martyn jones

According to the listing, the property is situated in the West End of Barry and has been extended and upgraded for “contemporary family living”.

The home has an entrance hall that leads to a lounge as well as a fitted kitchen. At the rear, an extended dining room is described as “an ideal space for entertaining and family gatherings”.

The sitting room is a cosy space (Image: Zoopla)

On the ground floor, a utility room and a downstairs shower room with WC are also included.

Upstairs, three bedrooms are described as “well-proportioned”. The principal bedroom offers an en-suite. A family bathroom with modern fittings is also located on this floor.

The kitchen comes fully fitted (Image: Zoopla)

Front garden space is present, together with a double driveway for off-road parking. The enclosed rear garden has been landscaped and tiered, with a patio seating area, lawn, and an elevated decking space “complete with pagola”, according to the listing.

All three bedrooms are well-proportioned (Image: Zoopla)

Described as being positioned for good access to local schools, the listing says the house is “particularly attractive for families”. Train stations and main commuting roads are close by.

Shops, cafés and amenities are highly accessible from the property. Barry Island’s beaches and waterfront, plus The Cold Knap area, are also within reach.

The rear garden offers ample space for entertaining and relaxing (Image: Zoopla)

The listing states that outdoor spaces offer opportunities for dining and relaxing. It also suggests the location offers “an outstanding lifestyle opportunity” in one of Barry’s most sought-after residential areas.

Offers over £425,000 are invited for the property.

Viewings are recommended in the listing to “fully appreciate the quality, space and location” that this property has to offer potential buyers. 

The RNLI is urging beachgoers to remember the ‘Float to Live’ technique, particularly as nearly 49 million people are expected to visit the coast or open water during the summer.

Chris Cousens, RNLI regional water safety lead, said: “We know that there will be a huge amount of people visiting the Welsh coast over the coming months and we want everyone to remember our Float to Live advice.

“Instinctively, most people who find themselves struggling in the water will begin to panic, swim, or thrash about.

“We’re urging people to ignore this instinct and remember to float.”

The ‘Float to Live’ guidance advises people to tilt their head back with ears submerged, relax, and try to breathe normally.

Moving hands and feet gently can help stay afloat, and the RNLI says that it’s fine if legs sink.

Mr Cousens said: “By doing this, you give yourself the chance to rest and recover your breathing. Once you’ve regained control of your breathing, you can call for help or swim to safety.”

Last year, RNLI lifeguards in Wales saved 28 lives and assisted 5,507 people.

Lifeguard patrols will run from 10am to 6pm throughout the half-term on Barry Island, as well as nearby Bridgend beaches including Coney/Sandy Bay, Trecco Bay, and Rest Bay.

Full-time daily cover will continue throughout the summer season at Barry Island, Coney/Sandy Bay and Trecco Bay between 10am and 6pm.

The RNLI has reminded the public to call 999 to get help in any coastal emergency.

These include proposals for home improvements, renewable energy installations and tree works.

Amendment to home renovation refused

A non-material amendment for planned renovations at 137 Plymouth Road, Penarth, was refused.

The council concluded that the proposed changes would have a ‘materially different impact’ compared to the previously approved scheme.

As a result, the application was deemed to exceed the scope of a non-material amendment and said planning permission would be required.

Roof replacement approved

Permission has been granted to replace the rear roof at 1 Kymin Terrace, Penarth.

The approved works include installing Glendyne natural slates, raising dormer window edges, and replacing the fibreglass flat roof with black EPDM rubber membrane.

It also includes new lead flashings and replacing double glazed units.

Work must be carried out in line with the approved plans and begin within five years of the approved date.

The existing ridge tiles must be reused in the development where possible.

Two-storey side extension

A two-storey side extension at 139 St David’s Crescent, Penarth, has been approved.

Work must begin within five years of the approval date and be completed according to the approved plans.

The required biodiversity enhancements must also be carried out prior to the first beneficial use of the development and retained while it is in use. 

Materials used in the construction must match those used in the existing building.

Solar panels at Penarth Bowls Club

Twenty-one solar panels are to be installed on the front roof of Penarth Bowls Club on Rectory Road, Penarth.

The panels, facing the bowling green, have been approved as permitted development and will not require further planning permission.

The panels would be inset from the north gable end by 1.2m and 4.8m from the south gable end. They would be set down 1.1m from the ridge and set up by 1.6m from the lower external edge.

Rear and utility extension in Llandough

Work has been approved at 1 Vale View Close in Llandough.

Plans include a first-floor rear extension, a ground-floor utility room extension, and a new pitched roof to the existing garage and utility room.

Work must begin within five years of the approval date and be carried out in line with the approved plans.

All biodiversity enhancements must be put in place before the first beneficial use of the development and be retained while it is in use.

Ground floor extension in Ivy Street

A ground floor rear and side extension at 20 Ivy Street, Penarth, has been approved.

Work must begin within five years of the approval date and be carried out in line with the approved plans.

Biodiversity measures, including a bird box and wildlife-friendly planting, form part of the conditions. These must be put in place prior to the first beneficial use of the development and be kept while the development is in existence.

Tree works approved

Permission has been granted for tree works at Monmouth House in Salisbury Close, Penarth.

The approved works cover several protected trees under Tree Preservation Order No. 3 of 1985. This includes two lime trees, nine oak trees, one mature oak tree, one field maple tree, and one mature ash tree.

All work must be completed within 12 months and carried out by a qualified professional in line with British Standards.

Bab Haus Mex, based in Barry’s Goodsheds, has become a standout name on Wales’ dining scene, known for its inventive and flavour-packed menu that combines Mexican street food with influences from Los Angeles and Iran.

The restaurant is the vision of Cardiff-born Leyli Homayoonfar, who started Leyli Joon & Co, a catering and events business, in 2017.

After gaining a loyal following through pop-up events, she opened Bab Haus Mex in Barry in 2020 at Unit 3 of the Goodsheds Container Village.

The Barry site is now part of a growing enterprise, with locations also open in Newport Market and Ffos Caerffili.

Bab Haus Mex, based in Barry’s Goodsheds, has become a standout name on Wales’ dining scene, known for its inventive and flavour-packed menu (Image: Supplied)

Here are five things to know about Bab Haus Mex:

1. A pop-up success story Ms Homayoonfar turned pop-up buzz into a permanent presence. Bab Haus Mex grew from her original events business and is now a multi-site operation.
2. Part of a vibrant hub The restaurant is based in Goodsheds, Barry’s container village on Hood Road. Once a railway storage building, it now houses more than 20 independent businesses, including food outlets, creative workspaces and wellness studios.
3. Mexican with a difference Bab Haus Mex serves up tacos, burritos, loaded nachos, street corn and glazed wings. Its signature dish is the 18-hour smoked pulled chilli beef birria burrito, filled with Cajun rice, smoky pinto beans, mozzarella, sour cream, salsa roja, coriander and Tajín. The menu draws inspiration from LA’s food scene, with an Iranian twist that sets it apart.
4. National praise and celebrity attention The business was listed in Harden’s Best Restaurants in the UK 2026 Guide. Celebrity chef Matt Tebbutt also visited the Barry site, featuring it in a TikTok series.
5. Top marks for hygiene Bab Haus Mex earned a five-out-of-five food hygiene rating in June 2024 following an inspection by Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Inspectors described its facilities, food handling and cleanliness as “very good,” and rated the site fully compliant with “excellent food hygiene standards.”

The Motoring Ombudsman has published step-by-step advice for drivers questioning repair costs, the quality of work carried out, or instances where the same issue reoccurs after repairs.

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, car repairs are classified as a service and must be completed with “reasonable care and skill.”

Customers are only liable for charges they have authorised.

UK speed limits explained

If the quality of the repair is in doubt, The Motoring Ombudsman recommends allowing the original garage to inspect the vehicle and address the concern directly.

A spokesman for The Motoring Ombudsman said: “If a customer goes to another garage before allowing the original repairer to inspect and respond, then recovering those additional costs ‘may be more complex’.”

The service advises gathering all relevant evidence before filing a complaint.

This includes the original repair estimate or quote, the final invoice, and any written communications, such as emails or messages.

Photographs, inspection reports, and other documentation may also support the case.

Organising this information chronologically can help clarify events for both the garage and any third party involved in reviewing the dispute.

The first step is to thoroughly review the invoice, comparing it with the estimate or quote and any approvals given.

Motorists should flag discrepancies in labour time, parts, or extra charges, and ask for an itemised invoice if one has not been provided.

Unexpected costs should then be queried with the garage, asking when and how these were authorised.

It is best done in writing to ensure a clear record of discussions and responses.

If the concern cannot be resolved informally, a formal complaint should be submitted.

This should outline the details of the dispute, reference supporting evidence, and specify the desired outcome.

The garage should also confirm whether it considers the matter closed and whether it is accredited by The Motoring Ombudsman.

Garages may take up to eight weeks to investigate and issue a final response.

If an immediate resolution cannot be reached and the driver needs to recover their vehicle, The Motoring Ombudsman suggests considering ‘pay under protest’.

This means footing the bill but by making it clear the payment “doesn’t indicate agreement with the charges”.

If the garage is accredited by The Motoring Ombudsman, motorists may then be eligible for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

This is said to provide an “impartial framework for assessing whether the business has met obligations” under the code of practice laid out in consumer law.

Barry local Steve Francis is one of the millions of people who took up something new whilst he was stuck at home, deciding to buy a pizza oven and taking to the internet to teach himself the skills needed to create pizzas.

It was harder than expected and produced “rubbish” pizzas, so it was put away until last summer when Mr Francis discovered a new urge to develop his pizza making skills and began making the dish for the entire neighbourhood from his garden, purely as an excuse to practice his dough making.

The response from his neighbours was so supportive that he was encouraged to take the leap and turn this hobby into a fully fledged pop up, thus creating Backyard Dough Co. which offers fresh piping hot pizzas straight from a back garden on Barry Island.

Pop ups in Mr Francis’ back garden happen when he has a free weekend (Image: NQ)

Now, whenever he has a free weekend outside his day job, Mr Francis chooses to set up his gazabo and make pizzas for the people of Barry and the Vale alongside bringing the experience to local pubs and private events and the smell of freshly cooked dough to his cul-de-sac.

Mr Francis told the Barry and District News: “The support is the reason I did it.

“You can talk yourself out of it for so long but the owner of the local pub said ‘just do it’.

“If it didn’t work, it didn’t work and I could just carry on making them for friends and family.”

The business has only grown in popularity since its launch, with word travelling fast about the airy Neapolitan pizzas that emulate a taste of Italy.

Every single pizza is made from scratch, with the Neapolitan dough making process beginning 24 hours earlier.  Once mixed and kneaded, it is left to ferment at room temperature just like the old days in Naples, before each dough ball is shaped and balled up by hand. 

The pizza sauce is made on the day from fresh plum tomatoes, and all toppings are of the highest quality.

The dough for each pizza is made 24 hours before each pop up (Image: NQ)

Each pizza is then stretched, topped and baked at around 500 degrees for just 90 seconds giving it that puffy crust that Neapolitan pizzas are famous for.

Mr Francis describes the dough making process as an art, full of trial and error before he mastered the final product that customers are served today.

When asked why he thinks his pop up has taken off so swiftly, Mr Francis simply replied: “People are after something authentic.”

Those interested in chowing down on a pizza from Backyard Dough Co. should keep up to date with their pop ups on social media to stay in the loop when they are announced.

Tide times for the week commencing Thursday, May 21:

Thursday, May 21: 02.15 (8.45m), 08.21 (3.56m), 14.52 (8.57m), 21.05 (3.53m)
Friday, May 22: 03.36 (8.39m), 09.41 (3.64m), 16.13 (8.69m), 22.27 (3.38m)
Saturday, May 23: 04.54 (8.77m), 11.03 (3.29m), 17.24 (9.22m), 23.41 (2.85m)
Sunday, May 24: 05.57 (9.46m), 12.10 (2.63m), 18.22 (9.97m)
Monday, May 25: 00.40 (2.15m), 06.49 (10.27m), 13.04 (1.86m), 19.12 (10.75m)
Tuesday, May 26: 01.29 (1.45m), 07.36 (11.04m), 13.50 (1.15m), 19.57 (11.43m)

Adrian Edros, 37, of Holton Road, Barry appeared before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court where he admitted multiple offences committed over a three-week period.

The court heard that he was made the subject to a criminal behaviour order in December 2025, which prohibited him from entering Penarth town centre.

Despite this, he returned on several occasions in April and May this year.

Prosecutor James Subbiani told the court that Edros breached the order on three separate dates – April 16, May 2 and May 7.

The breaches were accompanied by thefts from local shops.

On 16 April, Edros stole toiletries worth £50.71 from Pearns Pharmacy on Windsor Road.

He returned to the same area on May 2, taking steak and chicken valued at £61.50 from Sainsbury’s.

Days later, on May 7, he again targeted the supermarket, stealing a further £42 worth of meat.

Edros pleaded guilty to all offences at the first opportunity.

The court was told he had committed the offences while already subject to both a suspended sentence order and the existing criminal behaviour order.

Magistrates said the offences were “so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified”.

He was jailed for 40 weeks.