News From © Caerphilly Observer
 | Planning notice for land south of Valley View, Cefn Hengoed Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (Wales) Order 2012. Notice Under Article 10, Application for planning permission. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
| Caerphilly County Borough Council public notices Planning notice for Ystrad Mynach, Nelson, Oakdale, and Abercarn. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Senedd Members remember Hefin David and call for change in suicide reporting All 60 Senedd Members came together to remember the late Caerphilly representative Hefin David - and call for change in the way suicide is reported in Wales. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | HMO plans turned down over flood risk A council report shows the application drew six objections during a recent public consultation period, with concerns including antisocial behaviour, noise and disruption. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Fire engines from south Wales donated to war-torn Ukraine Eight fire engines from south Wales are being donated to firefighters in war-torn Ukraine, as part of South Wales Fire and Rescue's vehicle replacement programme. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | One week to go for election hopefuls to submit their nomination papers Senedd election hopefuls for the Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni constituency have a week to get their nomination papers in to Caerphilly Council. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | New pre-loved shop supporting adults with learning disabilities into work A new community shop in Pontllanfraith is helping adults with learning disabilities gain valuable work experience and build confidence on their journey into employment. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Ambulance response times improve across Gwent Ambulance response times across Gwent have shown an improvement in latest figures published. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Wales Green Party ready to be ‘kingmakers’ in Senedd election The Wales Green Party are ready to be "kingmakers" at this year's Senedd election, its leader Anthony Slaughter said as the party launched its campaign. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Bargoed Spring Fair brings 2,250 visitors to town More than 2,250 visitors came to Bargoed as the town hosted its spring fair on Saturday March 21.The fair brought a range of food and drink, craft stalls, and entertainment to the... Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Pupils compete at school football competition School pupils from across the borough gathered to compete at this year's Secondary Schools Finals football competition. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Villagers bemoan ‘Wild West’ road issues and relentless lorry traffic Residents say relentless HGV traffic poses a constant nuisance in their village – with cars damaged, round-the-clock noise, and pollution. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Extra £2.6 million funding to fix Caerphilly County Borough’s potholes An extra £2.6 million of funding will go towards fixing potholes and resurfacing roads across Caerphilly County Borough. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Interstellar experience for scouts at National Space Centre A scouts group from the Aber Valley were treated to an out-of-this-world experience when they visited the National Space Centre over the weekend. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Critics of school transport cuts warn of ‘unacceptable burden’ on children Hundreds of people have signed a petition against Caerphilly Council’s plans to cut free transport in Aberbargoed – one of nine routes under threat across the county borough. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Extra 500 spaces available for this year’s Caerphilly 10k race Thousands had already secured their place on the start line, with the event being held in Caerphilly town on Sunday May 10. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Police investigate as cafe fire deemed deliberate A fire broke out at Nancy's Cafe, near Ystrad Mynach Railway Station, on Monday afternoon. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Caerphilly Male Voice Choir still hitting the right note after 120 years 120 years ago, Caerphilly Cricket Club player Jordan Davies started a choir to raise money for cricket equipment - and the choir is still going strong to this day. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Rugby round-up: Bedwas, Blackwood, and Rhymney maintain league leads There was more rugby action on Saturday March 28, as several borough clubs continued their march towards their respective titles and promotion bids. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | ‘Council’s decision to press ahead with changes to home to school transport is truly baffling’ Caerphilly Senedd Member Lindsay Whittle criticises council changes to school transport in this piece for Caerphilly Observer. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Cheaper bus fares, fly-tipping crackdown, and £4bn for new hospitals: Welsh Labour launches Senedd manifesto Cheaper bus fares, a fly-tipping crackdown, and a freeze on Welsh income tax are among the pledges put forward by Welsh Labour as it heads into the upcoming Senedd election. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Notice of application for a variation of a premises licence: Ffos Caerffili Notice is given that Town Square Spaces Ltd have applied to Caerphilly County Borough Council, for a variation of a premises licence for Ffos Caerffili. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
| Notice of application for a premises licence: Machen Cricket Club Notice is given that Machen Cricket Club have applied to Caerphilly County Borough Council, for a premises licence. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Coroner rules four-day-old baby’s death was from natural causes after emergency C-section The mother of a four-day-old baby who died at Cwmbran's Grange Hospital has told an inquest she felt "ignored" by midwives. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Short-term pothole repairs ‘represent a false economy’ In this piece for Caerphilly Observer, South Wales East MS Peredur Owen Griffiths talks about potholes and Plaid Cymru's Senedd election campaign. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Plaid Cymru leader ‘taking nothing for granted’ as party launches campaign in Bedwas Plaid Cymru launched its 2026 Senedd election campaign at Bedwas Workmen's Hall, where Caerphilly Observer sat down with the man hoping to be Wales' next First Minister. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
| Notice of application for a premises licence: Oakdale Welfare Bowling Club Notice is given that Oakdale Welfare Bowling Club have applied to Caerphilly County Borough Council, for a premises licence. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Formal plans lodged for bingo hall flats despite parking fears Housing association Wales and West Housing has submitted formal plans to replace a nursery and a former bingo hall in Ystrad Mynach with 24 flats. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Antiques Roadshow heading to Caerphilly Castle this summer The popular BBC programme Antiques Roadshow is set to visit Caerphilly Castle this summer, with filming scheduled for Saturday July 18. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Caerphilly Athletic extend gap at the top with last gasp win over Goytre In front of a packed out crowd in Ystrad Mynach, the two best teams in the Ardal South East went toe to toe, with Caerphilly Athletic overcoming Goytre in a thrilling 3-2 victory. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
| Potholes, funding pressures and a 300-year renewal cycle: What’s happening to Caerphilly’s roads Freedom of Information data, council reports and industry warnings paint a stark picture of underfunded road maintenance, with some estimates suggesting the borough’s roads would take centuries to fully renew at current spending levels. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Council seeking chairperson to oversee how £20m community fund is spent Caerphilly Council is looking for candidates to oversee how £20 million will be spent on regeneration projects in the north of the county borough. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Cwmcarn Forest clear-up works paused due to nesting birds With nesting season underway between March and August, numerous bird species are now nesting in the forest, including the northern goshawk. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | ‘It looms over us’: Neighbours alarmed at size of new primary school building The redevelopment of a Caerphilly school has sparked concern among some neighbours, who fear a new and larger building will lead to a loss of privacy, light and property values. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Annual Caerphilly Challenge Series will not go ahead this year The annual Caerphilly Challenge Series will not return for 2026 - but a "refreshed event" will begin from next year. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Town’s new transport interchange project to get £4m funding boost Caerphilly County Borough Council has been awarded money through the Welsh Government's Regional Transport Fund - which is investing £115m across the country. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | ‘It has been the honour of my life to represent you in the Senedd’ Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MS Dawn Bowden has thanked the community in this piece for Caerphilly Observer, as her time in the Senedd draws to a close. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Police appeal after duo fail to appear in court John Jones, 37, and 35-year-old Perry Foster, both from Caerphilly, failed to appear at Newport Magistrates' Court on Thursday March 5. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Calls to protect ‘powerless’ homeowners from ‘exploitative’ private estate contracts “More and more” residents on new housing developments find themselves locked into “exploitative” private estate management contracts, councillors heard. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | New law comes into force to protect farm animals from dogs The updated legislation modernises a law first introduced in 1953, aiming to better protect farmers’ livelihoods. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Teaching assistant given 12-month ban after ‘dragging’ four-year-old into class A teaching assistant has been suspended from the profession for 12 months by the Education Workforce Council after it found she 'dragged' a four-year-old boy into class. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | More than 3,000 patients to wait at least two years for surgery The figure, which would represent a failure to meet Welsh Government time targets, is included in the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board’s annual plan for NHS services in Gwent. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | ‘Council not meeting basic legal obligations’ Community councillor Steve Aicheler has penned this piece for Caerphilly Observer following Estyn's recent inspection of Bedwas High School. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Inspectors tell school it needs ‘significant improvement’ Inspectors highlighted inconsistent teaching quality, weak development of key skills, and weak leadership capacity as some of the main issues facing the school. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Three footpaths set to close following railway electrification Three public footpaths across Caerphilly County Borough are likely to be closed, following the electrification of the Cardiff to Rhymney railway line. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Health board chair attends final meeting before stepping down Ann Lloyd was praised for her leadership and support of the body that runs NHS services and hospitals in Gwent – but there was no mention of the recent sterilisation scandal at Newport's Royal Gwent. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | ‘This is fixable and it has to change’: Wife takes Owain’s Law campaign to Senedd Ellie James, who is fighting to change the law in memory of her late husband Owain, has taken her campaign to the Senedd. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | National recognition for scheme educating about the dangers of alcohol A scheme educating young people in the Upper Rhymney Valley about the dangers of alcohol has earned national recognition for its work. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | New plans to convert house into three-bed HMO A house in Cwmfelinfach could be converted into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) for up to three people. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Artwork celebrating Aber Valley’s history to go on display A contemporary art showcase celebrating the history of the Aber Valley is coming to Abertridwr this weekend. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Easter activities for children during the school holidays A programme of activities including swimming, sports camps and outdoor adventures will take place across the county borough during the school Easter holidays. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Caerphilly Golf Club’s £3,280 for Alzheimer’s Society The outgoing captain of Caerphilly Golf Club has presented a cheque for £3,280 to the Alzheimer’s Society after a year of fundraising. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Road safety calls continue after latest Wyllie Bends smash Councillors have warned extra safety measures must be installed on Wyllie Bends as a matter of urgency, after the latest crash left a car upside down at the roadside. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Busy year ahead for Machen Women’s Institute A few years ago, the group faced an uncertain future. But now, having grown its membership, Machen Women's Institute is thriving. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Silent protest highlights area’s hidden pollution A Caerphilly man is using silence - and striking imagery - to draw attention to what he believes is one of the area’s most overlooked problems: everyday pollution. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Frustrated Treowen Stars suffer defeat against Afan Lido Treowen Stars were denied a late penalty against Afan Lido in a scrappy 1-0 loss which ended in controversy. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Choirs team up for concerts ahead of national gala performance Aber Valley Male Voice Choir is teaming up with Rhymney Silurian Choir and the Ebbw Vale-based Beaufort Male Choir to perform three concerts. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Legal challenge against Wales’ greyhound racing ban fails A legal challenge has failed to overturn Wales' greyhound racing ban, which was backed by Senedd Members last week. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Plans revived for flats above convenience store New plans have been submitted for flats above an Ystrad Mynach convenience store, after previous proposals failed to win support. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Full electrification of core valley lines completed The full electrification of the Core Valley railway lines has been completed, Transport for Wales (TfW) has confirmed. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
| Rugby round-up: Vital wins for Newbridge and Penallta, Bedwas title march continues The Six Nations is over, but the club rugby season is far from over - with all to play for as teams chase promotion and fight relegation. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Treowen Stars look to finish season strong with victory over Newport City Treowen Stars have leapt up the Cymru South table thanks to a battling 3-2 win on the road over Newport City. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Charity connecting former sports players to restart in Caerphilly A charity bringing former sports players together is relaunching its free weekly sessions at Caerphilly Rugby Club. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Have your say on council’s cleaning and anti-fly tipping project The programme forms a central part of this year’s budget investments and includes special cleaning work in all borough wards. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Leisure centre hours slashed in council cost-cutting plan Opening hours at New Tredegar Leisure Centre will be cut from April 1 as Caerphilly County Borough Council seeks to save money. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Possible rail disruption after train forced to stop in Caerphilly Transport for Wales (TfW) has warned of potential disruption after a train was forced to stop due to a mechanical issue. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Price boosts Premier League play-off hopes despite comeback defeat Price, from Markham, stormed into a 5-0 lead against Luke Littler in Thursday night's showpiece, but the teenager staged a stunning comeback to claim a 6-5 victory. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
| Caerphilly County Borough Council public notices Planning notice for Nelson, Tir-y-berth, and Rhymney. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | 21 patients treated with unsterilised surgical tools at hospital The health board has said it is taking "precautionary steps" to support those affected by the incident at Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Council’s latest school transport cuts plan sparks safety row Hundreds of secondary school children across Caerphilly will have their free school transport taken away at the end of the summer term. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Meningitis: Students returning from Kent urged to contact their GP University of Kent students who have returned home to Wales have been urged to contact their GPs following the meningitis B outbreak. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Council staff sickness absence rates falling but remain ‘too high’ Sickness absence levels among Caerphilly County Borough Council’s staff are falling but remain “too high”. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Can Wales’ wellbeing law survive the pressures of the next Senedd election? With the Senedd election due in May, Wales faces a test of whether long-term thinking can survive short-term political pressure. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | The story behind Caerphilly’s Tommy Cooper statue March 19 marks what would have been Caerphilly-born comedian and magician Tommy Cooper’s 105th birthday. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Volunteers invited to help clean up the River Rhymney this spring Organised by Groundwork Wales, the regular clean-up events are running on Wednesday afternoons from 1pm to 4pm. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Concerns raised in Senedd as dentists quit NHS contracts in Wales Dozens of dentists have quit NHS contracts in Wales over the past year, prompting questions in the Senedd about whether new reforms to the system are already driving practices away. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | RSPCA launches appeal to find injured horse’s owner The cob type horse was rescued from land off Dan y Graig Road, Risca, on Monday March 16 after being found in a poor condition. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Council still hopeful of A469 funding deal but is willing to go it alone Cabinet members have agreed to start the paperwork on a compulsory purchase order for the land alongside the A469, but would prefer to negotiate a deal. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
| Welsh greyhound racing ban backed by Senedd Members The last remaining greyhound racing track in Wales faces closure after plans to ban the sport were approved. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Police investigating after car and bank cards stolen in burglary A car and bank cards went missing following a burglary on Blackwood Road, Pontllanfraith earlier this month. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Thumbs up for new padel court at empty industrial unit The unit will feature a padel court, check-in kiosk and lounge area – and players will book sessions using an online system. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Brass band earns chance to represent Wales on national stage Markham and District Band have secured their place at the prestigious National Brass Band Finals in York this September. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Risca could lose a council seat under latest boundary review The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru has published its final recommendations for changes to the borough’s wards. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | ‘Historic milestone’: Senedd backs British Sign Language bill The BSL bill – introduced by Conservative Mark Isherwood – will end Wales’ status as the only UK nation without specific sign language protections. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Woman to walk length of Hadrian’s Wall in father’s memory to raise money for charity An Abercarn woman will embark on a journey like no other this August- an 84-mile walk across Hadrian’s Wall in memory of her dad, Peter, who passed away last year with cancer. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
| New flatter route confirmed for this year’s Caerphilly 10k Ahead of this year’s edition, the course has been redesigned to give runners a more consistent route, reducing elevation by 14.29% compared to 2025. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Homes plan rejected over chopped-down tree Caerphilly County Borough Council planners said a “recently-felled” tree in front of the property was not acknowledged in the proposals for four new flats. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Major plans for nearly 200 homes in revival of colliery site Nearly 200 new homes could be built in a major redevelopment of Penallta Colliery, including the restoration of its listed power hall. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Bargoed Spring Fair coming to town this weekend Bargoed is hosting its spring fair this weekend, bringing a range of food and drink, craft stalls, and entertainment to the town centre. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Girl, 7, conquers Pen y Fan for charity amid meningitis battle Seven-year-old Noa-Rose, from Cefn Fforest, has scaled south Wales' highest peak to raise more than £5,000 for charity Meningitis Now. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Gym reopens at new site after community asset transfer JM Gym Fitness, a community interest company, has taken over the running of the building from Caerphilly County Borough Council. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
| Rugby round-up: Bedwas beat Ynysddu, Crumlin defeat Falcons While Wales wrapped up their Six Nations campaign with victory over Italy, it was a mixed weekend for club sides across Caerphilly County Borough. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Disability Six Nations event returns with more than 400 children taking part More than 400 children from 16 schools have come together once again for Caerphilly County Borough Council’s annual Disability Six Nations. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Backing for changes to village’s power grid site A power company can change plans for specialist equipment in Llanfabon, near Nelson, councillors have decided. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | ‘Tactical voting is dead’: Labour candidate talks Senedd election Labour candidate Richard Tunnicliffe discusses how the new voting system being brought in at this year's Senedd election means tactical voting is no longer necessary. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Council could make compulsory land purchases for A469 works Caerphilly Council may have to use compulsory purchase orders along the A469, where it plans to spend £20 million on repairing the landslip-hit road. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Free events to celebrate Neurodivergence Awarness Week A series of free webinars are being held at Caerphilly Miners Centre to celebrate Neurodivergent Awareness Week. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Two guilty of violent disorder after barber shop turf war brawl Two men have been found guilty of affray for their part in a mass street brawl between rival barbers. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | How plans to share wind farm profits with local people has been tried elsewhere Udisha Saklani, lecturer at King's College London, looks at Plaid Cymru's pledge to make companies share benefits of energy projects with residents, and how it has been tried elsewhere. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |
 | Backing for plans to knock down ‘deteriorating’ pub for new homes Plans for 36 new homes on the site of a “fire-damaged” and “deteriorating” former pub in Pontllanfraith have won the support of councillors. Source: © Caerphilly Observer |