Megan Jenkins

The Windsor pub in Penarth is set to receive a £250,000 investment from Marston's next year and will be converted into one of the company's Grandstand sports pubs. Planned improvements include large screens, live entertainment, a new kitchen and the introduction of Marston's food menu. The company is seeking a pub partner to operate the venue under a self-employed partnership agreement.

South Wales Police are seeking information about a burglary at a residential property in Penarth between August 11 and 12. A distinctive Rolex Day-Date 40, a silver Citizen Eco-Drive watch and approximately £2,000 in cash were stolen. Information can be provided to police online or via 101 using reference 2600262942, or anonymously to Crimestoppers.

South Wales Police have issued a dispersal order at Cosmeston Country Park after people repeatedly jumped from bridges into the lake and ignored safety warnings. The order allows officers to direct individuals or groups to leave if their behaviour may cause alarm or distress. The Vale of Glamorgan Council is increasing patrols, considering permanent cameras and asking parents to discourage children from entering the water. The action follows other incidents of vandalism and deliberate fires at local parks, while fire and rescue services are already dealing with multiple wildfires.

Vale of Glamorgan Council refused plans for a communications kiosk outside Costa Coffee on Windsor Road, Penarth. The proposal included an illuminated, changing digital advertising screen and an integrated defibrillator. Planners said the screen would be visually intrusive, out of character with the Penarth Conservation Area and harmful to its traditional streetscape, particularly at night. An objection also raised concerns about visual clutter, pedestrian safety and whether a smaller cabinet could house the defibrillator without occupying as much public space.

Network Rail has closed the Brookside foot crossing at Eastbrook Station in Dinas Powys after a safety assessment found it posed an unacceptable risk, despite a temporary 10mph train speed restriction. The crossing was used by about 217 people daily, many of them older adults, families with children or people with limited mobility. A petition seeks its reopening, arguing that the closure forces residents onto longer and potentially more hazardous routes. Network Rail says the emergency closure was legally implemented because of an immediate safety concern and is examining longer-term alternatives, while directing pedestrians to the Murch Lane road bridge and Eastbrook Station footbridge.

Vale of Glamorgan Council has been reaccredited with White Ribbon UK status for its long-term commitment to preventing men’s violence against women and girls. The council met standards involving leadership, staff engagement, ambassador and champion support, awareness-raising, healthy relationships and policies promoting safe environments. Council leader Lis Burnett said the accreditation reflects ongoing efforts to build a safer, more respectful and equal community, while emphasizing that prevention and cultural change remain continuing priorities.

Cogan Primary School has been praised by education watchdog Estyn for its inclusive culture, strong leadership and commitment to pupil development. Inspectors highlighted the full participation of pupils with hearing loss through the school's Hearing Resource Base, including reverse integration, signing, lip reading and radio microphones. The school was also commended for its focus on spoken English, pupils' enthusiasm for learning Welsh and its Llais curriculum. Headteacher Sue Sibert welcomed the findings and said the school would act on the report's recommendation as part of its improvement plan, while councillor Rhiannon Birch praised the school's support for all learners.

Ann Lush, 86, has raised approximately £120,000 for The Children's Society through Penarth Open Gardens, an event she launched with her late husband Dennis in 1996. The annual community event now involves 15 gardens, with visitors paying to tour them and support the charity. Lush also sells homemade preserves, cakes and other treats, while The Children's Society chief executive Mark Russell praised her three decades of commitment and the event’s lasting community legacy.

1988 Indian Restaurant in Penarth has been shortlisted for the International Asian Restaurant Awards, joining eight other Welsh finalists. The awards recognize excellence, creativity and innovation across Asian cuisine, with winners to be announced in Manchester. Asian Catering Federation chair Yawar Khan also used the announcement to call for business-rate and food-price cuts and changes to Indefinite Leave to Remain rules, citing pressures on small restaurants and their workforce.