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Although seating is already available inside the building at Bridgend Bus Station, there is no seating facilities on the outside of the building.
When Bridgend Bus Station was opened in 2004, bench style seating was situated outside on Bay No. 11. However, this has since been removed due to anti-social behaviour and replaced with perch style seating.
Unfortunately, the outside layout around the rest of the building doesn’t have sufficient space for seating. However, the request for outside seating will be included in the ongoing improvements programme currently taking place at Bridgend Bus Station.
In terms of water fountains. A drinking water fountain/bottle refilling station is currently sited at our Porthcawl Metrolink, and other sites will also be considered, including Bridgend Bus Station.
The Cardiff Bus website page Mobility Scooters on Cardiff Bus Services – Cardiff Bus refers. I have asked Gareth at Cardiff Bus earlier today if he can further advise on events for this being planned in the Vale (Penarth & Barry) and await further advice.
Similarly, here in Wales, Plaid Cymru made numerous references to hope as part of their campaign messaging ahead of the recent Senedd elections, including in the opening lines of their manifesto.
In many ways, this focus is timely: following nearly two decades of uncertainty and upheaval, many people are understandably finding it difficult to look to the future with confidence and optimism, something recently reflected by an Age Cymru survey which found 40 per cent of older people are not optimistic about the year ahead.
Hope is important and can be hugely powerful, enabling us to imagine better ways of doing things, determine how we get there and inspire us to work towards this.
But this focus also inevitably frames action and progress as something that will happen in the future, shifting our attention away from what can be achieved today and tempering our expectations.
The Prime Minister’s announcement on social care – described as ‘offering hope’ by a number of commentators – is a good example of this. While the announcement was both welcome and important, little detail has been shared about what the immediate response to the issues facing social care services will be, and what this might mean in terms of consequential resources and support for Wales.
As highlighted in my recent briefing paper on Social Care in Wales, action across a number of key areas would improve people’s experiences and the quality of care and support without the need for significant reform (although this does remain important).
Yet it seems that older people experiencing issues with social care today may be waiting a long time to see the improvements they need to enable them to live safely and independently, and have the best possible quality of life.
Many older people have bluntly described to me the reality that they don’t have ‘many years’ to wait for change, while others are understandably cynical about what will actually be delivered, given that successive governments have promised significant social care reform that has failed to materialise.
The growing emphasis on hope is understandable: people want reasons to feel optimistic about the future, while politicians want to offer a clear and positive vision. But offering hope must not become a substitute for the practical action needed to address the challenges people are facing today or used as a way to defer difficult decisions with the promise that things will be better ‘one day’.
Delivering tangible improvements in the here and now is therefore crucial, because for many older people, hope is not measured by promises about tomorrow, but by what changes today.
Rhian Bowen-Davies is the older people’s commissioner for Wales.
Advert amendment
An application has been lodged to amend the approved advertisement rate for signage at Penarth Railway Station.
The original advertisement, approved under reference 2026/00148/ADV, remains unchanged in size, materials, illumination, and fixings.
Unlike the standard five-year consent period, the revised application seeks permanent permission for the display.
Windows and doors alterations
Plans have been submitted for changes to windows and doors at a property on Robinswood Crescent, Penarth.
The proposal involves removing a modern glass-roofed conservatory, enlarging the rear patio doors, making minor window adjustments to the front and rear elevations, blocking up an existing side window to the integral garage, and replacing all windows with new uPVC casement designs.
Internal reconfiguration is also included, though all works will remain within the existing building footprint.
The application also outlines environmental enhancements, including pollinator-friendly planting such as lavender and the installation of a bird nesting box.
Flat extension
An application has been made to convert two ground-floor flats at a property on Plymouth Road, Penarth, into a single, larger unit.
The current rear ground-floor flat would be extended, with a new entrance created at the rear of the property.
The extension is planned to the side of the building, partially replacing the existing driveway.
The application notes that the impact on existing green infrastructure will be minimal and that landscaping will be protected throughout construction.
A bird box, approved by the RSPB, will be installed on a north or east-facing wall as part of the proposal.
Broadcaster Mari Grug, former Wales international Joe Allen, and reggae artist Aleighcia Scott were among those inducted into Gorsedd Cymru by Archdruid of Wales Mererid Hopwood, during a special ceremony at the National Eisteddfod held in Llantwd near Cardigan.
Ms Grug, from Mynachlog-ddu, was recognised for her work as an S4C and Radio Cymru broadcaster and her openness in documenting her cancer journey, which inspired many across Wales.
She said: “I feel the excitement and I’m very emotional but I’m really looking forward.
“It’s a great honour and the whole family will be here.”
Ms Grug also said she was delighted to share the occasion with her mother, Ann Siriol Davies, who was also honoured at the ceremony.
Ms Davies is renowned as an adjudicator and author of children’s books.
She said: “Being inducted into the Gorsedd is one thing but doing so on the doorstep of my home is special.
“And doing that with Mari is even more special.
“We will celebrate after the ceremony.”
Joe Allen, who represented Wales 77 times and played in the historic World Cup team, said he was more nervous about the Eisteddfod ceremony than any World Cup game.
Mr Allen said: “In a football match I know what to expect and what to do but this ceremony is completely new to me.
“I didn’t expect to be invited and it was a bit of a shock but it’s a great honour and I’m very grateful.”
Welsh-Jamaican reggae singer Aleighcia Scott, from Cardiff, was recognised for her groundbreaking Welsh-language music, including the first Welsh reggae song to reach number one on iTunes.
She said: “When I started learning Welsh, I didn’t think I would join the Gorsedd at all.
“I look around me and see well-known people who have done so much for Wales and I am very happy to be here.”
Other inductees included broadcaster Heledd Cynwal, arts ambassador Eluned Haf, and community volunteers Wyn and Meirwen Evans.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park chief executive Tegryn Jones and musician Ryland Teifi were also honoured.
The National Eisteddfod continues throughout the week, celebrating Welsh culture and language across music, literature and the arts.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Natural Resources Wales have issued separate warning as the prolonged dry weather continues.
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service have emphasised the “all the fires are emergencies” and anyone who spots one is being urged to call 999 immediately.
A spokesperson for the service said: “See a fire? Call 999.
“All fires are emergencies, especially in current dry conditions.
“Calling 999 connects you directly to Fire Control, helping us locate incidents quickly and get the right resources moving faster.
“Please do not report fires via administrative phone numbers.
“In an emergency, always call 999”.
While Natural Resources Wales are reminding people of the best practices to follow in order to avoid wildfires.
This includes not lighting fires in the countryside; not using barbecues; and taking litter home with you.
A spokesperson for Natural Resources Wales said: “[The] wildfire risk remains high, help protect our countryside this weekend.
“Never light fires in the countryside; go for a picnic instead of a BBQ; and take all litter home, especially glass bottles.
“If you see a wildfire, get to safe place, call 999 and ask for the Fire Service”.
Anyone who sees a wildfire is being reminded to find a safe place, then call 999 and ask for the fire service.
The blaze which was seen as far away as Penarth Pier broke out on August 7 in Rooks Bridge, near Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset.
The incident prompted the closure of a section of the A38, leading to heavy delays.
Emergency services responded to the fire, which after further calls indicating it involved a garage was upgraded to a commercial property fire.
A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We have been supporting the fire service with closures on the A38 at Rooksbridge, at the junctions with Mudgley Road, Mendip Road, Fletchers Lane, Old Bristol Road and the A370 South.”
Motorists were advised to stay away from the area.
According to the Somerset County Gazette, one driver wrote on social media: “If you are coming off the M5 at Burnham to avoid traffic, the A38 is currently closed through Rooksbridge due to a fire.”
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said teams from Cheddar and Burnham-on-Sea were first on the scene.
The response was soon upgraded to a commercial property fire, prompting a larger response.
Crews from Bridgwater, Winscombe, and Weston-super-Mare attended, along with an aerial ladder platform from Taunton.
A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters discovered a detached building measuring approximately 10 metres by 20 metres fully involved in fire, with a number of vehicles also alight.”
Crews used breathing apparatus, attack jets and water supplies from a nearby hydrant to tackle the blaze.
The spokesman said: “Power cables were affected by the fire, prompting National Grid to attend and isolate the electricity supply.
“A neighbouring property was evacuated as a precaution because of its proximity to the fire.
“The fire service also confirmed cylinders were located inside the garage and were being cooled by firefighters, while a hazardous materials officer attended to support the operation.”
Crews used ground monitors, a hose reel jet, and thermal imaging cameras as they worked to bring the fire under control.
The property, known as the Old Farmhouse, is located in the hamlet of Gileston which is south of Cowbridge and St Athan.
The semi-detached home has been described by the estate agent as being “fully refurbished and modernised” to “a truly wonderful standard.”
They add that the home is in “immaculate condition.”
The property has five bedrooms in total, one of which is the master suite on the top floor which has a vaulted ceiling with A-frame beams and an en suite that also has a dressing room space.
There is also a family bathroom and a further en suite for one of the bedrooms.
On the ground floor, there is an open-plan L-shaped dining room which leads into the kitchen/breakfast room.
The kitchen has an oversized island with floor-to-ceiling cabinets.
The kitchen leads into the living room which has a “feature fireplace” and a “Stovax wood-burning stove.”
There is also a study/sitting room on the ground floor.
The property has a garden with a terrace area described as being “ideal for al fresco entertaining” a lawned area, “raised vegetable beds, [a] greenhouse, a mature apple tree, fig tree and grapevine.”
There is also a workshop and store room.
The estate agent says that the property has views of woodland to the front or countryside and the sea to the rear.
The home is in Gileston which is described as being a “small hamlet to the south of Cowbridge and St Athan” which has “previously won Best Kept Village.”
The estate agent adds that it is a “quaint community” and “within walking distance to the Heritage Coastline and pebble beach.”
Start your day with a stroll along the boards and a look at what’s on – recent listings have included jazz brunches, drawing workshops and craft socials alongside summer blockbusters.
For coffee and breakfast, you’re spoiled for choice. The pavilion café offers sea views right on the pier, while nearby favourites such as Willmore’s 1938 on the Esplanade are beloved by Penarth residents for their relaxed atmosphere and generous brunch plates, a regular inclusion in local round‑ups of the town’s best spots. Sitting outside with a coffee, you’ll usually see hardy locals heading down for a dip, or families beginning a slow wander along the prom.
If you’re an early riser, you can make Penarth’s cultural day start in the water.
Dawnstalkers, an outdoor swimming community based on the seafront, meet at first light for sunrise swims, encouraging people to “get in the sea at Penarth seafront, at dawn” and share the joy of cold water together.
Joining them for a carefully‑planned dip (with safety advice and experienced regulars on hand) gives you a very different perspective on the pier and Bristol Channel before you towel off and warm up with breakfast on shore.
Penarth’s food story around the pier is as much about long‑standing locals as newcomers. For decades, Tony’s takeaway was a fixture in the town centre, serving up chips and classic bites to generations of residents; although the central shop closed last year, Tony’s still has a takeaway by the Esplanade, a familiar stop for people grabbing food to eat overlooking the sea.
If you’re after something more sit‑down, the Esplanade and nearby streets offer a mix of restaurants and bars, from seafront Italian and Turkish menus to local independents highlighted in Penarth Times restaurant features, many of which emphasise fresh seafood, sharing plates and a strong community focus.
As the Guardian piece notes, Penarth pier’s appeal is as much about what surrounds it as the structure itself, and that now includes new openings. Keg Belly’s, a recently opened bar near the seafront – adds to the choice for craft beer and casual drinks, giving locals and visitors a spot to tuck into a pint after a pier walk and watch the light change over the water.
For something more indulgent, newer venues such as Sûre & Holme House Stay and Spa (a boutique-style stay and wellness space on or near the clifftop) offer treatments, relaxation areas and overnight rooms with sweeping views back towards the pier and across Cardiff Bay, part of a wider trend of small, design‑led stays on the Welsh coast.
Whether you start with a Dawnstalkers sunrise swim, a coffee at Willmore’s, a takeaway from Tony’s, a drink at Keg Belly’s or a night at the cinema, the pier and its surroundings now offer a full day’s worth of ways to “do” Penarth combining heritage, community and a growing mix of independent food, drink and wellness spaces.
The application, submitted by Mr Emdookh of YK Global Solutions Ltd, was approved on 29 July under delegated powers. The decision comes after an earlier plan to create four flats in the upper floors was refused in March this year.
The revised scheme will retain the existing A1/A2 use – allowing for retail or financial/professional services – on the ground floor, while converting the upper levels into a total of three self-contained apartments.
The proposal also includes shopfront alterations, a rear dormer extension and associated external works, all within the Holton Road primary retail frontage in Barry town centre.
Planning documents show the council considered the building’s long history of commercial use, with previous approvals dating back to the 1980s for shopfront changes, signage and equipment such as satellite dishes, reflecting its role as a banking and retail premises over several decades.
In approving the plans, the council attached several conditions. Work must begin within five years, and the development must be carried out in line with approved plans, including the location plan and existing/proposed floor and site layouts.
Biodiversity enhancement measures set out in the submitted “Green Infrastructure and Biodiversity Enhancement Measures” document must be implemented in full before the flats are occupied, with any failed planting replaced within five years.
The council also requires separate foul and surface water drainage, ensuring land drainage run-off does not enter the public sewer, and stipulates that access, circulation and amenity spaces for residents be provided as shown on the plans before the homes are brought into use and then retained.
The site sits within Holton Road’s town and district retail boundary and primary frontage, an area identified in local planning policy as a key shopping street, and within surface water flood zones 2 and 3 on national mapping.
As town centres across Barry continue to evolve, the decision means the prominent former Halifax building will now combine ground-floor commercial space with much-needed town-centre housing above.
