Latest news with #Cwmbran
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A big welcome to the world for these three Gwent babies
Here are more babies recently born in Gwent. Every week on our New Arrivals page we give them a big welcome to the world. If you've recently had a baby and would like to share your news with us go to and fill in our easy-to-use Q&A. Elijah Thomas PriceElijah Thomas Price was born on May 21, 2025, at the Grange University Hospital, near Cwmbran, weighing 7lbs. His parents are Rickayah and Michael Price, of Pontypool, and his sibling is Malachi, 17 months. Ivy-Mae LawlerIvy-Mae Lawler was born on March 26, 2025, at the Grange University Hospital, near Cwmbran, weighing 8lb 7oz, She is the first child of Skye Lawler, of Newport. Otis James WatkinsOtis James Watkins was born on May 15, 2025, at home in New Inn, near Pontypool, weighing 7lb 1oz. His parents are Georgia Fitzgerald and James Watkins and his big sister is Mabel, 17 months.
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Major high street retailer with 106 stores to shut shopping centre branch as two others close this week
A MAJOR high street retailer with 106 UK stores is closing one of its branches in months as two others shut this week. Smiggle, founded in Melbourne, Australia, and selling school, birthday and leisure essentials, is shutting a shop in Wales this summer. The store in the Cwmbran Shopping Centre will pull down its shutters for the final time in August, a store member confirmed to The Sun. It's not clear what exact date the location will close, nor the reason it will shut. Reaction to the closure from shoppers has not been positive, with one local even setting up a petition demanding the branch stay open. The petition, which has been signed by over 70 people, reads: "This petition is a heartfelt plea to prevent the closure of our beloved Smiggle store in Cwmbran. "This store is more than just a retail space – it's a vibrant corner of our community, a place where children light up with excitement and adults find joy in a wide array of unique and colourful products. "The closure of this cherished store would not only be a significant loss to the local shopping landscape, but also to the Cwmbran community which benefits from its presence in innumerable ways." The closure of the Cwmbran branch . A store in the Eastgate Shopping Centre, Inverness, shut its doors on Wednesday (May 21), while a store in the Darwin Centre, Shrewsbury, is closing tomorrow (May 25). Both sites launched closing down sales to clear remaining stock, offering discounts of up to 70%. Shoppers have reacted with sadness after finding out the two stores will permanently shut. Britain's retail apocalypse: why your favourite stores KEEP closing down Commenting on the Shrewsbury store closure, one said: "Another one gone. Will be the whole centre soon." Discussing the Inverness branch shutting, one shopper said: "So sorry for the staff, hope customers will be kind to the staff at this difficult time." The Sun asked Smiggle to comment. RETAIL SECTOR STRUGGLES It's worth bearing in mind, larger retail chains often open and close branches based on customer demand and sales. Sometimes a single store might shut because a lease is ending and the chain has decided it is better to direct cash into other shops or opening new ones. However, the retail sector more broadly has struggled since the 2008 financial crash. The Centre for Retail Research has said the industry has been going through a "permacrisis" during this period. There are a number of reasons the sector is struggling, one being the rise of online shopping. This has seen footfall to high street stores fall seeing large swathes of branches close across the UK. Challenging economic conditions in recent years, including soaring inflation, have dented shoppers' wallets and purses too. While some bigger retailers have struggled to stay afloat, including Wilko, in recent years independent shops have suffered the most. The Centre for Retail Research said more than 13,000 high street shops closed in 2024, with over 11,000 of these independents. This is in addition to almost 7,800 independent stores that closed in 2023. RETAIL PAIN IN 2025 The British Retail Consortium predicted that the Treasury's hike to employer NICs will cost the retail sector £2.3billion. Research by the British Chambers of Commerce showed that more than half of companies planned to raise prices by early April. A survey of more than 4,800 firms also found that 55% expect prices to increase in the next three months, up from 39% in a similar poll conducted in the latter half of 2024. Three-quarters of companies cited the cost of employing people as their primary financial pressure. The Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has also warned that around 17,350 retail sites are expected to shut down this year. It comes on the back of a tough 2024 when 13,000 shops closed their doors for good, already a 28% increase on the previous year. Professor Joshua Bamfield, director of the CRR said: "The results for 2024 show that although the outcomes for store closures overall were not as poor as in either 2020 or 2022, they are still disconcerting, with worse set to come in 2025." Professor Bamfield has also warned of a bleak outlook for 2025, predicting that as many as 202,000 jobs could be lost in the sector. "By increasing both the costs of running stores and the costs on each consumer's household it is highly likely that we will see retail job losses eclipse the height of the pandemic in 2020."
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Grade II listed former chapel up for sale in Cwmbran
A Grade II listed former chapel dating from 1836 is up for sale in Henllys, Cwmbran, with an asking price of £585,000. According to the estate agent, the building has been "substantially renovated over many years" by the current owners and now features "many bespoke features sourced by themselves". The property, which sits on the outskirts of Cwmbran in a semi-rural location, offers panoramic views over fields and countryside at the front. The estate agent describes this as a "very rare opportunity" for buyers seeking a home with "lots of character". The detached house provides three bedrooms, three bathrooms and two reception rooms. Entry is through a vestibule with double doors, arch double glazed windows, and original flagstones. The ground floor includes a shower room with a corner cubicle and wood and leather panelling, a utility room fitted with cupboards and Indian slate flooring, and a rear entrance porch with space for laundry appliances. (Image: Zoopla) (Image: Zoopla) (Image: Zoopla) (Image: Zoopla) The kitchen is fitted with oak wall and floor units, a Bosch induction hob and electric oven, integrated fridge and freezer, and slate flagstones. The lounge and dining area features a stone facing wall with an inglenook fireplace, wood burner, oak mantle, and original flagstone flooring. Three arch double glazed windows at the front provide countryside views. A feature wood staircase leads to a galleried landing with wood balustrades, beams, and a church pew seat. Bedrooms include fitted wardrobes and stained glass windows. The main bedroom has an en-suite with a bespoke River Boulder sink. The family bathroom features a roll top bath with claw feet and a petrified wood sink. Outside, the property is approached via double wrought iron gates and a block paved drive, offering parking and landscaped gardens enclosed by dry stone walls. There is a treatment centre, wood store, and garden shed at the front. For more information, contact David James estate agents on 01291 639050.
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Schoolboy, 13, and man in custody after 'student held as he was attacked by pack' - as police probe 'separate assault'
A teenager and a man have been arrested just hours after a distressing video showing a schoolboy being assaulted by a 'pack' of individuals began circulating online. The sickening incident, which was caught on camera, showed a man allegedly restraining a young boy as other youngsters lined up to hit him, in Newport, South Wales. Gwent Police confirmed this afternoon that a 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, while a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The pair, who are both from Cwmbran, remain in custody tonight. Police continue to investigate the alleged assault which happened in broad daylight not far from Lliswerry High School on Wednesday afternoon - as officers also probe a second reported incident involving a different child being assaulted earlier in the day. Horrifying footage of the incident, which has been seen by MailOnline, shows a young boy looking anxious as he is approached by a man and two other boys at a location police believe to be a footbridge over Spytty Road, Lliswerry. The man can then be seen grabbing on to the youngster's shoulder and appears to speak to the two boys, before nodding towards the victim. In that moment, the boys can be seen swinging punches at the boy, as a third and fourth child joins in. The victim, clearly distressed, can be seen attempting to hit back while being held still by the adult male. A second man then emerges and appears to kick the young boy. Eventually the adult calls off the boys and lets the victim go, as the distressing video ends. Gwent Police Assistant Chief Constable Vicki Townsend said officers are also investigating a second reported incident involving a different child being assaulted earlier in the day. She urged people to consider their 'tone and language' and not to speculate or identify anyone thought to be involved in comments on social media. ACC Townsend added: 'We have identified the young person in the video, and officers continue to support him as our enquiries continue. 'We now believe the incident took place between 3.10pm to 3.20pm, on a footbridge over Spytty Road, Lliswerry. 'Last night, officers arrested two people in connection with the investigation. 'We're also continuing to liaise with staff at nearby Lliswerry High School in connection with enquiries regarding a separate assault that reportedly took place earlier in the day. 'I would like to thank the community for the information they've given us up to now. 'We understand the concern that incidents of this nature can cause, and that residents will want to express these concerns. 'But we must also stress that everyone needs to consider the tone and language they use when posting on social media. 'We would encourage people not to speculate or identify anyone thought to be involved as this is now a live investigation, and such comments can have an impact on our ability to bring anyone found to have committed a criminal offence to justice.' In a statement from the school issued on Wednesday, headteacher Julia Fitzgerald said: 'We are aware of a serious incident that took place after school today involving our learners. 'Rest assured that it has been reported to the police and we will ensure a full investigation is carried out in cooperation with police and local authority.' Chair of governors councillor Mark Howells told South Wales Argus: 'We are liaising with the police, and the local authorities are informed. 'I've got children in the school as well so it's naturally concerning. My role as chair of governors will be to ensure that the school supports the authorities to deal with it swiftly and robustly.' Anyone with information is urged to call 101 or message on social media, quoting log log 2500152173, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Jailhouse Romeo who had behind bars fling with prison nurse and phone sex with guard is locked up after 'escaping from hospital and spending a week on the run'
A lover boy who had a relationship with a prison guard and a nurse has been jailed after escaping from a hospital and going on the run for a week. Harri Pullen, 27, had alleged romances with a prison officer and jail nurse during a four-year period. After serving his time behind bars, he returned to the life of crime, and after being arrested, he was taken to hospital for checks where he escaped. Hewas still wearing handcuffs when he made a run through the car park and ambulance bays of the hospital in Cwmbran, Gwent, and jumped into a 'getaway car' to flee. He then spent a week at large and was eventually discovered hiding in a countryside farmhouse outside Newport. Former prison nurse Elyse Hobbs, 27, was previously jailed for her inappropriate relationship with Pullen when he was behind bars. Ruth Shmylo, 26, was sacked from her job as a prison officer over the alleged romance with Pullen after he called her for phone sex from his cell but was cleared of criminality during a trial. Newport Crown Court heard how Pullen had been roaming free for months when he was injured while resisting plain-clothed officers who had caught him dealing drugs on an e-bike, and he was taken to hospital for checks. Prosecutor Alex Granville told the court Pullen was found with five wraps of crack cocaine, a burner phone, an iPhone and £90 inside a black bum bag. He said: 'The defendant was conveyed to custody but after complaining of head pain he was transported by police for medical care.' Mr Granville explained that while the drug dealer was at Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran, Gwent, four women, family members, tried to visit him but were told they were 'unable to stay.' He added: 'Having been taken out to the van he asked to use the toilet so was taken back inside. Upon having used the toilet and exiting the building the defendant ran off from officers. 'They proceeded to run after the defendant. He ran through the car park and ambulance park, down the ramp and towards the exit of the hospital. 'After about 20 seconds of running, the officers were about 20 metres behind the defendant who was still in handcuffs in a front position. 'At this point a vehicle appeared to reverse up the ramp from the exit of the hospital, the passenger door was opened and the defendant got in and it left at high speed.' When he was eventually found at a farm, he tried to flee again - this time driving off in a Mercedes but police followed the car to a cul-de-sac. Ms Shmylo, pictured, described by her barrister as 'very pretty', told the court Pullen 'fixated' on her and forced her to take his calls Pullen tried to flee on foot but was 'red-dotted' with a taser and 'eventually complied' when a police dog joined the hunt. Julia Cox, defending, said Pullen was 'immature' and suffered from 'hypochondria', believing that he had had a brain tumour for approximately four years. She added: 'This was not anything that was pre-planned. It was more opportunistic than that.' 'It was upon his family's attendance at the hospital he in his words 'lost his head'.' Pullen pleaded guilty to 11 charges, including possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, dangerous driving, and escaping lawful custody. He appeared via videolink from Cardiff Prison and played with his hair and chatted with prison officers throughout the hearing. Judge Daniel Williams jailed Pullen, of no fixed abode, for a total of six years He told him: 'Police saw you on an electric bike with another in the centre of Newport on March 26. 'You were riding the bike and in possession of crack cocaine, some five wraps, as well as a quantity of cash and two phones, one of which was a burner phone. 'In custody, you complained of head pain so you were taken to Grange Hospital, where when you were walking to the police van having left hospital, you made off. 'You got into what's best described as a getaway car and spent seven days at large. 'You were ultimately arrested on the 2nd April but not before you involved yourself in a police chase of sorts.' At the end of the hearing Pullen said: 'Thank you and I apologise.' During Shmylo's trial in December 2023 the court heard Pullen had been moved to HMP Manchester - also known as Strangeways - and added her to his approved calls list but their conversations were recorded by officials. The calls, played to the court, included Pullen repeatedly telling her 'I love you.' She was sacked from her job after other complaints involving 'flirtatious' behaviour with inmates and wearing 'skin-tight trousers' to work. But the court heard she had previously made corruption reports of her own against other staff who were colluding with inmates to tamper with prisoner's food. Claire Wilks, defending, said Shmylo should have been treated as a whistleblower but was instead 'hung out to dry' by bosses at the controversial HMP Parc and called 'a grass' by her colleagues and assaulted. Ms Wilks said it was no surprise that given her previous treatment at the jail she wouldn't report phone calls with Pullen as she feared the consequences. Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe told the court that after being arrested Shmylo admitted she had phone sex with Pullen. Shmylo told the jury she cried when Pullen tried to initiate phone sex. Shmylo, of Treforest, Pontypridd was cleared of one charge of misconduct in a public office. Nurse Hibbs claimed she was 'pressurised' into flirting with Pullen - but a judge sent her to prison for six months. After being released Hibbs was taken to disciplinary hearing by the Nursing Midwifery Council to decide if she was fit to carrying on her career. The hearing found that her 'fitness to practice' was impaired by her conviction, and she was handed a 12 months suspension order. This means that she may practice nursing again once the 12 months order is lifted to carry on her career. Qualified health worker Hibbs met the prisoner while giving him medical treatment in her jail and he contacted her on Instagram. Hibbs quit her post at HMP Parc in July 2021 and was arrested a week later and admitted exchanging messages with Pullen. She told police she was scared to end the contact after he had previously threatened her. Mr Cobbe said: 'She explained that she and the inmate were never in a sexual relationship of any kind at all. 'She accepted she should have reported the matter but that she got in too deep and couldn't get out.' Hibbs, of Newbridge, Gwent, admitted misconduct in a public office.
