Customer News

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.

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.

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

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

• 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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

• 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

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.

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

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.”

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.

• 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