Swansea Council announces plans to build hundreds of futuristic homes with energy-efficient technologies in various areas of Swansea, continuing the ‘Swansea Standard’ design and aligning with the More Homes project.
Hundreds of Futuristic Homes to be Built in Swansea
Hundreds of new futuristic homes are set to be constructed in Swansea, according to announcements made by Swansea Council on May 29, 2024. The project will introduce homes in several areas, including 13 homes at Brondeg House, Manselton; nine in Clase; 160 in Bonymaen; and 22 in Ravenhill. These homes will feature energy-efficient technologies such as solar roofs, battery storage, and ground source heating to help keep energy bills low.
The new developments align with the “Swansea Standard” design. Planning applications have been submitted, including specific developments at Brokesby Road in Bonymaen and Heol Dynys in Ravenhill. This initiative is part of Swansea Council’s More Homes project, which has added nearly 90 homes across various locations in Swansea, such as Colliers Way, Blaenymaes, and Hill View Crescent, Clase, over recent years.
In addition to new constructions, Swansea Council has invested in renovating existing properties and repurchasing homes that were previously sold under the now-abolished Right to Buy legislation. The council has allocated £55 million for housing this year and plans to commit £250 million over the next five years.
Couple Jailed After Restaurant Dine-and-Dash Spree
A couple was sentenced to prison after leaving a trail of unpaid restaurant bills across Wales, worth more than £1,000. Bernard McDonagh, 41, and Ann McDonagh, 39, ordered expensive meals and left without paying, affecting several establishments including Bella Ciao in Swansea, where they incurred a bill of £329. Bernard was sentenced to eight months, and Ann received a 12-month prison term.
The couple admitted to multiple fraud counts, with Ann also pleading guilty to shoplifting and obstructing a police officer. They were eventually caught after a community-driven identification effort, leading to their sentencing at Swansea Crown Court.
ITV Weatherman Des Coleman to Return After Illness
Des Coleman, the well-known weatherman for ITV Central, is set to return to work on May 30, 2024, following a two-month absence due to a cerebral fluid leak that caused severe migraines and tinnitus. Coleman expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from viewers and colleagues during his recovery.
Sky Warns Customers of Channel Closures
Sky issued a warning on May 29, 2024, informing customers with older SD boxes that they will lose access to several channels, including Sky Sports and Sky Cinema, by the end of May unless they upgrade to a newer Sky Q box. Affected customers have the option to cancel their subscriptions without facing early termination charges.
AI Study Suggests Improved Heart Failure Detection
A study by the University of Dundee indicates that artificial intelligence (AI) could play a crucial role in detecting heart failure. Researchers used AI to analyze echocardiographic images from electronic health records, identifying structural and functional heart anomalies that traditional methods could miss. The findings were published in the journal ESC Heart Failure and promise to enhance early diagnosis and patient selection for clinical trials.
Serious Collision in Crewe Leaves Pensioner Injured
A 72-year-old woman sustained serious injuries after being hit by a silver Mercedes at the junction of Earle Street and Queen Street in Crewe on May 20, 2024. Authorities are appealing for witnesses and anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.
UK Toxic Caterpillar Warning
The Forestry Commission has issued an urgent warning about the toxic oak processionary moth caterpillar, which is spreading across the UK. The caterpillars have venomous hairs that can cause rashes and respiratory issues. Residents, particularly in affected areas like London and Derbyshire, are advised to report sightings and avoid contact.
Manhunt for Prison Escapee Daniel Gee
Daniel Gee, 44, absconded from Kirklevington Prison, a category D facility, on May 27, 2024. Gee, previously jailed for conspiracy to possess firearms and threats to kill, is described as a bald, large white male around 6ft tall. Authorities are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact Cleveland Police.
South Wales Dance Group Wows on Britain’s Got Talent
Troll Dancers, a group from Port Talbot, entertained viewers and judges on “Britain’s Got Talent” with their semi-final performance. Their act included a playful prank on judge Simon Cowell, covering him in squirty cream, which left both the audience and Cowell amused. Despite their entertaining act, the group did not advance to the finals.
Calls for More Hospice Funding Following Family’s Testimony
The Snowden family from Wrexham highlighted the essential support provided by Nightingale House Hospice during the illnesses of Janet Snowden and her father-in-law. They are advocating for additional funding for hospice care, a call echoed by the hospice’s chief executive. The Welsh Government recently allocated an extra £4 million for hospices across Wales.
