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Powys County Times
10 hours ago
- General
- Powys County Times
Staff at 'homely' Powys daycare celebrate perfect inspection
A Powys children's day care was labelled 'warm, caring and homely' in a perfect inspection report. Staff at Cylch Meithrin Rhaeadr, a Welsh-medium early-years setting in Rhayader, are 'absolutely delighted' after receiving the highest rating of 'Excellent' across all areas in a recent joint inspection by Estyn and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW). The day care was praised for its outstanding provision in well-being, learning, care and development, teaching, environment, and leadership. Inspectors were so impressed Cylch Meithrin Rhaeadr has been invited to share its best practices nationally through case studies on its outdoor learning and community partnerships. In their report, CIW Inspectors said: 'Nearly all children feel happy and very safe at the setting and know that every practitioner respects them. 'They have a very strong sense of belonging and a strong voice and feel confident expressing how they wish to use the environment 'Practitioners ensure that children's health and well-being are a priority. They are very conscientious and effective when planning a good variety of activities which have a positive impact on children's development. Inspectors noted that children at the setting were happy, confident, and thriving, with excellent opportunities to explore, play, and learn both indoors and in the setting's exceptional outdoor environment. The report also commended the team's nurturing approach, strong community links, and commitment to promoting Welsh culture and language. Inspectors also praised the work of the leadership at the daycare and said: 'The leader leads the setting very effectively, and child welfare is at the heart of every aspect of work. She has a clear vision for the setting and shares it effectively with practitioners, parents and the community. 'The setting's statement of purpose provides an accurate picture of the service provided. The leader has high expectations for herself, the practitioners and the children, ensuring that everyone is given the necessary support to realise their potential.' Help support trusted local news Sign up for a digital subscription now: As a digital subscriber you will get Unlimited access to the County Times website Advert-light access Reader rewards Full access to our app Claire Evans, Responsible Individual at Cylch Meithrin Rhaeadr, praised the work of the entire staff. She said: 'We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of the inspection. This report is a testament to the dedication, passion, and teamwork of our staff, the support of our families, and the joy and curiosity of our children. 'We are especially proud that our commitment to Welsh language, community values, and child-led learning has been recognised so strongly. We look forward to continuing to grow and inspire.'
Western Telegraph
11-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Pembrokeshire vape shops closed due to 'criminal behaviour'
Earlier this spring specialist regional trading standards officers, Pembrokeshire County Council's trading standards team and Dyfed-Powys Police targeted the two shops in Haverfordwest and Milford Haven. They uncovered illegal tobacco, vapes and cash from two cars, used for concealing supplies to top up stock available in the stores, a large quantity of cash suspected to be from criminal activity was seized and one vehicle impounded by the police, for having no tax or insurance It is believed that many of the cigarettes seized would have ended up in the hands of children and young people in Pembrokeshire's poorest communities, which are targeted by criminals selling illegal tobacco at a significantly reduced cost. (Image: Google Street View/Pembrokeshire County Council) Illegal vapes are also of concern, as they may contain a much higher amount of nicotine than permitted by UK regulations. Among the other toxic ingredients found in counterfeit vapes are arsenic, lead and formaldehyde. Counterfeit cigarettes may also be contaminated with toxic elements such as arsenic and lead The two shops; Vape Zone in High Street, Haverfordwest and K R Vape Shop in Charles Street, Milford Haven, were closed by Pembrokeshire County Council on April 16. The owners of both shops appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on May 1 to hear the council's application for a three-month closure order under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. (Image: Google Street View) An earlier hearing, scheduled to take place on April 17, was adjourned at the request of the business' solicitor. The court heard how, in the council's opinion, the application for a closure order against each premises was necessary due to the nuisance to members of the public arising from the criminal behaviour. Magistrates also heard that closure was deemed necessary to prevent such nuisance or disorder from continuing or recurring. 'After retiring to consider the case presented on behalf of the council and representations made by the business's solicitor, the court returned to confirm that both orders would be granted, satisfied that the council's case had been made out,' said a spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council. (Image: Pembrokeshire County Council) Both vape shops must remain closed for three months. After this the council can apply for a further period of three months if warranted. Both premises have been secured and during the next three months it would be a criminal offence for any person to enter either vape shop, without being granted written permission by the council. 'Investigations are ongoing and criminal proceedings may follow,' said the council spokesperson. After the raids earlier this year Sergeant Claire Evans of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: 'We will continue to target such establishments who are selling illegal contraband in Pembrokeshire, seizing cash, vehicles, and any other property linked to the running of these illegal operations.' If you think that someone is selling illegal tobacco, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit
Powys County Times
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Comedian Harry Hill stays at Powys hotel during latest tour
One of the UK's most popular comedians enjoyed a stay at a Powys hotel while in the area as part of his latest stand-up tour. Harry Hill checked in at Mellington Hall Country House Hotel, near Churchstoke after appearing at The Hafren theatre in Newtown on Thursday (May 1). Staff were excited to welcome the doctor-turned-comedian, who is best known for narrating ITV's You've Been Framed! and hosting Harry Hill's TV Burp. The 60-year-old comic enjoyed a relaxing stay at the Grade II-listed 19th Century house set in beautiful, landscaped grounds with spectacular views of the Powys and Shropshire countryside. Mellington Hall Country House Hotel owner Claire Evans said: "It was an absolute pleasure to have welcomed the hilarious TV personality Harry Hill and co who stayed with us last night at Mellington Hall following their gig in Newtown. "Such genuine, amiable and friendly chaps who were happy to simply have a chat." Harry had been performing in front of a packed show at The Hafren theatre in Newtown which the audience described as "hilarious" and "fabulous". The 'New Bits and Greatest Hits' stand-up tour celebrates the comic's 60th birthday and almost 30-year career in comedy.
