Welsh Government will allow the crucial next phase in the project to go ahead – bringing the main building works a step closer.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
DIALYSIS UNIT CUTS JOURNEY TIMES
A NEW dialysis unit with the ability to carry out more than 13,000 rounds of treatment per year has opened in Bridgend. The facility is based in Brackla, at the site of a former gym, pictured. It has now become the home of a new renal unit for patients...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
COURIERS TOOK DRUGS INTO PRISON
A CONSPIRACY to smuggle drugs and mobile phones into Parc Prison was led by three inmates, a court has heard. They recruited friends and family, with visiting times used as a way to pass over packages.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SEX ASSAULT ON HOMELESS WOMAN
A HOMELESS woman was sexually assaulted by a man who approached her on one of Cardiff’s main shopping streets. Morgan Kemble, from Brackla, pictured, was walking through the city centre when he approached his victim who was sitting outside a shop with...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PROGRESS ON PLAN FOR NUCLEAR PLANT
PLANS for a pioneering nuclear power plant have taken a step forward with its backers formally entering into a site licence approval process. US firm Last Energy plans to build four 20-megawatt electric microreactors at the site of the former Llynfi...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘WHAT IS GOING ON IN OUR SCHOOLS’
BRIDGEND council will launch a strategic group to find out “what is going on” in schools across the county borough. The move follows an incident where police attended Bryntirion Comprehensive following reports that a knife had been found in a boy’s bag...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PARENTS’ FEARS AFTER BABY SCAN
A COUPLE have recalled the terrifying moment their lives changed as they were about to welcome their new baby daughter. Jade and Gareth James, pictured, were excited for their new arrival but their joy turned to anxiety after doctors spotted something...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
HENSON’S BATTLES WITH HIS ‘CHIMP’
AT THE peak of his powers, Gavin Henson, pictured, was one of the best and most famous rugby players on the planet, until his retirement in 2019. In a new interview he talks about life after rugby, running his gastropub, returning to the field – and...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
IDENTITY STOLEN TO TRICK WOMEN
A MAN had a huge shock while browsing social media after he noticed his own photo staring back at him. Andrew Lloyd, pictured, went on to discover that his identity was being used by another man to trick women into relationships. Read the full story.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
GET THE BEST LOCAL STORIES
SCAN THE QR TO GET THE LATEST DAILY NEWS & MORE DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX
Read Full Story (Page 1)
FAN’S ATTACK ON RIVAL SUPPORTER
A CARDIFF City supporter from Bridgend joined an attack on a Swansea fan who was set upon after he celebrated his team’s last-minute winning goal in the opposing fans’ end. The victim was punched, kicked and stamped on during the attack which was...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ACTIVE TRAVEL ROUTE PUT ON HOLD
PLANS for an active travel route have been put on hold after what was described as a considerable level of opposition from a public consultation. The proposed scheme would have seen a new cycle route and foot path.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
LEISURE FACILITY PLANS PROGRESS
PLANS for a new hotel and leisure facility in Porthcawl have taken a step closer, with land earmarked for the project put on the market by Bridgend council. The site is situated at the southern end of the Salt Lake near to the Porthcawl Marina.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BIG TURNOUT AS TOWN HALL REOPENS
HUNDREDS of people turned up to see the newly refurbished Maesteg Town Hall, which reopened to the public after almost five years of work. The event, held in the Grade II-listed hall, pictured, gave people a first look at the building described as the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
ALL ABOARD AS NEW BUS STATION OPENS
PORTHCAWL’S new bus station has opened. Located near the Portway and Salt Lake, the new Porthcawl Metrolink forms part of the wider Metro Plus programme, which seeks to improve public transport links across south-east Wales.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PLAN FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
A PLANNING consultation has been launched ahead of proposals to build a large new housing estate and primary school near a Bridgend town. It comes as part of an outline application from developers at Savills on behalf of Bridgend College for a new...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BEACH BOARDWALK DAMAGED IN FIRE
A SECTION of a popular beach coastal path has been damaged by fire. The boardwalk is along the Porthcawl Rest Bay area. A passer-by described the area as appearing “burned-out” with “lots of firework litter around”.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
LEISURE CENTRES CONTRACT DECISION
COUNCILLORS have agreed that a contract to provide leisure services across the county borough will be extended. The current contract, with Halo Leisure, has seen the charity run the area’s leisure centres and pools since 2012.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
LALESTON & BROADLANDS
Send Your News To: [email protected] 01656 657846 Golden wedding anniversary: To my other half... your medal is in the post. Thank you for putting up with me for 50 years since Friday October 25, 1974 at Cae Court, Bridgend. As Victor Meldrew would...
Read Full Story (Page 18)
EX-COUNCILLOR DENIES ATTEMPTED MURDER
A FORMER councillor stabbed his wife three times and told her, “this is what I do for love”, a court has heard. Darren Brown, pictured, denies attempting to murder his wife. Brown, a former Bridgend town councillor, is accused of attempting to murder...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘MIRACLE’ SAVES CAT MARMALADE
THE owner of a cat almost “kicked” to death has described the “miracle” that brought him back from the brink. After taking Marmalade to the vet, it was discovered that he had suffered serious internal injuries, which could have been caused by a human...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
PLAN TO TARGET HOMELESSNESS
BRIDGEND council has agreed to purchase three new properties that will be used as houses in multiple occupation. The move came at a council cabinet meeting where officers outlined to members the challenges they currently face, with large increases...
Read Full Story (Page 1)