#bridgend — Public Fediverse posts

Llangynwyd housing development approved #Maesteg #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/05/llangynwyd-housing-development-approved/

Plans submitted for the first phases of Porthcawl seafront development #Porthcawl #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/05/plans-submitted-for-the-first-phases-of-porthcawl-seafront-development/

Committee receives apology for heat pump application #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/05/committee-receives-apology-for-heat-pump-application/

TGJONES: Seven south-west Wales stores at risk as chain announces 150 closures

Seven TGJones stores across south-west Wales are facing the chop.

Up to 150 stores nationwide are set to close under a major restructuring plan announced by the chain’s owner – with hundreds of jobs at risk.

The stores affected by the decision include some of the most familiar names on south-west Wales high streets:

• The Quadrant Shopping Centre, Swansea
• Wind Street, Neath
• Parc Trostre Retail Park, Llanelli
• The Rhiw, Bridgend
• Guildhall Square, Carmarthen
• High Street, Tenby
• Riverside Quay, Haverfordwest

It has not yet been confirmed which individual stores will close.

But the announcement leaves staff at all seven branches facing a nervous wait.

The chain – formerly WHSmith – operates 480 high street stores nationally, with 26 of them in Wales.

Private equity owner Modella Capital said the restructuring was an “essential part” of the company’s turnaround plan.

The firm bought the WHSmith high street business in March 2025 – a £40 million deal that did not include the WHSmith brand itself.

Stores were quickly rebranded under the new TGJones name – a name with no prior public recognition.

Modella Capital is now blaming that “forced” rebrand for damaging consumer awareness.

A spokesperson said the decision to close stores had not been taken lightly.

“While we continue to believe in the strength of the core business, TGJones has experienced highly challenging trading conditions over the past year, along with many other brick-and-mortar retailers,” they said.

The company also blamed rising operating costs “as a direct result of government policy” and recent “geopolitical events.”

“The restructuring plan is designed to protect the substantial core of the store estate and create a stronger, more sustainable business that can continue to serve customers for years to come,” the spokesperson added.

Modella Capital said no final decisions had yet been made about the impact on staff, and the company was aiming to preserve “as many jobs as possible.”

“We want to be clear, however, that the plan may result in the closure of some stores and the loss of some roles,” the spokesperson said.

The TGJones restructure comes hot on the heels of another high-profile Modella Capital collapse.

The private equity firm shut all 154 UK and Ireland Claire’s stores last month – putting around 1,300 staff out of work.

Modella Capital placed Claire’s into administration after what it called an “alarmingly” low Christmas trading period.

It has now committed more than £35 million for the TGJones restructuring effort.

For Swansea shoppers, the timing is grim.

The Quadrant store sits within a shopping centre already undergoing significant change. The Quadrant’s former Debenhams anchor unit was bought by Swansea Council after the chain’s collapse, stripped out, and recently sold to the centre’s new owners Centurion Group, with three major new tenants expected to be confirmed.

And Swansea’s flagship Marks & Spencer store on Oxford Street is due to close on 30 May – meaning the city centre will lose yet another major retailer in the same month TGJones announces its restructuring.

The Carmarthen store on Guildhall Square is similarly prominent in the town’s main retail area, while the Neath, Llanelli, Bridgend, Tenby and Haverfordwest branches all anchor parts of their respective high streets.

The full list of which TGJones stores will close is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

‘GAME CHANGER’: Council swoops to buy shopping centre amid fears over collapse risk

In a move being hailed as a potential “game changer”, Bridgend County Borough Council has bought the 2.27-acre site — raising hopes of major regeneration, new facilities and a fresh future for the heart of the town.

But the deal comes after serious concerns about the building’s condition, with dangerous RAAC concrete previously forcing the closure of the indoor market hall in 2023 — as reported in our earlier coverage.

From crisis to comeback?

For years, the future of the Rhiw has been hanging in the balance.

The discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) left parts of the ageing complex facing costly repairs — and sparked fears the entire site could eventually shut or be sold off in pieces.

Now, council bosses say they’ve stepped in just in time.

Leader Cllr John Spanswick revealed the authority had been working “behind the scenes” to secure the deal — preventing the centre from being broken up or falling into further decline.

“This has the potential to be a game changer for the future of Bridgend town centre,” he said.

What happens next?

Despite the dramatic takeover, shoppers won’t see immediate changes — with the Rhiw set to stay open while new plans are drawn up.

But behind the scenes, a major rethink is already underway.

The council says the site could eventually be transformed into a much broader destination, with the potential for a new market at its heart, alongside a mix of retail units, community facilities and modern public spaces. There is also the possibility of new accommodation being introduced, signalling a shift towards a more mixed-use town centre.

The scale of the opportunity is huge — and officials say it will require close collaboration with both public and private sector partners to turn those ambitions into reality.

Traders ‘will be supported’

Existing businesses have been told they won’t be left in the dark.

The council has pledged to consult traders on future plans and offer support throughout any redevelopment — a key concern given the uncertainty that has surrounded the site in recent years.

Cllr Neelo Farr said the purchase was an “invest to save” decision — warning the building was already nearing the end of its life.

“None of us are prepared to watch the structure fall into decline,” she said.

Bigger picture for Bridgend

The Rhiw deal is just one piece of a wider transformation taking place across Bridgend.

The town centre is already seeing significant investment, with major developments including a new Bridgend College campus at Cheapside, new housing and headquarters for Valleys to Coast in Dunraven Place, and a health and wellbeing centre preparing to open at Sunnyside.

Council leaders believe that bringing the Rhiw into public ownership — given its size and central location — could unlock even greater opportunities and help tie these projects together into a wider regeneration story.

Funded by public cash

The £5.37m purchase has been funded through a mix of sources, including £2.45 million from Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns fund, £1.8 million from the council’s revenue budget, and just over £1 million from its capital programme.

Welsh Government minister Jayne Bryant welcomed the move, saying it could deliver “long-lasting improvements” and help revitalise the town centre.

A long road ahead

While the headlines promise transformation, the reality is this is just the beginning.

The council now faces the challenge of dealing with structural issues, reshaping the site — and convincing the public that Bridgend town centre can bounce back.

But after years of uncertainty, one thing is clear:

The future of the Rhiw is no longer out of the council’s hands.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Porthcawl £1.3m public space transformation to begin
Major plans to turn a seafront car park into a vibrant new community hub move forward.

New seafront funfair planned for Porthcawl
Fresh attractions set to replace Coney Beach as regeneration reshapes the town’s future.

Millions pledged to revive Welsh town centres
Bridgend among the areas set to benefit from major funding aimed at boosting local high streets.

Ford site hailed as key to Bridgend’s AI future
Leaders say the former industrial site could drive a new wave of tech-led economic growth.

First steps agreed to improve town centre access
Plans aim to make Bridgend more accessible and attractive as regeneration gathers pace.

Sunnyside apartment project approved #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/03/sunnyside-apartment-project-approved/

Council censured by committee over care home heat pump project #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/03/council-censured-by-committee-over-care-home-heat-pump-project/

Plans revealed for hospital car park solar panel canopies #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/03/plans-revealed-for-hospital-car-park-solar-panel-canopies/

FIREBUG TEENS SENTENCED after Bridgend arson attack caught on CCTV

Ellis Lloyd, 19, from Cefn Cribwr, and Taran Mills, 18, from North Cornelly, were sentenced today (March 17) at Cardiff Crown Court.

Lloyd was jailed for 34 months in a young offender institution, while Mills received a 24-month sentence suspended for two years.

Both had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of arson.

Car deliberately targeted

The court heard the incident happened in Brackla, Bridgend, in December 2025.

Emergency services were called after two cars were found on fire in a residential area.

CCTV footage later showed a Nissan Pixo circling the estate before the pair got out and approached an Audi Q5 parked on a driveway.

Hammer and petrol used

One of the teenagers was carrying a hammer, while the other had a jerry can.

They smashed the rear window of the vehicle before pouring in accelerant and setting it alight.

The fire quickly spread to a neighbouring car.

In a dramatic moment caught on CCTV, one of the pair was seen fleeing the scene after his coat also caught fire.

Police: “Senseless actions”

Detective Constable Sarah Jenkins, of South Wales Police, said the attack could have had far more serious consequences.

“The senseless actions of Lloyd and Mills could have got somebody seriously injured, and they will have known this when they were committing the offence,” she said.

“I hope their sentences give them the time they need to reflect on their actions.”

CCTV helped secure convictions

Officers were able to identify the pair through CCTV footage captured in the moments leading up to the fire.

Both defendants later admitted the offences and were sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court.

Councillor calls for parking "even playing field" with out-of-town destinations #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/03/councillor-calls-for-parking-even-playing-field-with-out-of-town-destinations/

Over 5,000 potholes filled in the past year; reports increased by 25% over this winter #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/03/over-5000-potholes-filled-in-the-past-year-reports-increased-by-25-over-this-winter/

Council's freedom of information performance "needs improvement" #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/03/councils-freedom-of-information-performance-needs-improvement/

Port Talbot and Llanelli workers among most worried in Wales about AI taking their jobs, new study finds

Fears that AI could replace human workers are highest in Port Talbot, Llanelli and Ammanford, which all feature in the top five Welsh towns searching for answers about the risk to their employment.

The research, by efficiency experts at Ailsa, analysed how often people search for terms like ‘will AI take my job’ and ‘will I be replaced by AI’.

The research, by efficiency experts at Ailsa, analysed how often people search for terms like ‘will AI take my job’ and ‘will I be replaced by AI’.

The study found that Port Talbot was the third most anxious town in Wales, with 279 searches per 10,000 people each month. The finding comes despite recent efforts to position Port Talbot as Wales’ AI capital and schemes to help former steelworkers retrain in AI.

Llanelli and Ammanford ranked fourth and fifth, with 194 and 177 searches respectively.

Bridgend was the second most concerned town in the country, with 309 searches per 10,000 people, despite being at the heart of a new South Wales AI growth zone and plans for greater use of AI by the local council.

Swansea and Neath also featured in the top ten, with 152 and 137 searches respectively. The anxiety in Swansea exists alongside the city’s growing reputation as a centre for AI research, with Swansea University set to host a prestigious Google DeepMind programme.

In Neath Port Talbot, meanwhile, an award-winning AI project is already being used to save social workers 15 hours a week.

Across the UK, Wales was the second most concerned nation about the rise of AI, with an average of 23 searches per 10,000 people, second only to Northern Ireland. The findings come as Transport for Wales begins using AI to improve the country’s bus networks.

However, the efficiency experts behind the study have urged workers not to panic, arguing that AI is more likely to make jobs more enjoyable than to replace them entirely.

“I think it’s a big question on a lot of people’s minds at the moment, and a bit of fear, is this going to affect my job? Is this going to take my job?” said Kane Taylor from Ailsa.

“But I think we can twist this in a positive way. If AI can do all the remedial tasks in the background, it means we can upskill our workforces to do more interesting, or more complex things, that we can focus our time on.”

His colleague Jamie Burns agreed, adding that the so-called ‘robot revolution’ should be seen as a business enabler rather than a risk.

“I think a lot of people are scared and worried about AI taking their job, but companies can use AI to streamline their processes and enable them to become a better business,” he said.

“You’re always going to need people. We deal with data day in and day out, we deal with AI day in and day out, but it’s never going to replace a person. Everything still needs a person, every interaction still needs someone there, because the whole personality and personal touch is what makes business operate.”

The experts advised workers to learn how to use AI to their advantage, lean into the human skills that technology can’t replicate, and focus on building a reputation that people trust.

Public consultation launched on new dog control order #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/03/public-consultation-launched-on-new-dog-control-order/

Council to consult on school obligations for developers #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/03/council-to-consult-on-school-obligations-for-developers/

Council to partner with health board to improve dementia training #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/03/council-to-partner-with-health-board-to-improve-dementia-training/

Cabinet report outlines new employment support programme #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/03/cabinet-report-outlines-new-employment-support-programme/

Council set to extend business rates relief #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/03/council-set-to-extend-business-rates-relief/

Van driver who punched pensioner for sticking to 20mph limit avoids jail

Christopher Shaw, from Bettws, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm following the attack on Christopher Lavis in Brynmenyn, Bridgend at around 8.15am on July 30 last year.

The court heard that Mr Lavis had been driving within the 20mph speed limit when Shaw, who was behind him in a van, began sounding his horn and flashing his lights.

Mr Lavis pulled over to allow the van to pass, but later when he stopped again to give way to oncoming traffic, the van appeared behind him again. Shaw then exited his vehicle, opened the driver’s door of Mr Lavis’ car and punched him in the face.

The unprovoked assault left the victim with a fractured cheekbone and eye socket, a broken nose and concussion.

He said he continues to suffer ongoing symptoms, including balance problems and anxiety.

He was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for treatment and has since stopped driving.

In a victim impact statement, Mr Lavis said the attack appeared to be triggered by him ‘showing courtesy’ and adhering to the speed limit.

He said: “I’m still suffering today. I’ve got issues as a result of this.

“I’ve got balance issues that my head doesn’t feel steady. I’m stumbling quite a bit, tripping over things.

“Before the incident I had no problems at all. I used to run the parkrun every Saturday. This has really impacted on my life.”

His wife, who witnessed the attack from the passenger seat, described the experience as “deeply traumatic.”

Shaw was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 24 months. He was also ordered to complete 50 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,500 in compensation.

Sentencing, Recorder Paul Lewis KC said the offence crossed the custody threshold but could be suspended due to mitigating factors, including Shaw’s early guilty plea and personal circumstances.

Mr Lavis said he was “very disappointed” with the outcome, arguing that the seriousness of the attack warranted a prison sentence. He added that ‘thumping somebody’ should result in prison time.

The court was told Shaw had initially claimed he acted in self-defence before later admitting the offence.

The incident comes amid ongoing controversy over the rollout of default 20mph speed limits in Wales, which has seen widespread protests and acts of vandalism against speed cameras.

Council approves budget for 2026-27 #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/02/council-approves-budget-for-2026-27/

Council publishes final budget for 2026-27 #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/02/council-publishes-final-budget-for-2026-27/

Council to consult on changes to taxi MOT testing #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/02/council-to-consult-on-changes-to-taxi-mot-testing/

Plans to extend riverside social housing development submitted #Bridgend

Report highlights how Bridgend's schools have adapted to the new curriculum #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/02/report-highlights-how-bridgends-schools-have-adapted-to-the-new-curriculum/

Council considers "Quiet Lane" pilot #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/02/council-considers-quiet-lane-pilot/

Town Centre Access: Confusing signs lead to fines #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/02/town-centre-access-confusing-signs-lead-to-fines/

Council set to adopt Cardiff's approach to school behaviour #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/02/council-set-to-adopt-cardiffs-approach-to-school-behaviour/

Developer returns with reworked housing proposal at Bettws #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/02/developer-returns-with-reworked-housing-proposal-at-bettws/

Council outlines delivery plans for UK Government community project fund #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/02/council-outlines-delivery-plans-for-uk-government-community-project-fund/

Disagreement over Bridgend Council's approach to fly-tipping #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/01/disagreement-over-bridgend-councils-approach-to-fly-tipping/

Pencoed bridge replacement “still a priority”; Cabinet Member surprises with "not a town" suggestion #Pencoed #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/01/pencoed-bridge-replacement-still-a-priority-cabinet-member-surprises-with-not-a-town-suggestion/

Council publishes draft budget plans for 2026-27 #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/01/council-publishes-draft-budget-plans-for-2026-27/

Council asked to approve £1.6 million children's residential home #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/01/council-asked-to-approve-1-6-million-childrens-residential-home/

New £60 million Special School set to face further delay #Bridgend

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2026/01/new-60-million-special-school-set-to-face-further-delay/

https://www.europesays.com/uk/688445/ 13 cosy Welsh pubs you owe yourself a pint in #Abergavenny #Brecon #Bridgend #Britain #Caernarfon #GreatBritain #Monmouth #Pontypridd #Pubs #RhonddaCynonTaf #UK #UnitedKingdom #ValeOfGlamorgan #Wales

https://www.europesays.com/uk/688185/ Jobs in Wales with salaries of £30,000 or more offering you the chance to change your life in 2026 #Aberystwyth #Brecon #Bridgend #Britain #Cardiff #ColwynBay #employment #Flintshire #GreatBritain #Gwynedd #MerthyrTydfil #Monmouthshire #Newport #Pembrokeshire #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #Wrexham

Did the Bridgend circular walk today in glorious sunshine. Hard to imagine the views over Mynydd y Gaer looking very different, but plans for 11 turbines are on the table and part of Coity Wallia Common could be blocked to long‑used access. A reminder of how quickly landscapes and rights can change #Bridgend #PenybontArOgwr #Coity #Coety #Coychurch #Llangrallo #CoityWallia #AccessLand #Wales #Cymru #ArchwilioCymru #NYE2025 #HappyNewYear #BlwythynHapusNewydd #LlynfiValley #GarwValley #MynyddyGaer

Ok, so this is slightly niche. I left my colleagues at the #GLC #GoldieLookinChain gig to catch the last train home, and Hannah somehow found #AdamHussain who noticed my absence. Anyway, it was #Bridgend #PenYBont where I saw them last, not #Casnewydd

Ok, so this is slightly niche. I left my colleagues at the #GLC #GoldieLookinChain gig to catch the last train home, and Hannah somehow found #AdamHussain who noticed my absence. Anyway, it was #Bridgend #PenYBont where I saw them last, not #Casnewydd

Ok, so this is slightly niche. I left my colleagues at the #GLC #GoldieLookinChain gig to catch the last train home, and Hannah somehow found #AdamHussain who noticed my absence. Anyway, it was #Bridgend #PenYBont where I saw them last, not #Casnewydd

Ok, so this is slightly niche. I left my colleagues at the #GLC #GoldieLookinChain gig to catch the last train home, and Hannah somehow found #AdamHussain who noticed my absence. Anyway, it was #Bridgend #PenYBont where I saw them last, not #Casnewydd

https://www.cyclingeu.com/770349/briton-ferry-to-hawtrhorn/ Briton Ferry to Hawtrhorn #A465 #A48 #Bicycling #BicyclingUK #BicyclingUnitedKingdom #Biking #BikingUK #BikingUnitedKingdom #Bridgend #BritonFerry #Cardiff #CardiffBay #carmarthen #Clydach #Cowbridge #Cwmbran #Cycling #CyclingSwanseaUnitedKingdom #CyclingUk #CyclingUnitedKingdom #Drives #Fforestfach #Llanelli #Llansawel #M4 #Neath #Pentwyn #Pontardawe #Pontypool #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #rides #SA1 #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #walks

More photos of our fantastic volunteers clearing rights of way in Pencoed. Come and join us on Saturday - no experience or specialist skills required!

#Pencoed #Wales #Bridgend #Cymru #Volunteers #RightsofWay #GreenSpaces #CommunityAction

https://www.cyclingeu.com/708887/briton-ferry-to-llansamlet-by-bike/ Briton Ferry to Llansamlet by bike #A465 #A48 #Bicycling #Biking #BikingUK #Bridgend #BritonFerry #Cardiff #CardiffBay #carmarthen #Clydach #Cowbridge #Cwmbran #Cycling #Drives #Fforestfach #Llanelli #Llansawel #M4 #Neath #Pentwyn #Pontardawe #Pontypool #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #rides #SA1 #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #walks

https://www.cyclingeu.com/699991/cwmbran-to-briton-ferry-2/ Cwmbran to Briton Ferry #A465 #A48 #Bicycling #BicyclingUK #BicyclingUnitedKingdom #Biking #BikingUK #BikingUnitedKingdom #Bridgend #BritonFerry #Cardiff #CardiffBay #carmarthen #Clydach #Cowbridge #Cwmbran #Cycling #CyclingNewportUK #CyclingUk #CyclingUnitedKingdom #Drives #Fforestfach #Llanelli #Llansawel #M4 #Neath #Pentwyn #Pontardawe #Pontypool #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #rides #SA1 #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #walks

https://www.cyclingeu.com/698735/briton-ferry-to-cwmbran/ Briton Ferry to Cwmbran #A465 #A48 #Bicycling #Biking #BikingUnitedKingdom #Bridgend #BritonFerry #Cardiff #CardiffBay #carmarthen #Clydach #Cowbridge #Cwmbran #Cycling #Drives #Fforestfach #Llanelli #Llansawel #M4 #Neath #Pentwyn #Pontardawe #Pontypool #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #rides #SA1 #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #walks

https://www.cyclingeu.com/694168/cwmbran-to-briton-ferry/ Cwmbran to Briton Ferry #A465 #A48 #Bicycling #BicyclingUK #BicyclingUnitedKingdom #Biking #BikingUK #BikingUnitedKingdom #Bridgend #BritonFerry #Cardiff #CardiffBay #carmarthen #Clydach #Cowbridge #Cwmbran #Cycling #CyclingSwanseaUnitedKingdom #CyclingUk #CyclingUnitedKingdom #Drives #Fforestfach #Llanelli #Llansawel #M4 #Neath #Pentwyn #Pontardawe #Pontypool #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #rides #SA1 #Swansea #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #walks

Councils and health board to collaborate on new "drop-in" substance abuse contract #Bridgend #CTM

https://oggybloggyogwr.com/2025/07/councils-and-health-board-to-collaborate-on-new-drop-in-substance-abuse-contract/

Fantastic to see all the hard work repairing Pencoed Footpath 29 so that it is more accessible come to fruition. The Bridgend Ramblers enjoyed there walk from Cefn Hirgoed Ridge down into Ystradwaun in Pencoed. #Ramblers #Cerdded #RightsOfWay #Wales #Pencoed #Cymru #Footpath #Ystradwaun #Bridgend #Penybont

Long shot, but anyone in the #Bridgend #Porthcawl #Pyle #Pencoed #Margam area got an old bike gathering dust they wouldn’t mind offloading? Looking to take up cycling as a healthier form of transport but upfront cost of a new bike is a bit steep 😬

Edit: Bikey hath been acquired. Thanks @Beedazzled for the suggestion!!!