Megan Jenkins

Penarth has been included in the Michelin Guide’s list of the UK and Ireland’s best seaside destinations for food lovers, ranking alongside towns such as Brighton, Falmouth and Padstow. The guide praised Penarth’s pier, beach, esplanade, proximity to Cardiff and two notable restaurants: the Michelin-starred Home, led by James Sommerin and his family, and Touring Club, which counts Welsh chef Bryn Williams among its team.

A crash partially blocked the M4 westbound at junction 24 in Newport, between the entry and exit slip roads. Emergency services attended, while traffic was diverted off at the junction 24 westbound exit and back onto the motorway via the entry slip road toward junction 25. Gwent Police advised drivers to avoid the area where possible.

Travellers have left the Lower Fields at Risca Leisure Centre after occupying the site earlier in the week. Residents raised concerns about noise, alleged anti-social behaviour and damage, while councillors said the council and police had to follow a legal process for dealing with the unauthorised encampment. The council will inspect the area, arrange clean-up and remedial work, and consider improved site security to prevent similar incidents.

Gwent Police appealed for information after a motorcycle and car collided on Llanthewy Road in Newport at about 4:40 a.m. on July 26. The car reportedly left the scene, while three teenagers believed to have been on the motorcycle were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The road remained closed as officers investigated.

Residents near Chepstow Park Wood reported being kept awake by loud bass music from an alleged illegal rave, which they said could be heard across parts of Monmouthshire and as far as the Severn Bridge and coastal path. The event reportedly continued until about 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, prompting complaints to authorities. While many residents criticised the noise and duration, others defended the gathering as an expression of freedom through music and dance. Gwent Police and Monmouthshire County Council were contacted for comment.

A large fire on the Blaenavon mountainside has burned about 220 hectares of bracken, gorse and grassland since July 19. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service says a contractor-supported perimeter firebreak is holding, while fire appliances, an all-terrain vehicle and water bowsers work to keep the containment line soaked. Residents are being asked to stay away as agencies continue efforts to bring the incident to a close.

TJs, founded in 1971 by John Sicolo, became a defining music venue in Newport, attracting major acts such as the Manic Street Preachers, Oasis, Muse, the Stone Roses and Catatonia. Known for its pivotal role in shaping the city’s music identity, it earned national recognition and inspired stories including a rumored proposal by Kurt Cobain. After Sicolo’s death in 2010, the venue closed, later changing ownership but remaining undeveloped and fire‑damaged since 2016 despite efforts to revive its legacy.

A historic pub in Mamhilad has been revitalised by new owners who preserved its traditional character while updating its interior. With a long family background in hospitality, they retained existing staff and emphasised consistency in service. A creative menu led by head chef Natalie and the pub’s location overlooking the Monmouthshire hills contribute to its popularity as a reliable, community‑minded venue.

Police in Bettws, Newport seized a vehicle using cloned registration plates after checks revealed the driver had no licence or insurance and was linked to intelligence about suspected drug supply. The Community Action Team removed the vehicle, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities urged the public to report suspicious activity through non‑emergency or emergency channels to help prevent crime.

A Newport woman, Chelsie French, is walking 156 miles over six months to honor her sister Rhiannon Morgan, who died of Ewing sarcoma at age 26. Supported by family and local residents, she is raising funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust through sponsored walks, community events, and donation tins placed in venues across Newport. Several local businesses are contributing, and a disco and karaoke fundraiser will be held on October 24 to further support the cause.

Train services between Newport and Ebbw Vale Town were disrupted due to an unexpected rise in trains requiring repairs, causing cancellations in both directions. Passengers were advised to use alternative rail routes via Cardiff Central or several local Stagecoach and Newport Bus services at no extra cost, with temporary arrangements running until 7 p.m. Road-based replacements were noted to require additional travel time. Travellers were directed to National Rail for guidance on accessibility and replacement services, and Transport for Wales issued an apology for the disruption.

A family has transformed The Mwch at the Goytre into a community‑focused venue combining a pub, coffee shop and maker’s market. The new approach aims to create an inclusive, welcoming space that reflects local culture and encourages residents to return, supported by the owners’ long‑standing commitment to community service.

A festive three-part special of The Other Bennet Sister will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with production taking place in Wales this summer. The special continues the story of Mary Bennet following the success of the original series, based on Janice Hadlow’s novel. Key cast members, including Ella Bruccoleri and possibly Richard E Grant and Ruth Jones, are expected to return along with writer Sarah Quintrell and director Asim Abbasi. BBC Drama praised the show’s strong audience response and confirmed plans to explore the characters’ lives after the events of the first series.