Lesley Griffiths, deputy minister for science, innovation and skills, has approved plans to create a National Science Academy. The academy, first outlined in the 2007 One Wales agreement, will promote take-up of science, technology, engineering and maths. The academy will have four regional and central hubs throughout Wales, headquartered in the Wales Institute of Mathematics and Computational Science in Swansea University. Professor John Harries, who takes up the position of chief scientific advisor for Wales in May 2010, will oversee the academy.

A new 45m footbridge has been placed at the £200million Parc Derwen village-style community development near Coity, Bridgend. The £600,000 bridge links Litchard to the development, which comprises 1,500 new homes and is a joint venture between the Welsh Assembly Government, Persimmon Homes and Taylor Wimpey. One-hundred and fifty of the homes will be affordable housing, helping to meet Unitary Development Plan requirements. The bridge was designed by Cardiff-based consulting engineer Parsons Brinckerhoff and constructed by Hirwaun-based Walters UK.

Elin Jones, rural affairs minister, has outlined the Assembly Government’s action plan for horticulture in Wales. The strategy has been designed in conjunction with Agri-food Partnership’s Horticulture Strategy Group and seeks to address future challenges facing the sector. Action points include: improving supply chain links; developing skills and technologies; improving business performance; and understanding market trends. The review focuses on food and drink production, with Jones identifying growth in demand for local and healthy food as an opportunity for producers.

Kathryn Cook has been appointed as regional coordinator for the Cardiff-headquartered Association of National Park Authorities (ANPA). Cook, formerly the Wales regional manager of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, will support the chairs of 14 National Parks, including the Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire Coast and Snowdonia. She will also develop and promote ANPA’s Britain’s Breathing Spaces brand.