Pontypool, Wales News

Abersychan School raised A 95.98 by singing carols in Blaenavon and Pontypool and Cwmffrwdoer Primary School raised A 108 with fundraising activities at the School.

A PUBLIC inquiry into Torfaen council's rejection of plans for an open-cast mine near Pontypool finished yesterday, with a verdict expected to be given in four weeks' time.

Kyle Price, 25, of Albion Place, Pontnewynydd, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the direction of a PC yesterday.

A 65 YEAR-old Abertillery man has been given a 12 month suspended prison sentence for beating two lambs to death with a walking stick.

A FORMER school governor warned a proposal for opencast mining and land reclamation at Varteg, near Pontypool, could threaten the school's future.

MYSTERY surrounds the death of an experienced Pontypool diver after an inquest heard no conclusive evidence could be found for the cause of the tragedy.

TORFAEN politicans claimed yesterday a proposed opencast mine at Varteg, near Pontypool, contravenes Welsh Government guidelines because it would be less than 500 metres away from local residents.

Shanks Group PLC announced plans to develop an anaerobic digestion plant at its site in New Inn, the former Rechem incinerator plant, which closed in 2002.

Officers hit five targets in Trevethin, Penygarn and Pontnewynydd after getting tip-offs from people living in the three areas.

AN ENVIRONMENTAL expert gave evidence in a public inquiry into Torfaen council's rejection of plans for opencast mining at Varteg, near Pontypool, yesterday.

TORFAEN bowls players fear their local clubs will close if the council stops maintaining the greens in a bid to save A 228,000 a year.

A NEW train station at Caerleon and improvements to existing stations at Abergavenny, Pontypool and New Inn and Cwmbran, are among the proposals up for public consultation.

SPIN Doctor makes no apology for beginning this week with local politics - as Pontypool is rocked by what's become known as Mr Mengate.

The people of the town of Blaenavon have a great deal to be proud of. In the 19th Century this area of south-east Wales was the most important producer of iron, steel and coal in the world.

A WEST End dancer who has worked with stars like Gareth Gates, Pixie Lott, Graham Norton and Alan Carr is returning to her Gwent dance school to become its principal.

A NOISE expert told a public inquiry yesterday that school children studying near the site of a proposed open-cast mine would not be affected.

A GWENT mum who turned a childhood habit into a business is the latest addition to Newport Market - and is welcoming plans to improve the city centre building.

MYSTERY surrounds the death of an experienced Pontypool diver after an inquest heard no conclusive evidence could be found for the cause of the tragedy.

A MINIBUS operator based in Pontypool may have his operator's licence revoked after admitting falsifying operator discs and driving vehicles without a valid MOT.

A PUBLIC inquiry began yesterday into Torfaen council's rejection of plans for open-cast mining at Varteg, near Pontypool.