Vox pop: Independence for Wales?
Welsh independence has never been on the mainstream agenda, but change could be afoot in view of recent developments in Scotland. Scotland’s successful bid for an independence referendum has called into question the future union of the kingdom, lending greater scrutiny to the relationship between England and Wales. Policy differences between Cardiff and Westminster have... Read More
Christmas shopping vox pop: when is it too early?
Last week saw Cardiff City Council start the process of installing Christmas lights around the city centre. However, the Council were not the only ones preparing for the festive season. The Royal Arcade has a brand new pop-up shop; the Royal Christmas Emporium. The shop, a subsidiary of the well-known stationers The Pen & Paper, is open... Read More
Vox pop: Has music become too offensive?
Should singers cut the sex and bad language? In the light of the controversial X Factor performances that outraged the UK Ofcom changed their guidelines saying that scantily-clad singers must be cut from programmes being aired before the watershed. Yet it seems as if nothing has changed with popular singers swearing and flaunting their half-naked bodies... Read More
Future of X-Factor Vox Pop: Here to Stay?
Cardiff born John Adams, former X-factor contestant, performed to kick off Cardiff Fashion Week. He performed live on Sunday 21 October, to an excited crowd in the Mermaid Quay in an event, Arresting Fashion, held between 12pm and 4pm. John Adams impressed the judges in his audition in 2011 with his rendition of Damien... Read More
Music vox pop: what makes you move?
In an attempt to swing opinion in favour of alternative nights out, Bunk House on St Mary Street is introducing a new club night from next month onwards. The hostel, bar and club boasts an underground cavern called the Halfpenny Theatre, which currently hosts a popular Swing Saturday, serving a dose of rockabilly, swing and... Read More
Olympics Vox Pop: Have you been inspired?
Half of adults intended to increase sports participation after the Olympics says Deloitte. Olympic sponsor, Deloitte, surveyed 2,000 adults and found that 18% planned to take up a new sport while 27% intended to participate more in a sport they already play and 5% a mixture of the two. The survey was carried out at... Read More
Vox Pop: Could you live in a car-free city?
Plans are in place for some suburban areas of Cardiff to become car-free, but could this also lead to a car-free centre? Cardiff is a relatively compact city, so would appear to be the ideal place to road test the UK’s first no car zones. Councillor Ralph... Read More
Exercise vox pop: group or solo?
Group exercise classes are becoming more popular and many fitness clubs claim that classes such as Spinning and Aqua Aerobics are their life blood. In light of this, Alt.Cardiff wanted to find out which Cardiff residents prefer to exercise with others rather than alone. Local personal trainer, Ross Smith says, “I think a lot... Read More
Redeveloped Cardiff impresses
The St. David’s development has reinvigorated the centre of Cardiff in recent years; it has provided more than a simple shopping experience. The redevelopment has included transforming St John’s Churchyard into a landscaped area for the public to sit and enjoy, provided new car parks and accessibility routes for the city centre, and provided an... Read More
Vox Pop: How much do you want to know about your food?
We are constantly told that we are an unhealthy nation, with obesity on an alarming rise. The FSA has been pushing for a more transparent labelling of food packaging for the past ten years, with figures showing that consumers themselves would like to know more about what is in their food. They have recommended a... Read More
Recession sees drinking downturn
UK alcohol sales are falling due to the recession, reports from a survey have found. Market analysis from the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has found that between 2004 and 2011, total alcohol consumption fell by 13%. The survey’s results suggest that the decline is due to the government’s increase in taxes for... Read More
Vox Pop: Cardiff council’s job fixing the roads, good or bad?
Cardiff city is currently undergoing a road-resurfacing programme. The major road resurfacing work started on 1 October and is estimated to finish on the 22 October. The resurfacing is an on-going programme of works and it may be delayed or cancelled particularly during poor weather conditions. Alistair Love, Highways & Waste Management, says, “We know that resurfacing... Read More
The Future of Women’s Football: Vox Pop
The Olympics has popularised women’s football but for a local Cardiff team it’s just another year in a lifetime of dedication. Maria Meredith set up a five-a-side team eight years ago. Frustrated by the mixed teams, and the unreliability of the ladies’ teams, Maria’s group takes a more relaxed approach to football. “I played in... Read More
Cardiff Contemporary vox pop
Cardiff council has been attempting to increase the profile of the city’s visual arts through the ‘Cardiff Contemporary’ Initiative, but after several months has it been a success? Cardiff Contemporary is a scheme developed in partnership between the city council and the visual art, design and architecture communities. Currently Cardiff is playing host to a... Read More
Vox Pop: Abandoned shopping trolleys
Cardiff Council are set to approve plans to fine supermarkets £75 for their abandoned shopping trolleys in an attempt to reduce fly-tipping in the city. The Abandoned Shopping Trolley Policy, championed by Cardiff cabinet member for the environment Ashley Govier, aims to deal with the increased number of dumped trolleys by forcing supermarkets to take... Read More
Vox Pop: Do you listen to local or national radio?
The number of radio sets that have been sold in the UK has fallen by 18% in the past 12 months; a study from Ofcom has shown. In response to these figures James Snaith, who worked for The Wave, expressed the importance of supporting local radio, “News is a huge localizing aspect for any station,... Read More