Daily direct services between Bristol, Swindon and Oxford return after 23-year absence
Monday 18 May 2026

Daily direct services between Bristol, Swindon and Oxford return after 23-year absence


Direct services between Bristol Temple Meads, Swindon and Oxford will run every two hours from today (Monday), providing daily links between the three destinations for the first time in more than 20 years.

GWR News
ONE WEEK TO GO: Vital upgrades continue on the Portsmouth Direct Line
Monday 18 May 2026

ONE WEEK TO GO: Vital upgrades continue on the Portsmouth Direct Line


Network Rail and South Western Railway (SWR) are continuing their investment in the Portsmouth Direct Line with the next phase of signalling and track upgrades taking place from Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May.

Network Rail Media Centre
Narberth Community Primary School celebrates outstanding Estyn inspection report
Monday 18 May 2026

Narberth Community Primary School celebrates outstanding Estyn inspection report


Narberth Community Primary School is celebrating its latest Estyn inspection report which recognises the school as “a happy, inclusive, bilingual community.”

PembrokeshireCC News
New schools vision for Lancashire set to be unveiled
Monday 18 May 2026

New schools vision for Lancashire set to be unveiled


Plans to help every child and young person thrive in school are set to be unveiled.

Lancashire County Council News
HS2 viaducts to be installed over busy motorways in major milestone
Monday 18 May 2026

HS2 viaducts to be installed over busy motorways in major milestone


  • Motorists given advanced warning of M6 and M42 works between June and November  
  • Number of motorway closures reduced to minimise disruption, with diversion routes put in place  
  • HS2 works with National Highways, Birmingham Airport and NEC to coordinate motorway programme 
  • B-roll footage shows progress on HS2's construction works around the motorway network
  • New images show progress on the Water Orton viaducts and the twin box structure, which will be extended over the motorway
HS2 News and Information
Summer scams
Monday 18 May 2026

Summer scams


SPF50 (Summer Protection Factor 50): Read this article and avoid getting burnt! How to stay safe as new scams and frauds target holidaymakers.

Cotswold District Council News
‘A win-win for businesses, locals and tourists’ as Mid Cornwall Metro begins
Monday 18 May 2026

‘A win-win for businesses, locals and tourists’ as Mid Cornwall Metro begins


The first phase of Mid Cornwall Metro services began this morning, with local business leaders welcoming the significantly enhanced train service between Newquay and Par.

Network Rail Media Centre
Central District Alliance BID marks Mental Health Awareness Week
Monday 18 May 2026

Central District Alliance BID marks Mental Health Awareness Week


The BID delivered a week-long programme of wellbeing events designed to encourage connection, conversation and positive mental health across their footprint.

Primera Corporation News
Historic tartan archive gifted to the nation will transform understanding of Scotland’s textile heritage
Monday 18 May 2026

Historic tartan archive gifted to the nation will transform understanding of Scotland’s textile heritage


An archive of almost 800 historic tartan samples has been donated to National Museums Scotland. The textiles were produced by J&D Paton, one of the largest tartan manufacturers of the 19th and 20th centuries, and have been gifted to the nation by Stuart Paton, the great great grandson of the firm’s founder.

National Museums Scotland News
Views wanted on the West Wales Learning Disability Strategy recommendations
Monday 18 May 2026

Views wanted on the West Wales Learning Disability Strategy recommendations


A consultation has been launched to gain people’s views on the proposed West Wales Learning Disability Strategy 2026 – 2031.

PembrokeshireCC News
Bold action to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour
Monday 18 May 2026

Bold action to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour


New CCTV cameras, improved lighting, and additional nighttime reassurance are just some of the ways the council will be clamping down on crime and anti-social behaviour.

Islington Council News
Loudoun Academy take action during Eco Week and Mental Health Awareness Week
Monday 18 May 2026

Loudoun Academy take action during Eco Week and Mental Health Awareness Week


Loudoun Academy was a hive of activity last week for Eco Week and Mental Health Awareness Week, with the young people taking direct action to tackle environmental issues around the school and focusing on their wellbeing.

East Ayrshire Council News
Major East Coast Main Line improvement work continues this weekend
Monday 18 May 2026

Major East Coast Main Line improvement work continues this weekend


A package of major engineering work continues on the East Coast Main Line over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend (23-25 May), passengers are reminded.

Network Rail Media Centre
Make the Pledge, Make a Difference
Monday 18 May 2026

Make the Pledge, Make a Difference


Knife Crime Awareness Week (18 - 24th May) will run alongside NPCC's Sceptre Week

National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC)
Transport for Wales launches contactless pay as you go rail travel in North East Wales
Monday 18 May 2026

Transport for Wales launches contactless pay as you go rail travel in North East Wales


Transport for Wales (TfW) has today launched its contactless pay as you go rail travel in North East Wales and borders, making journeys simpler and more flexible for customers across the region. 

Transport For Wales News
Mitie to deliver technology-enabled and sustainable facilities management services for Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust
Monday 18 May 2026

Mitie to deliver technology-enabled and sustainable facilities management services for Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust


  • Mitie has secured a new £27 million facilities management contract with Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust, delivering intelligence-led cleaning, portering and waste management services
  • Introducing electric portering vehicles and cutting carbon emissions through local supply chains, Mitie is supporting the Trust’s Green Plan and wider NHS Net Zero ambitions
  • The contract reflects Mitie’s commitment to uplift people and places through skills development, education and employment pathways for the local community
Mitie Media Centre
Great North Mayors and leaders launch multi-billion pipeline of investment opportunities
Monday 18 May 2026

Great North Mayors and leaders launch multi-billion pipeline of investment opportunities


With the fastest productivity growth of any UK region and a £466bn economy, the North of England is today uniting to showcase global investment opportunities. Today’s inaugural Great North Investment Summit brings forward a major pipeline of investable opportunities from across the region.

Lancashire County Council News
From connections queues to connected homes: why firm flexibility beats ‘fingers-crossed’ flexibility
Monday 18 May 2026

From connections queues to connected homes: why firm flexibility beats ‘fingers-crossed’ flexibility


EVs, heat pumps and home generators are transforming energy demand. Reinforcing our networks is slow and expensive so Britain needs flexibility too: dedicated batteries that power networks can rely on, speeding up connections and cutting costs

E.ON News
First Minister to chair first Cabinet meeting
Monday 18 May 2026

First Minister to chair first Cabinet meeting


First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth will today chair the first meeting of the new Welsh Government Cabinet, setting out an agenda focused on outcomes, openness and action on the priorities of people across Wales.

The meeting marks the beginning of a new programme of government centred on improving public services, supporting families and growing the Welsh economy.

Ahead of the meeting, the First Minister, Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “This is a government of action, a government for all, and a government of new ideas. The hard work has now started.

“Our focus is on the issues that matter most to people in every part of Wales – cutting waiting lists, supporting families with the cost of living, creating good jobs, raising standards in education and tackling child poverty.

“As First Minister, I am determined to end siloed working and unnecessary duplication across government. This Cabinet will work as one team, with ministers focused on delivering together in the interests of the people of Wales.

“We will lead with openness and purpose, building trust through practical action and visible outcomes.

“The people of Wales expect a government that listens, that stands up boldly for Wales, and that works together to get things done. That is exactly what this Cabinet is determined to deliver.”

Welsh Government News
Islington Council Leader responds to adventure playground petition
Sunday 17 May 2026

Islington Council Leader responds to adventure playground petition


Responding to a petition circulating about Crumbles Castle Adventure Playground and related social media comments, Cllr Una O’Halloran, Leader of Islington Council issued the following statement.

Islington Council News
Nationwide gives abuse survivors power to block harmful payment messages with new in-app feature
Saturday 16 May 2026

Nationwide gives abuse survivors power to block harmful payment messages with new in-app feature


  • Nationwide becomes first high street banking provider to launch in-app payment reference feature supporting survivors of economic abuse
  • Surviving Economic Abuse estimates 4.2 million women in the UK has experienced economic abuse by a current or former partner
  • New feature builds on introduction of three-stage warning letters that can ultimately lead to account closure
  • Comes as part of wider support offered by Nationwide – from Safe Spaces in branches to referrals to domestic and economic abuse charity Refuge
  • Nationwide and charity Surviving Economic Abuse urge people to seek support if experiencing abuse
Nationwide Building Society Media Centre