Megan Ballantyne

Apr 2, 2024 | inews.co.uk | Megan Ballantyne

As increases to the state pension come into effect this week, about 650,000 pensioners could start paying income tax on their retirement income according to experts. According to new research for the Liberal Democrats, 1.6 million pensioners could also be dragged over the income tax threshold by 2027-28, while separate analysis shows the average taxpaying pensioner is set to be £1,000 worse off by the same year.

Mar 19, 2024 | walesonline.co.uk | Megan Ballantyne

The owner of an iconic Cardiff venue says she is heartbroken after being forced to close it down, saying: "It is impossible to run a small business in that area." The Casablanca Club has closed just a year after it reopened its doors. Leigh-Ann Regan, the owner of the revived Casablanca, who grew up in Butetown and Grangetown, said: "The rates, pavement licence, insurance, music licence - it is just impossible. We had hardly any mark-up.

Mar 17, 2024 | cardiffjournalism.co.uk | Megan Ballantyne

A VENUE in Butetown, established on the site of the iconic Tiger Bay Casablanca Club, has been forced to close as the owner says she cannot afford to keep it open. “It is impossible to run a small business in that area,” said Leigh-Ann Regan, the owner of the revived Casablanca, who grew up in Butetown. “The rates, pavement licence, insurance, music licence — it is just impossible.”“We had hardly any mark-up.

Mar 15, 2024 | cardiffjournalism.co.uk | Megan Ballantyne

A MAN who suffered a traumatic brain injury after he was knocked off his bike without a helmet is warning others to wear one. Tom Guy, 35, used to going to gigs in the city centre, and had a self-professed “rock and roll lifestyle” before he was knocked off his bike just under a year ago. “If it had gone just a little bit further, I may not have been able to have this conversation. Now I feel better — but I also feel like I am a different person,” he said.

Mar 12, 2024 | cardiffjournalism.co.uk | Megan Ballantyne

A CARDIFF University Ladies rugby player who was diagnosed with cervical cancer after a routine smear test is set to return to the field this month after making a full recovery. “There was a point when all the doctors and physios said there was no way you will ever play rugby again,” said Georgina Wren. She is a seventh year PhD student studying Behavioural Genetics who also plays for Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd. “But I have never really taken no for an answer.