Chloe Wheatley, 20, pleaded guilty to committing the offences last month on March 3.
The defendant, of Dafydd Place, Barry was fined £120 after she appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court.
She was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £48 surcharge.
The RSV vaccine, which was first introduced in 2024 for people aged 75 to 79, has been found to reduce the risk of hospitalisation by 75 per cent, according to a new study.
Public Health Wales (PHW) said the vaccine had already led to over 13 per cent drop in RSV-related admissions among the eligible 75 – 79 age group between October 2024 and April 2025.
RSV is a common virus but can be dangerous in older adults, causing serious illnesses such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Each year, RSV is estimated to cause between 700 and 1,000 hospital admissions among people over 75, and up to 9,000 GP appointments.
Dr Christopher Johnson, head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at PHW, said: “These early results are very encouraging and show that the vaccine is providing strong protection for older adults in Wales.
“More than 100,000 people aged 75–79 have already taken up the offer of RSV vaccination.
“The expansion of the vaccination programme to people aged 80 and over gives us an opportunity to prevent even more RSV-linked hospital stays.
“This will benefit individuals, but it will also help ease pressure on GPs and hospitals in Wales.
“We know that vaccination is the best way to protect ourselves and others against illnesses like RSV and COVID-19.
“I would encourage everyone who is invited to take up the offer of vaccination this spring.”
Following the early success of the pilot, the RSV vaccine programme is now being expanded to include people aged 80 and over.
A catch-up programme will see people aged 80 and over, and residents in care homes for older adults, offered the RSV vaccine between April and June this year.
Where possible, the COVID-19 spring vaccination will be offered at the same time.
The Met Office is forecasting beach weather across the Vales with sunny weather and temperatures over 20°C in Barry this Tuesday and Wednesday.
The rise in temperatures comes after Wales recorded its joint-fourth warmest March on record – and the warmest since 2017 – according to the Met Office.
Provisional Met Office statistics revealed the UK experienced a mean temperature of 7°C in March, placing it as the joint-tenth warmest March on record dating back to 1884.
Here’s an hour-by-hour forecast for Barry over the two days.
Tuesday
7am: Sunny day – 8°C
8am: Sunny day – 9°C
9am: Sunny day – 11°C
10am: Sunny day – 12°C
11am: Sunny day – 14°C
12pm: Sunny day – 16°C
1pm: Sunny day – 18°C
2pm: Sunny day – 19°C
3pm: Sunny day – 20°C
4pm: Sunny day – 20°C
5pm: Sunny day – 19°C
6pm: Sunny day – 18°C
7pm: Sunny day – 17°C
8pm: Clear night – 15°C
9pm: Clear night – 14°C
7am: Sunny day – 9°C
8am: Sunny day – 11°C
9am: Sunny day – 13°C
10am: Sunny day – 14°C
11am: Sunny day – 15°C
12pm: Sunny day – 16°C
1pm: Sunny day – 17°C
2pm: Sunny day – 18°C
3pm: Sunny day – 19°C
4pm: Sunny day – 20°C
5pm: Sunny day – 19°C
6pm: Sunny day – 18°C
7pm: Sunny day – 16°C
8pm: Clear night – 14°C
9pm: Clear night – 13°C
As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our
articles.
Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local
services.
These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local
community.
It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need
as much support as possible during these challenging times.
The Met Office is forecasting beach weather across the Vales with sunny weather and temperatures over 20°C in Penarth this Tuesday and Wednesday.
The rise in temperatures comes after Wales recorded its joint-fourth warmest March on record – and the warmest since 2017 – according to the Met Office.
Provisional Met Office statistics revealed the UK experienced a mean temperature of 7°C in March, placing it as the joint-tenth warmest March on record dating back to 1884.
Here’s an hour-by-hour forecast for Penarth over the two days.
7am: Sunny day – 8°C
8am: Sunny day – 9°C
9am: Sunny day – 10°C
10am: Sunny day – 12°C
11am: Sunny day – 14°C
12pm: Sunny day – 16°C
1pm: Sunny day – 18°C
2pm: Sunny day – 19°C
3pm: Sunny day – 20°C
4pm: Sunny day – 20°C
5pm: Sunny day – 20°C
6pm: Sunny day – 18°C
7pm: Sunny day – 17°C
8pm: Clear night – 15°C
9pm: Clear night – 14°C
7am: Sunny day – 9°C
8am: Sunny day – 11°C
9am: Sunny day – 13°C
10am: Sunny day – 15°C
11am: Sunny day – 16°C
12pm: Sunny day – 18°C
1pm: Sunny day – 19°C
2pm: Sunny day – 20°C
3pm: Sunny day – 20°C
4pm: Sunny day – 20°C
5pm: Sunny day – 19°C
6pm: Sunny day – 18°C
7pm: Sunny day – 16°C
8pm: Clear night – 14°C
9pm: Clear night – 13°C
No I haven’t finally lost reality these steps were used by real ‘outdoor bathers’ more than 100 years ago; but alas not built by the Romans. They are concrete, and the swimming pool base set with concrete that has lasted, but much of the other semi-circular parts of the side walling has been completely washed away or demolished.
I posted for information on the ‘Paddling Pool’ asking for any information on our Barry and District Museumeers Facebook page which has drawn a complete blank. However, our outdoor seawater-filled swimming pool has some echoes of a story here. Don’t forget bathing here in the 1940s, your feet would have been ‘nibbled ’ by crabs. With a shop nearby at Friars Point overlooking the swimming pool, and access was free; it beats the Knap Lido any day.
Old black and white photos of our sea water-filled swimming pool; others call it by a less grander name: ‘tidal pool’ show it was well used in the 1920s. An image from 1958 shows that seven concrete steps on the Eastern side existed at the pool, now eroded away. There was a plan as covered in the Barry and District News on February 12, 2010, to resurrect the ‘natural bathing pool’. It was reported that: “Use of the pool is believed to have ceased around 1970, and it subsequently fell into disrepair and was demolished due to drainage problems and poor quality seawater at the time.”
But sadly the rebuilding of the paddling pool was abandoned due to cost, but not due to lack of public support.
When was the ‘paddling pool’ constructed? Thanks to the Ordnance Survey, as recorded by 1915, the Bathing Pool by name and as a structure with three linear sides (north, south and access stairs as still exist on the Western Friars Point side) and the curved Whitmore Bay side; now demolished. However, this is not what the photographs seem to show, more curved Northern and Southern sides as in a 1948 image; or a trick of the photographic angle as illustrated with linear sides from a 1916 hand coloured image.
Stories on the net talk about the ‘swimming pool’ being a safe place to learn how to swim. And, in the summer months, the water was warmer than the deep blue sea beyond.
This is a republished version of an article that first appeared on the Barry and District News in November 2025.
It took neighbours Andrew Mathison, 62, and Craig Walton, 65, four years – and a lot of breakfasts – to compile their results which saw the Busy Teapot recognised as having the best breakfasts of all the cafes rated.
Mr Mathison and Mr Walton explained they were focusing on meat eating and vegetarian full breakfasts and the “strict” criteria included ‘consistency’, ‘quality’, and ‘atmosphere’ – Busy Teapot excelled in all categories.
On completing their studies, Mr Mathison and Mr Walton presented Busy Teapot owners, brothers Martin and Adrian Shaw with a plaque to commemorate their superb morning offerings.
“We came up with the idea before lockdown,” explained Mr Walton. “We live on the same block and had a few breakfasts together and we thought well let’s find out and went to try see which is the best.
“We have been to nearly every café in Cardiff and Penarth, and it took a long time.”
Mr Mathison and Mr Walton would go to the same cafs multiple times to check that consistency level and pay for it out their own pocket – there was no funding support in this breakfast quest for the nation.
Busy Teapot’s ‘accessible prices’ probably helped in the task – a full English at the Teapot costs between £7.50 and £9.50. Mr Mathison and Mr Walton went to some places that would charge £27 for two breakfasts…
“This is the most consistent place we have ever been to,” said Mr Mathieson on their findings. “No matter when we came in, no matter how busy, it is always consistent.”
Andrew Mathieson explained the extent him and neighbour Craig Walton went to to find the ultimate full English.
“We did this by areas throughout Cardiff starting with the well known cafes like Ramones, then the supermarkets, the market and town cafes in the arcade and shopping centres, coffee shops, student places, industrial sites.
“We checked online using Google.
“We tried the burger bars like the ones outside the likes of B&Q and as you hit the road entering the docks etc.
“Pubs, harvesters, hotels, hospitals.
“We spoke to numerous people who were able to point us directions of cafes we didn’t know about from Google.
“The list goes on that’s why it took over four years.”
The caf, on the corner of Glebe Street and Salop Street, has been there 40 years and the brothers took it over 14 years ago.
They start early. Martin is there for 6am, and they cook everything in house, even their superb pies.
Martin explained why he thinks the brothers are so good at what they do.
“We work as a team and bounce off each other,” he said. “We can both work front or back of house and we bring a bit of personality. We have good banter with the customers.”
This was something Mr Mathison and Mr Walton could also attest to in their findings.
“People are always happy in here enjoying their food, and the boys are friendly.”
This is a republished version of a story that first appeared on the Penarth Times in July 2024.
Tree removal
Permission has been granted to fell two beech trees at The Moorings on Cold Knap Way.
The application was submitted due to their alleged contribution to subsidence at a neighbouring property on The Parade.
The trees, which predate the adjacent house, have been assessed as causing a significant level of damage to the neighbouring dwelling as a result of the relationship between the two Beech trees and the geology of the area.
A subsidence engineer’s report, geotechnical survey, and arboricultural appraisal supported the claim, and it was agreed that removal was justified.
The trees are not prominent in the street scene and form part of a larger group of vegetation.
Their loss is not considered to significantly affect the character of the conservation area.
Conservatory
A rear conservatory at 2 Ffordd Y Glannau has been approved.
Neighbour objections cited overshadowing, visual impact, and proximity to the boundary.
However, planning officers concluded that the modest height and design of the structure would not create unacceptable overlooking or visual harm.
The textured, obscured glazing on the side elevations will protect neighbouring privacy, and existing boundary fences will help screen the structure.
Extension
A single-storey rear extension at 22 Lidmore Road has also been approved.
The development will replace an existing prefabricated garage, and no objections were received.
The extension has been designed around the presence of a Welsh Water sewer running across the rear of the property.
Although the floor plan is unconventional in relation to the original house, its limited visibility from the public realm ensures minimal impact on the wider street scene.
Materials for the extension will match those of the existing dwelling, with a grey Fatra flat roof, white painted render, a uPVC door, new patio doors, and new uPVC fascias, soffits and rainwater goods proposed.
Extension
Plans for a single-storey flat-roof rear extension and a second-storey side extension over an existing structure at 50 Brookfield Avenue have been approved.
A previous application for a single-storey rear extension and a first-floor side extension, above the existing garage, was already in place until September 2026, providing a fallback position for the new application.
The council assessed the design, scale, and visual impact of the proposed extensions on the character of the area.
The application property is not part of a group of similarly sized, evenly spaced dwellings, so concerns about “terracing” were considered minimal.
The roof ridge height will increase by around 1.2 metres, but the extension is expected to remain visually “subservient” to the main house.
New home
Partial retrospective planning permission has been granted for a four-bedroom bungalow on the site of a previously demolished property at West View Bungalow, Higher End, St Athan.
The scheme includes a detached double garage.
Plans were approved despite two objections citing overdevelopment, the potential for a second dwelling on the subdivided plot, window placement, highway safety concerns, flood risk, proximity to a scheduled ancient monument, hedgerow removal, and impact on rural character.
The council concluded the development was in keeping with the scale of the plot and neighbouring properties.
Although the new bungalow is larger than the structure it replaced, the increase in size was deemed appropriate for the setting.
A garage on the site will replace a former outbuilding and was considered acceptable.
Front porch
A new porch has been approved for 34 St Andrews Road.
The structure will have a lean-to roof and measure approximately 1.8 metres deep, three metres wide, and 3.4 metres high.
The adjoining property already has a porch on the front elevation, so the addition will not unbalance the pair of semi-detached homes.
The porch will be set around three metres from the boundaries of neighbouring homes and is not expected to create an overbearing impact or loss of light.
With matching materials proposed, the porch was found to be in keeping with the existing dwelling and wider street scene.
Balcony approval
Planning permission has been granted for a comprehensive scheme of alterations at 20 Maes-y-coed.
The proposal includes replacing two existing windows with a single, large corner window, removing a lean-to roof in favour of a flat roof, rendering a brick wall, and installing a full-width front balcony with storage underneath.
The new balcony will run across the front of the house, wrapping around part of the side elevation and supported by pillars to create an overhang above the main entrance walkway.
Part of the existing hardstanding will be replaced with a continuation of the balcony deck, incorporating steps down into the garden.
The project is designed to enhance the property’s appearance using materials matching the existing structure, including powder-coated aluminium windows and doors, timber decking, clear glass balustrades, and a steel frame.
Extension
Bryn Awel on Buttrills Road has secured approval for a single-storey side extension, which will include the demolition of the existing garage and covered vehicle area to create space for the new addition.
A large raised terrace is also planned as part of the works.
The extension will measure 17.3 metres in depth, 5.2 metres in width, and 2.9 metres in height. It will replace the existing vehicle structures on the north-west side of the property.
Despite concerns from neighbours regarding the shared boundary wall, the proposal has been approved.
The terraced area will be raised by 1.49 metres above the original ground level, with new windows and doors positioned to minimise overlooking.
The extension is set at a lower ground level than the neighbouring property, reducing its visual impact.
Garage
A new double garage is proposed for a gated plot adjacent to Bryn Sion Hall on Llanover Street.
The building has been designed to blend in with other tall, single-storey buildings in the area, including the former chapel next door.
The garage will be finished in painted render, black cladding, and include a steel roller shutter and door.
The application prompted some concerns over potential commercial use leading to increased on-street parking.
However, the garage is intended for use by employees of an existing flooring business and will remain ancillary to the office use of the site.
Highways officers raised no objections following amendments to ensure the garage met the required double garage internal dimensions.
Some of these elusive pieces can fetch prices far above their face value on resale platforms like eBay, where demand remains high.
Among the most sought-after are the iconic Kew Gardens 50p and a range of limited-edition alphabet 10p coins.
Mark Loveridge, director of UK currency at the Royal Mint, said: “The coinage of Queen Elizabeth II spanned 70 years and special designs issued into circulation celebrated some of the biggest events in history.
“Although the 2022 mintage figures mark the last time that Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait will appear on new coins, over 27 billion of her coins will remain in circulation.
“Coin collecting remains a popular hobby in the UK and the coins of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign are particularly coveted. By sharing the list of rare designs we hope people will look closely at their coins – if they’re lucky they might find a piece of history.”
The 50 pence piece has become the most valued and collected coin in the UK, with many collectable designs appearing on its heptagonal canvas.
Its 27.5mm diameter makes it the largest of any British coin, and allows space for decorative pictures. It has often been used to celebrate big events over the past 50 years of British history.
The rarest coins tend to be of the greatest value, with the mintage (number of coins with each design made) being the fundamental attraction for collectors.
The rarest coins minted during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign (Image: Royal Mint/PA)
Along with the design, other aspects of the coin which increase value are the condition of the coin and whether it has an error in its design.
The way in which it is sold can also determine the coin’s value – while some coin collectors will bid vast amounts of money on eBay or at auction, others opt for more robust valuations by selling via a coin dealer.
Here is a list of rare coins compiled by the Royal Mint, with information about the year of release, denomination, design features and whether or not the coin is still in circulation:
Entries were invited for the title of Best Large & Small Butchery Business in the 2025 British Butchery Awards, with regions throughout the UK, including Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, North of England, South of England, and the Midlands.
Already a go-to for quality meats and exceptional service in Penarth and the Vale of Glamorgan, Farmers Pantry is now getting the recognition it deserves.
For Penarth locals, the news comes as no surprise. Farmers Pantry has been serving up premium local produce and traditional butchery with pride for years.
This is a republished version of an article that first appeared on the Penarth Times in June 2025.
Help us create an environment in which people fifty and over can fulfill their aims and objectives in life. Fight age discrimination and help preserve and promote the independence, dignity and positive image of people fifty and over and work to ensure that they have appropriate and adequate public care provision.
All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by Martyn Jones.
