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NEWS PORT NEWS IN BRIEF CITY NEWS REGULARLY UPDATED

  

DYKE ATTACKS 'SHIT' NEWPORT YOU TUBE VIDEO

July 28 - Regular correspondent of thisisnotgwent.co.uk, O.Dyke, has slated the 'cymricised shit' of the You Tube Video parodying the Alicia Keyes' song 'Empire State of Mind. Dyke told our reporter "Accents too Welsh, Gavin Henson, Bellamy, Mill Stad, Bassey, Tom Jones, that long place name 'gogogoch. GWENT dragons. What have these things got 2 do with the 'port". Dyke said the video's authors were presenting a Welsh stereotype as Newport. "Newport is a border team, with strong English roots. This is cymricised shit."

By contrast, Conservative Newport City Council leader Matthew Evans stated "This video is witty, gritty, imaginative and creative and I think this is great publicity for Newport. It’s making us the talk of the town. I have been inundated with emails from people sending me the link and I’ve already posted it on my Facebook page.”

The song includes 'Head out to Caerleon, off-white Transit, Febreze on the dash for the stain where my nan sits' and 'On the dancefloor raving, pack of 16 Benson, some fighting bouncers… turns out it's Gavin Henson.' In place of the original homage-to-New-York chorus, the Welsh version has: 'Newport: concrete jungle, nothing in order, not far from the border.' 'When you're in Newport, chips, cheese, curry makes you feel brand new, washed down with a Special Brew.'

At least the nonsense song has inspired some discussion about the city. BBC Wales correspondent James McClaren stated "One of the things I like very much about Newport is that it feels real - sometimes raw. It doesn't have the same shininess that the 21st century Cardiff has. There's a studied cool to Cardiff that makes it great for leftfield music - indie music thrives. Newport is more rock 'n' roll, less concerned with the trimmed edges of its beard than the AC/DC patch on its rucksack. It is - and I mean in the best possible way - is less Cool but more cool. A lot of Newport's culture thrives under the radar; while Cardiff's music and arts scenes get the press coverage, Newport just gets on with it. There's a gentle rivalry which pretty much boils down to Newport thinking Cardiff takes itself too seriously.'

One blogger backed O.Dyke stating "Seriously what do Craig Bellamy, Gavin Henson, the Milliennium Stadium, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Steve Jones, Catherine Zeta Jones, Llanfair PG and "big leeks" have to do with Newport? What is this "Big up to Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Assembly" all about? The majority of Newportonians didn't even want the Welsh Assembly and Plaid Cymru regularly come stone cold last in any election. Whoever wrote these lyrics just threw together a bunch of stuff relating to "Wales" and then tries selling it as somehow related to the "small Welsh town of Newport". They can't even get that right.'

Today the makers of the hit internet video announced they are planning to release the song as a single. The team behind Newport (Ymerodraeth State of Mind) – which has clocked up almost 1.4m YouTube views – are meeting record label Universal in London today and are hoping the song will be available in a fortnight. They even aim to stand in front of the Transporter Bridge on Friday to put on a public performance, to celebrate the re-opening of the Bridge!

Frank Barrett, The Mail on Sunday's travel editor and Newport native, said: 'Why isn't Visit Wales using this video as its tourism promotion campaign? 'There are all sorts of fantastic reasons for visiting Newport - I'll think of them in a couple of minutes: oh yes, this is where Courtney Love met Kurt Cobain, honestly. And the Passport Office is pretty good.' The Mail on Sunday goes on to state 'With its close proximity to the Brecon Beacons and a few sights of its own, including Newport Castle and Britain's best preserved Roman amphitheatre in nearby Caerleon, it certainly does not lack appeal....The city is already braced for visitors from all over the world in October, when it hosts the Ryder Cup, the gold competition that pits US teams against Europe.'

PRODUCTION RETURNS TO NEWPORT STEEL PLANT

July 27 - Steel production at the former Alphasteel plant in Newport has resumed.Mir Steel UK said 80 employees began a partial re-start on Monday and the firm had plans to take staff numbers to 140, dependent on demand and orders.Union Community said it would be a "bittersweet moment" for former workers who tried to keep the site going. Around 400 workers were sent home days before Christmas 2007 when the site's former owners went into administration.The hot strip mill at the plant has capacity for a million tonnes a year.

MAN ARRESTED OVER ASSAULT

Jul 25 - A 27 year old man from the Newport area has been arrested in connection with an incident in Newport in the early hours of Sunday morning, 18th July, where a man was assaulted. He is currently in custody being questioned.

POLICE REQUEST HELP OVER ASSAULT

Jul 22 - Police investigating the assault that occurred in Newport in the early hours of Sunday morning (July 18th) are appealing for any possible witnesses caught on CCTV to come forward.

A man in his fifties was walking along Shaftsbury Street (not Wyndham Street as previously thought) at approximately 5am when he was approached by a man who asked for money. The offender punched and kicked him causing extensive facial injuries. The victim was also sexually assaulted.

Police are searching through CCTV from different locations close by and would like people who were in the vicinity between the hours of 3am and 7.30am to come forward to identify themselves and speak to detectives about anything they could possibly have seen. Specifically, police want people who were caught on CCTV at the Shell garage Malpas Road; Sainsburys Garage and Macdonalds on Lyne Road to come forward.

Police are very keen to speak to a man who was seen in the Tewkesbury Walk area between 5am and 6am that morning. He is described as a white male, approximately six feet tall, with dark short or shaved hair. He was wearing a white top and walked in the direction of the Rising Sun Public House.

COMPROMISE HOPE OVER RYDER CUP FARMHOUSE

Jul 22 - According to Wales Online talks are under way to strike a compromise over the future of a dilapidated farmhouse on the Ryder Cup course. With just 72 days to go until Wales hosts the world’s third biggest sporting event, it is hoped a deal can be struck between the Celtic Manor Resort and Newport council that would see the Grade II-listed building “cleaned up”.

Meanwhile, there were assurances yesterday that Newport’s two major infrastructure projects, a new train station and the M4 roadworks, would be completed ahead of the competition. Celtic Manor’s billionaire owner, Sir Terry Matthews, said earlier this month he would pull future investment from Newport after city councillors vetoed plans to remove the derelict farmhouse overlooking his flagship Ryder Cup course.But talks over its future could yet see a compromise agreed. A source said: “If common sense prevails we will come to some kind of an arrangement to clean it up, but it is going to be there for the Ryder Cup.” One proposal is for the unsightly shattered windows, plastic roof and breeze block-built extensions to be removed, leaving the core of the historic building untouched.

CITY TO SET UP 'FANZONE'

July 20 - Newport, host city of the 2010 Ryder Cup, has announced plans to stage a Fanzone in the city's John Frost Square for the duration of the competition.

With tickets for all three days of the competition at the Celtic Manor sold out, the Fanzone will give supporters a chance to savour all the excitement as Europe and the USA golf teams go head to head. Spectators heading to the Fanzone over the weekend of October 1 to 3 will be able to watch all the drama unfold on the big screens.Live music, food stalls and mini-golf will also help to capture the spirit of the Ryder Cup as Newport seeks to unite families and golf fans from around the world. It will be free-to-access and has a total capacity of 2,000 people. As Colin Montgomerie and his European team aim to recapture the trophy they lost at Valhalla two years ago, the Fanzone is expected to reach fever pitch come the conclusion of the final pairings on Sunday afternoon. Councillor Matthew Evans, leader of Newport City Council, said: "It's an exciting year for Newport and we want to make the Ryder Cup experience as enjoyable as possible for locals and visitors alike. The Fanzone is going to be a great place to take in the golf and the atmosphere will be electric".

NO DECISION ON RAIL LINK UNTIL 2011

July 19 - No decision on whether an Ebbw Vale to Newport rail line will go ahead will come before next year, the assembly government has confirmed. Transport Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones is waiting on a feasiblity study from Network Rail into its economic and logistical viability. The findings are not expected before March 2011. Meanwhile, an extra £21m in European funding is going to a scheme to help improve railway stations across Wales. Dozens of stations could benefit from improvements such as new waiting facilities and better security under the Wales Enhanced Station Improvement Plans. The funding from the Convergence European Regional Development Fund will go towards improving access and security at stations across Wales. "We know modern stations are important to passengers in Wales and we want to achieve even more successes for them," said Chris Rayner, route director at Network Rail. The National Transport Plan published by the assembly government in March committed to examining the viability of an Ebbw Vale to Newport line.

The leader of Newport City Council, Matthew Evans, told the Argus that the situation over the Ebbw Valley line link to Newport was “absolutely disgraceful”, while Assembly Member Rosemary Butler said pushing for the line has been like “beating your head against a brick wall”.

SUPER DRAGONS VANDALISED

July 18 - Newport City Council is calling on residents to look after our SuperDragons after five of them were badly damaged on the opening weekend of the trail.

The SuperDragons are situated across Newport creating a trail for people to follow and on the weekend they were put in different locations with the trail officially starting today (Monday), however, over the weekend five of them were attacked by vandals. Leader of Newport City Council, Cllr Matthew Evans, said: “It is extremely disappointing that at this early stage of the SuperDragons project the mindless acts of a few individuals has meant that some of the dragons have had to be removed from the trail. The SuperDragons project is for the people of Newport and local artists have spent many hours working on their SuperDragon and they have already brought pleasure to a lot of people. For them to be damaged on the opening weekend of the trail is totally unacceptable. The project is part of the Newport Festival 2010 which is about taking pride in our city; it is a shame that not everyone who lives in our city shares this sentiment.”

The SuperDragons that have been damaged were situated at Tredegar House, the Wave, the Footbridge, Barrack Hill and High Street. Four of them have been so badly damaged that they have had to be removed from the trail and are currently being repaired. They are expected to go back on the trail in the next few weeks.

POLICE APPEAL OVER ASSAULT

July 18 - Police are appealing for information after a man in his fifties was assaulted in the Wyndham Street area of Newport early yesterday morning (Sunday July 18). At approximately 5am the victim was making his way along Wyndham Street when he was approached by a man who asked for money. The offender punched and kicked the victim causing extensive facial injuries. The victim was also sexually assaulted.

The offender is described as a white male, between 20 and 30 years old, five feet eleven inches to six feet tall wearing a white t shirt and black trousers. Detective Chief Inspector Ruth Price is leading the investigation: 'This kind of unprovoked physical violence is rare. The victim has been brave in coming forward and providing officers with as much detail as he could. The victim is described as in his mid fifties, six feet tall, of very slim build and wearing a dark green jacket. We would appeal to anyone who has any information to contact us' Forensic investigations and house to house enquiries have been ongoing and additional patrols are taking place in the area.

'IMPAIRED' DOCTOR ALLOWED TO PRACTISE

July 17 - A doctor suspended after two patients died in her care  will be allowed to continue to practise. The General Medical Council (GMC) said Dr Salawati Abdul-Salam's fitness to practise medicine remains "impaired". She was suspended in March after she misdiagnosed baby Aleesha Evans, of Newport, who died of blood poisoning after being discharged. Dr Abdul-Salam can now only practise if she adheres to a raft of conditions and must be reassessed within 15 months.

ICELAND BATTLE CONTINUES FOR COUNCIL

July 17 - The battle between Newport City Council and Iceland Foods will come to a head in Cardiff but the hearing will not be before August. Iceland wants a judicial review on the council's plan to re-use its original compulsory purchase order. The firm said it wants the matter resolved.

The council began compulsory purchase proceedings for properties in the square, including one owned by Iceland, four years ago. Iceland objected at the time but, after a public inquiry, an independent inspector backed the council's position. However in March this year, just days before before the completion date of the compulsory purchase order, Iceland applied for a judicial review on the matter. The company lodged its application in London, where last week a judge decided the case should be heard in Cardiff because of the significance of the issue to the people of Newport. The council, which had agreed a process for re-tendering the shopping centre scheme to a new developer, has now learned that the hearing to see if a review will be held will not take place before 10 August.

DROP IN NIGHT-TIME CITY CENTRE CRIME

July 15 - The Safer Newport Partnership has reported a significant drop in late night crime and antisocial behaviour in Newport City Centre so far this year. Gwent Police figures comparing the first six months of this year with the same period in 2009 (January to June) show that incidents between the hours of 6pm and 6am in the city centre are down by 20.5% - or 254 fewer incidents than the previous year. When the figures are broken down further, violent crime is down 6.4% (13 fewer crimes) and antisocial behaviour is down a massive 34.7% (180 fewer incidents).

One of the biggest challenges police officers face in Newport is keeping people safe in the city centre at night. As well as providing extra officers at peak times, Gwent Police has been working closely within the Safer Newport partnership to encourage people to drink responsibly. Comment - this is not as good as it seems as night time trade in Newport has fallen considerably in the past year.

BRYNGLAS SCHOOL CLOSURE THREAT

July 15 - The spectre of closure is again hanging over Brynglas Primary School. Newport City Council Cabinet has voted to start formal consultation on the proposal to close the school and to develop a facility for dealing with autism.

The Cabinet was told of the continuing decline in numbers at the school and of the resultant financial pressures which had led to concerns about the economic viability of the school. Cabinet was told that such pressures are likely to mean that in time, the school will be unable to fulfill its duty in delivering the full breadth of the curriculum, where they may be unable to afford sufficient numbers of staff with appropriate expertise to deliver all subjects.

Monkey Man (above) Darling Buds warm up gig at Le Pub  (below)

CROWDS THRONG CITY TO PAY TRIBUTE TO TJ's July 11 - More than 4,000 people attended a gig in John Frost Square Newport city centre yesterday in memory of John Sicolo, who ran the city’s most famous music venue, the Legendary TJ’s. Goldie Lookin Chain headed a line-up of bands from the 1990s for the show in the city’s John Frost Square, which saw the Darling Buds play together for the first time in more than a decade. Other bands playing together for the first time in years included Novocaine, Doctor Bison, Flyscreen, Rollerco, Varispeed and Disco. Mr Sicolo opened TJ's in 1971, and it developed a reputation as a place for up-and-coming bands to make a name for themselves after it was championed by BBC DJ John Peel. The all-day gig saw local bands and new acts take to the stage, before slots from a number of hit acts. Andy Barding, one of the organisers, said they were inundated by bands. "Everyone wanted to play - the difficulty was choosing which bands would get a slot on stage," he said. "With the overspill we've got some other gigs happening around the town the night after - a lot of the bands were just desperate to play in tribute to their old friend John." Mr Barding said the venue's reputation was largely down to Mr Sicolo himself. "He was a very magnetic character and very well known across the world, especially in America and Canada, for his hospitality," he said. "Every band that would come in on tour would get a nice meal home cooked by John and most times they'd be staying in his spare room.

BUSINESS BACKS MATTHEWS

July 10 - Newport City Council has been forced on to the defensive following the decision by councillors to refuse a planning application to demolish and resite the Little Bulmore Farmhouse. City businesses have thrown their weight behind Celtic Manor boss Sir Terry Matthews. Neil Underwood chairman of City of Newport Business Club said the councillors' decision was "simply staggering". He said "The ramshackle building amounts to little more than a dilapidated farmhouse with an unsightly breeze block extension tacked onto the side. Just what will the visiting Americans and mainland Europeans make of it when they arrive at Celtic Manor or see this blot on the landscape in their newspapers and on TV screens as they most surely will - I just can't begin to imagine. Wales, and Newport in particular, will simply be regarded as an international laughing stock. Is that what Newport City Council wants? I think not."

David Russ, managing director of South Wales Chamber of Commerce said: "Newport City Council cannot afford for a decision this small to affect the long-term economic prospects of Newport if Terry Matthews, a man of his stature, and a brand as powerful as the Celtic Manor leave Newport. We therefore urge Newport City Council to re-think its decision in declining the proposal."

MATTHEWS FALLS OUT WITH COUNCIL

July 9 - Sir Terry Matthews, the owner of the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, says he will pull the plug on his future investment plans for the city, after a planning row. Matthews says city councillors have "blown it", after refusing permission to move an old farmhouse at the Ryder Cup venue. But Newport councillors rejected the plea as the 17th Century property is a listed building. Sir Terry said it was a "slap in the face". Members of the City Council's planning committee decided on Wednesday to reject an appeal to dismantle the 400-year-old property that lies on the edge of the 18th hole on the course. It would have been rebuilt at a nearby location. Council planning officers had advised council members to approve the application to move the farmhouse, stating that they felt it was the best solution. Council leader Matthew Evans expressed his concern at the decision taken on Wednesday. "I am bitterly disappointed and mystified by the planning committee's decision," he said. The Committee report states "The Committee felt there was a requirement to retain the building in its present state and location, and supported the comments of specialists (Glamorgan Gwent Archeological Trust).

Councillors attending Planning Committee on Wednesday - Councillor White (in the Chair), Dudley, Knight, Ron Jones, Poole, Richards, Kellaway, Fortey, Delahaye and C Townsend.

CITY OPTS FOR PART-NIGHT LIGHTING

July 9 - Newport City Council has taken a different route to other local authorities in the area by opting to save money but switching off street lights on industrial and principal roads at night. They did considered but did not back the option to turn off streetlights at night as is the case in Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.

ROYAL MAIL MISSES TARGET IN CITY

July 9 - The Royal Mail missed first class delivery targets in every region in Wales last year, annual results show. The group failed to hit its 91.5% next-day delivery target during 2009/10 due to industrial action and bad weather. Newport was named as the worst-performing area, missing its target by more than 3% with an 88.2% achievement rate.

WORK STARTS AT NEW RECYCLING FACILITY

July 7 - Construction has started on one of the first commercial anaerobic digestion facilities in Wales at the factory of one of the largest suppliers of ready meals to Marks & Spencer. Welsh environment minister Jane Davidson today (July 7) attended a ground-breaking ceremony at the RF Brookes plant in Rogerstone near Newport for the facility, which is being developed by energy and waste management firm InSource Energy. The 10,000 tonnes-a-year capacity facility is expected to cost £5 million to construct and benefited from a £500,000 grant from Welsh Assembly Government.

TOP AWARD FOR CITY SCHOOL BUILDING

July 5 - Newport High School was named project of the year at the Wales Constructing Excellence Awards 2010. Mayor Councillor Bill Langsford and council leader Councillor Matthew Evans were presented with the award in a ceremony at the SWALEC stadium.

After being chosen from five finalists, the scheme will now go forward to the UK awards which take place in London later this year. Councillor Evans said: “I am delighted that this landmark scheme was recognised with this prestigious award and would like to thank all those in the council and our partners who were involved in the building of this new school which is providing 21^st century educational facilities.” Officially opened by the Princess Royal, Newport High School was the first to be completed in the council’s major secondary school redevelopment programme. Ironically, the Cllr Evans's Government has pulled the plug today on the Labour flagship Schools For the Future programme in England.

RECYCLING IMPROVEMENTS

July 2 - Wastesavers have confirmed that Newport residents can now put out breakfast cereal boxes for recycling in the blue kerbside box. This extension has been made possible due to changes in the way Wastesavers paper re-processors recycle the newspapers and magazines sent to them. Over the past 12 months requirements have been relaxed, and Wastesavers can now take a range of paper related products including envelopes, greetings cards and now breakfast cereal boxes for recycling. Once recycled, your paper products come back to life as newsprint. In fact the paper you are reading right now could have once been an envelope or even a take-away menu.

Items that you can put in your blue box for recycling are:  Newspapers, magazines, office paper, junk mail, envelopes, greetings cards, breakfast cereal boxes, clothes, shoes, mobile phones and toner cartridges.

TREDEGAR HOUSE TO CLOSE DURING RYDER CUP

June 30 - One of Newport's top tourist attractions is to close for the period of the Ryder Cup. Newport City Council has entered into an agreement with Ryder Cup Limited to enable Tredegar House and Grounds to be used as a park and ride facility for the Ryder Cup. This agreement grants exclusive use of the site to Ryder Cup from Monday 27th September to Monday 4th of October inclusive. The Council states "It will therefore be necessary to close the site to the public for this period. The regular users of the park will be made aware of availability of Tredegar Park and other open spaces for their use and enjoyment during this week."

APPEAL OVER CASHPOINT THEFT

June 30 - Gwent Police is appealing for information after an ATM machine outside the Asda store on Pencarn Way, Duffryn, Newport was attacked and a substantial amount of money stolen. It happened sometime between 11.45pm and midnight on Sunday 27th June. The cashpoint was totally destroyed and approximately £20,000 worth of damage was caused. If anyone has any information about the incident they are asked to call Gwent Police on 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

RETAIL NEWS

June 30 - The former Barratts shoe shop is to be occupied by discount book retailer, the Works.

POLICE UNCOVER MASSIVE DRUGS FIND IN ALWAY

June 28 - Police in Alway have arrested two people for possession of drugs with intent to supply, money laundering and benefit fraud. On Wednesday (23rd June) at 7.30am officers raided a house in Mount Bax, Alway after receiving intelligence from members of the local community. Newport East Neighbourhood Policing team coordinated the raid, which also involved the Gwent Police Support Group, Dog Section, and Financial Investigation Unit.

Officers forced entry to the property and arrested a 29-year-old man and 30-year-old woman after a trained drugs dog located £15,000 in a tumble drier and a small amount of cannabis. Investigations continued at the scene and a rucksack was later found containing 6kg of uncut amphetamine, with a potential street value of £500,000. The drugs were sent for forensic analysis while the cash and a number of expensive items found in the house were seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The two arrested individuals have been bailed pending further investigation. Sergeant Dave Morgan, of Newport East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is a great result as we have stopped a massive amount of drugs from reaching the streets and causing harm to the community. “Drug dealing is a PACT priority for the Alway ward and we constantly gather information from members of the public regarding drug-related activity taking place in the area. “We will continue to work closely with the public to reduce crime and make the area a better place to live.” Anyone with information on drug crime in their area can call Gwent Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

WORK TO START ON NEW SCHOOL

June 28 - A ceremony was held today to mark the start of work on a new £29 million state-of-the-art building to replace the present Hartridge High School.

Mayor Councillor Bill Langsford, Newport City Council leader Matthew Evans and Councillor David Atwell, cabinet member for young people’s services, were among those attending the event. “I am delighted that we are able to make progress on this beacon project. Providing top-class schools and improving Newport’s already high educational standards are important priorities for the authority,” said Councillor Matthew Evans.

“As we have seen from the new Newport High School, which opened last autumn, pupils, staff and the community will all benefit from the superb new facilities when the building opens its doors.” Councillor David Atwell, cabinet member for young people’s services, said: “This is a major step towards to seeing our vision of a new, fit-for-purpose school become a reality. Pupils and staff will now be able to see the building taking shape and look forward to the day when they are able to move in.” Hartridge High is the second school being built as part of the council’s major secondary school redevelopment programme and has been selected as a demonstration project by Constructing Excellence under the themes of sustainability, procurement and consultation. Construction will be completed by the Leadbitter Group, who successfully delivered Newport High School, Bettws Lane, for Newport City Council.

NEW BUSINESS PARK OPENS

June 26 - A new business park has been officially opened in a joint venture between the Welsh Assembly Government and the Centre for Business. Phoenix Park in Newport was completed in 2008 and is Wales’ newest industrial park, with 45 purpose-built industrial units providing a total of 43,000 sq ft of workspace.

The park was officially opened by Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones. David Russ, managing director of Centre for Business and South Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: “The launch was a great way to celebrate the opening of a brand new project, post recession, that will ultimately boost the Newport economy.”The gated estate will lease new, high-specification units and the development benefits from links to two junctions of the M4 and other major distribution routes to the rest of Wales and the Midlands.

PRIVATE CHARTER TRAINS FOR RYDER CUP

June 26 - The Train Chartering Company is supplying three private charter trains for travel to the 2010 Ryder Cup for Ryder Cup Limited. The trains will operate one return journey daily, Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd October, on the route: London Paddington via Reading, Swindon and Bristol Parkway to Newport. There is a coach transfer service between the station and the course as there is no pedestrian access.

LAPTOP THIEF CHARGED

June 26 - A thief from Newport who stole two laptop computers from a store in Salisbury, Wiltshire was behind a series of thefts across the country, a court heard.  Christopher Spence, 41, appeared before magistrates in Salisbury on Thursday charged with stealing two laptops worth £679 from the Currys store, Southampton Road, on February 10. The court heard he was caught after a supervisor at the store became suspicious and took down the registration number of his car before reviewing CCTV footage. Spence, from Newport pleaded guilty to theft and admitted he had later sold the laptops in a pub for £250. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £339 compensation and £85 costs.

PARENTS DEMO AGAINST DOCTOR

June 26 - The parents of a nine-month-old girl who died after being misdiagnosed have handed in a petition of nearly 8,000 signatures demanding that the doctor who treated her is struck off. Aleesha Evans, from Newport died after Dr Salawati Abdul Salam failed to diagnose she was suffering from blood poisoning. Instead, the doctor said Aleesha had a viral infection and discharged her.

Less than 24 hours later, Aleesha died at Cardiff's University Hospital from multiple organ failure, triggered by blood poisoning from a meningococcal infection. Following the baby's death in August 2006, the General Medical Council launched an investigation and in March this year found Dr Abdul Salam's care of Aleesha "demonstrated a complete lack of attention to detail and a serious degree of carelessness". The doctor was suspended from practising for four months, a decision which angered Aleesha's parents, Craig Evans and Shiree Hanbury. Mr Evans and Miss Hanbury were joined by 47 supporters outside the GMC's offices in London on Friday. Wearing yellow T-shirts claiming "Justice 4 Aleesha", they chanted "Dr Salawati out". They then handed Ben Jones, assistant director of strategy and planning at the GMC, a petition of nearly 8,000 signatures from their supporters in Newport demanding the doctor be permanently struck off.

SEVEN ARRESTS AFTER CITY CENTRE BRAWL

POLICE SORT OUT TROUBLE ON THE BUSES

June 22 - A Gwent Police operation in Newport has been launched to prevent antisocial behaviour along bus routes in the city. A team of four PCSOs sponsored by the city’s main bus operator Newport Transport carried out Operation Bust on May 21st, June 4th and June 5th in hotspot areas of Lliswerry and Ringland.
The operation, which also involved Newport East Neighbourhood Policing team, was launched in reaction to complaints received from Newport Bus drivers and residents regarding antisocial behaviour.

During the operation officers stopped 30 people aged between 13 and 40, two arrests were made and one caution was issued. The team confiscated 21 cans of lager, six bottles of lager and three cans of cider from underage teenagers. One youth on an off-road motorbike was issued with a warning notice for riding illegally.

The PCSO team have sent antisocial behaviour warning letters to the homes of 25 teenagers who were stopped during the operation. PCSO Owen Reynolds, who helped coordinate the operation, said: “In the past Newport transport have had to pay out thousands of pounds to repair damage caused to their vehicles on bus routes. “Antisocial behaviour can cause distress to bus drivers and slow services down, so we conducted Operation Bust to highlight the issue and show it will not be tolerated. We will continue to ensure the bus routes in Newport are patrolled regularly and anyone caught causing offences will be dealt with appropriately.”

Since the team of PCSOs, funded by Newport Transport, was formed in February 2008 the bus company has seen instances of criminal damage to its vehicles reduce dramatically. Chris Blyth, Managing Director of Newport Transport, said: “The safety of our customers is paramount to us and the work of our dedicated team of PCSOs is testament to this belief. As a company we are delighted that the team’s recent operation targeting antisocial behaviour was such a success and that our customers can remain confident that their safety is our top priority when they travel with us.” To report incidents of antisocial behaviour please call Gwent Police on 101.

CITY CENTRE DEVELOPMENT EDGES FORWARD

June 21 - Newport's approach to a new city centre development has taken a few tentative steps forward with the establishment of a Cabinet sub committee aimed at giving strategic direction to the project and developing an effective relationship with the preferred development. The new city centre shopping and leisure development is the key regeneration project as far as city residents are concerned. The City Council leader Matthew Evans has indicated that a preferred developer should be selected by the end of this calendar year.

POLICE APPEAL OVER MARKET STREET SEX ASSAULT

June 21 -  Gwent Police is appealing for witnesses and information following a serious sexual assault that occurred in Newport overnight on Friday 11th June.  The incident occurred at around midnight. A 32 year old woman engaged in conversation with a man on Upper Dock Street.  Together, they walked towards Market Square Car Park which is where the sexual assault took place.  
 
The offender is described as an Asian male in his early 20s with black hair.  He was wearing a light coloured jacket and top and light coloured trousers.  Police are particularly keen to trace three females who may have witnessed the incident.  It is believed they were using a silver car, and spoke to the victim and suspect following the assault between the hours of 00.45 and 01.00 on Saturday 12th June.  
Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to contact Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

FIVE TREATED AFTER PILL HOUSE FIRE

June 20 - Five people were treated for smoke inhalation after a fire at a house in Newport on Saturday morning. They managed to escape the blaze in the three storey house on Commercial Road at around 0730 BST. A fire investigation has started.

SOMERTON MAN JAILED FOR FIVE YEARS

June 19 - A Somerton man has been jailed for five years after his 15-year-old stepson accidentally shot himself in the head while posing for photos with a gun. Michael Hole, 50, earlier admitted charges of child cruelty and possessing an illegal firearm. He failed to check it was loaded before asking Lewis Bailey to put the weapon against his head for the pictures. Lewis made a "remarkable recovery" but may suffer future medical problems, Cardiff Crown Court heard. Hole, a father-of-four, saw his stepson having a fit on the bedroom floor and dialled an ambulance. The court heard he told the operator: "A little boy has shot himself in the head. Hurry up - he's dying." He then fled the family home before paramedics arrived to find Lewis in a pool of blood but still conscious.

CITY'S INNOVATIVE TV RECYCLING SCHEME

June 19 - A new free TV recycling service is being offered to all Newport residents as of 17 June 2010, following the huge success of a scheme which collected TVs from older and housebound residents earlier this year. The scheme recycled over 400 televisions and monitors in the April 2010 campaign, so is now being rolled out to everyone in the city. The door-step collection service is run by environmental company Footprintmatters2u.

Tim Hourahine, FootPrintMatters2U Technical Sales Director,said: "The launch of the TV recycling collection scheme for older and housebound residents had a response far exceeding expectations. We collected over 12 tonnes of TVs and monitors, around 400 sets, and still the phone keeps ringing with requests for collections.”

Many Newport residents have taken to upgrading their TVs because of the recent digital switch over or to watch the World Cup in all its glory. Tim Hourahine said: “Don’t leave your old TV gathering dust in the garden shed, spare room or loft. Give it a new lease of life, it can be recycled and end up as a new product.“With the change-over to digital television and the start of the World Cup, anyone who has changed their TV will be able to recycle their old set by calling us to collect or of course by taking it for recycling to the City’s C.A. site”. Newport environmental company FootPrintMatters2U will collect unwanted TVs for free from any Newport home. They will then be recycled by European Recycling Platform (ERP), one of the UK’s largest electronic waste recycling schemes. TVs are taken to a recycling plant in the UK to be specially treated, so that all hazardous materials are safely removed and the valuable metals and other materials in them can be used to make new products.

DRUGS SEIZED IN DUFFRYN - THREE ARRESTS

June 17 - Neighbourhood police officers have arrested three people after finding drugs in a van parked in Duffryn, Newport. On Friday (11th June) at around 9pm Newport neighbourhood support officers stopped and searched a car in Schooner Way, Duffryn. Suspicious behaviour by three men travelling in the car triggered a police investigation and later the same evening officers found more than 2kg of white powder, believed to be pure amphetamine, in the back of a van parked in Duffryn. The three men, all in their 20s and from the Newport area, were subsequently arrested by Officers for possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply. The two vehicles were seized and properties in Ringland and Duffryn were searched by specialist Gwent Police search officers and neighbourhood policing teams. Although the uncut drugs have been sent for forensic analysis, officers estimate that the street value of the stash could run into tens of thousands of pounds. The three men arrested have been bailed pending further investigation.

TOWN PLANNER PRAISES 'OUTSTANDING' CITY REGENERATION

June 17 - Ann Skippers, President of the Royal Town Planning Institute, visited various regeneration projects in Newport, including the new university campus and riverfront, and described what she saw as “outstanding”.

“I was amazed by Newport - there is a great deal going on. I was particularly impressed with the new University campus; it is a state-of-the-art facility which not only combines fantastic resources for teaching and learning, but will be a landmark building that the local community can use as well. The quality of thought that has gone into the long-term planning of the area is outstanding. The area next to the riverfront is taking shape and already it is clear that the development schemes along the river will ensure that the people of Newport have a city that they can be very proud of. Newport is a real hidden gem and I can't wait to return."

Councillor Matthew Evans, leader of Newport City Council said:” A transformation is taking place along Newport's waterfront with once derelict industrial areas becoming areas where people will enjoy living, working, studying and visiting. Among the many exciting projects are the new university campus, an iconic building which will introduce a new atmosphere to the city centre, and the eco-friendly Mariner's Quay development at Old Town Dock in Newport, which is being built to Code Level Five of the Code for Sustainable Homes. The Riverside Park will complement these developments with pedestrian and cycle paths running alongside the River Usk and will provide another valuable asset for the city. I was delighted to welcome the President of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), Ann Skippers, to visit these schemes in Newport, as they run very near to completion."

POLICE ENFORCE DISPERSAL ORDERS IN ROGERSTONE

June 17 - Gwent Police received just one call relating to antisocial behaviour in Rogerstone on the weekend two dispersal orders were introduced. The Gwent Police Support Group, whose main role is to deal with very serious crime and public disorder, helped Newport West Neighbourhood policing Team patrol the area to enforce the dispersal orders in the Afon Village and Thornbury Park areas.
Officers dispersed 20 teenagers aged between 13 and 17 for making excessive amounts of noise, swearing and unruly behaviour on the weekend. Those dispersed had their names and addresses taken and warning letters will be sent to their parents. The Support Group and neighbourhood officers will again enforce the dispersal orders this weekend and their patrols will continue for the duration of the dispersal orders.
 

POLICE SEIZE OFF ROAD BIKES

June 15 - Police are tackling the illegal use of off-road motorcycles in Bettws and Malpas, seizing 13 bikes since April.Newport West Neighbourhood Policing Team took action after residents attending PACT meetings in April told officers that off-road bikes were being ridden in an antisocial manner. The issue has been made a PACT policing priority by local people and patrols have been stepped up in hotspot areas.

So far officers in Bettws and Malpas have confiscated 13 bikes and issued five warning notices to illegal riders, ranging in age from young teenagers to adults. After receiving one Section 59 Police Reform Act warning notice, people who continue to ride an off-road motorcycle on the streets, or in an antisocial manner, may have their bikes seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act. Two riders who had their bikes seized were arrested and subsequently charged with drink driving. A further four riders have been summoned to court for serious traffic offences and could face disqualification from driving.

COUNCIL CABINET TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF LADYHILL

June 14 - The City Council's Cabinet will consider the future of Ladyhill Day Centre in Alway at it's meeting tomorrow. The report is entitled 'Transforming Day Services' . It proposes that the Ladyhill service will be spread around other providers. The closure of the Centre is described as 're-provision' in the report. The Council states that it needs to save £200,000 from its 2010/11 budget and cam achieve this by the closure of Ladyhill. The report states "Discussions have already taken place with Seren, Fairlake Properties, Linc Cymru and Abbeyfield Cymru Ltd. In addition we have discussed the adjacent land with Newport City Homes. We are exploring the potential for high quality housing for older people, available on a mixed tenure basis, for rent and purchase/leasehold and assessing the need for a small provision of supported housing again on mixed tenure basis for young people with learning disabilities. This would be likely to be no more than eight units of accommodation."

At Ladyhill all current service users have been assessed by the Council's Social Services department. Of the people re-assessed 71 will transfer to Extra Care, 24 will transfer to either Hillside or Spring Gardens, 4 will go to Kensington Court Day Centre, 14 will access the (proposed) day activities centre at Parklands. There were 113 service users registered on 21 May 2010. In addition, the Deaf Club will re-locate to Beechwood House, subject to a lease agreement. Those currently working at Ladyhill will be offered the opportunity to work elsewhere in a 'job match' exercise.  Labour opposes the closure. "The centre is a crucial front-line service which caters for some of Newport's most vulnerable people from across the city." Jessica Morden MP and John Griffiths AM are backing the campaign to save the centre.

THEATRE AWAITS FUNDING REVIEW

June 13 - The Riverfront Theatre is awaiting the outcome of a review of funding by the Arts Council for Wales (ACW). ACW chief executive Nick Capaldi said the review had been "difficult" and some are bound to be disappointed. The assembly government is due to announce the ACW's budget in December. Some have welcomed the reorganisation, but others say the arts world is currently "in limbo".

The exercise started before the recession hit home but the squeeze on public finances will obviously make an impact, said Mr Capaldi. In its current £24m porfolio are 97 Welsh arts organisations, ranging from small community projects to large organisations like Welsh National Opera.

Nicolas Young, director of the Riverfront in Newport, said the £60,000 the council-owned theatre current complex receives made a "huge difference to the nature of our programme". He said many groups were "in limbo" and unable to make decisions and unable to commit to developmental projects until the review is made public.

STUDENTS TOUR 'AWESOME' NEW CAMPUS SITE June 12 - “Awesome” and “amazing” were among the reactions of students who had a guided tour of the new City Campus being built for the University of Wales, Newport and treated to a preview of the state-of-the-art facilities that will be available to them when they become the first to study there in January. The students, from the University’s Business School and School of Art, Media and Design, were the first to explore the new campus which will feature an innovative Hothouse at its core where artists, business researchers and entrepreneurs will work together to create new commercial ideas and help drive entrepreneurship and creativity as part of the city’s regeneration.“It was great to be given a glimpse inside the new campus and see how it’s shaping up,” said 23-year-old Pablo Riesco who is studying Economics and Accounting. “It’s a very eye-catching, visually exciting building and I’m sure we’ll get a lot more students wanting to come to Newport when this new campus opens. It’s well located in the city centre and as well as being very accessible for trains and buses, provides great access to all the amenities in the city. Fashion Design students Khadijah Eniafe and Sophie Mason were also enthusiastic about the new campus.“The building is very modern with lovely views across the river. It has much bigger lecture theatres and a lot more space,” said 21-year-old Khadijah who comes from Nigeria. “The fashion space is bigger than we currently have and all three years of fashion students will be sharing it, enabling us to help each other and exchange ideas.”

MAINDEE BURGLARY BLITZ BRINGS FOUR ARRESTS

June 10 - Four youths believed to be part of a Newport burglary gang were arrested yesterday in morning raids (9th June). The Operation Conifer team, who are dedicated to solving and preventing burglaries in Newport, deployed more than 30 officers trained in forced entries and specialist searches to carry out the raids on the burglary suspects.

Officers executed the four search warrants in the Maindee area of the city at 7am and arrested three of the male suspects, two aged 17 and the other 16. The other male suspect, aged 16, was not at home at the time, although officers caught up with him later in the morning and arrested him. All four suspects remain in custody for questioning. Another two search warrants were carried out later in the day, although no arrests were made as the suspects concerned are currently serving prison sentences. Officers recovered a large quantity of electrical items from the searched premises, mainly digital cameras and flat screen televisions. Work will now begin to determine if the items seized can be matched to property stolen in burglaries.

AMBITIOUS CITY COUNCIL CUSTOMER PROJECT

June 10 - Newport City Council is unveiling an ambitious customer project aimed at making public services more accessible to its citizens. At present City residents are required to call its Call Centre or trudge up to the Civic Centre if they want a service but in a year's time they will be able to deal face to face with the Council's officers. The new face to face centre is yet to be decided with the present railway station a favoured location. The centre will cover a range of services including Benefits, Council Tax, Planning, Highways and Homelessness. In addition, the centre will provide the ability to use other services including registration for a GP, tax and pensions, and housing. The report to the City's Cabinet quotes "A family is moving into Newport: they could obtain & access social housing, obtain school places and register the family with a GP and Dentist all in one visit to the Face to Face Centre." The report also proposes that the Council purchases a document management system to assist its Housing Benefits service in order that paperwork and claims for customers are digitally scanned.

BURST WATER MAIN AFFECTS SPORTS VILLAGE

June 10 - Emergency repairs were carried out this afternoon to a burst water main near the Newport International Sports Village. Welsh Water was carrying out the work and has said the water supply to the village, which includes the South East Wales Regional Pool and Newport Tennis Centre, would be cut off for a maximum of two hours at around 4pm.

POLICE CLAIM TO BE WINNING THE FIGHT AGAINST BURGLARY IN NEWPORT

June 9 - A team of Police detectives dedicated to solving and preventing burglaries in Newport are celebrating a successful first year. Since Operation Conifer began 12 months ago, work by the detectives has led to 384 arrests of suspected burglars. Nine detectives and four police officers are currently working on the Operation Conifer team. Some of their most recent work will culminate in a day of action on Wednesday (9th June) in Newport, where a number of early morning search warrants will be executed. The Operation Conifer team will deploy officers trained in forced entries and specialist search teams to carry out the raids on burglary suspects.

Since the beginning of April 2010, the Operation Conifer team have introduced a traffic light system to target suspected offenders as low, medium or high priority.
Using the traffic light system the team have targeted and arrested five prolific offenders, who have all been either recalled to prison or given new prison sentences in court. The team of detectives then work closely with their partners in probation and the youth offending team in Newport to ensure burglars are offered an alternative crime-free lifestyle when they are released from prison.

Since the traffic light system was introduced, burglary numbers in Newport for April dropped by 28% in May. Detectives now expect numbers to fall further when more prolific burglars are arrested and put behind bars, or into the courts system. Detective sergeant Matt Sedgebeer, who is leading Operation Conifer, said: “We have adopted a zero tolerance approach and compiled comprehensive files of evidence against the most prolific burglars to ensure the courts put them behind bars.
“By using the traffic light system we have been able to identify the worst offenders in Newport and concentrate our investigative resources on them. Our proactive team of detectives has proved to be very successful and I want to reassure the residents of Newport that we know who most of these criminals are and we will stop those who haven’t already been put behind bars from offending.” Detective Inspector Chris Watts added: “We are using a number of methods and reacting quickly to reduce burglaries in Newport. Our team is working very hard to find additional witnesses to burglaries and to gather forensic evidence to bring charges against suspected culprits. I can reassure people that those responsible for the majority of burglaries in Newport have already been stopped.” Residents are reminded to keep their homes secure at all times and report anything suspicious, no matter how small, to Gwent Police. One third of burglaries in Gwent are committed when residents have left doors or windows open or unlocked.

Operation Conifer is ongoing and anyone with information that may help burglary investigations should call Gwent Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

UNI CHIEF'S PAY RISE CRITICISED

June 9 - The vice-chancellor of a Newport University was given an 8% pay rise last year, it was confirmed yesterday – 16 times higher in percentage terms than ordinary staff. Dr Peter Noyes, the top academic at University of Wales, Newport, saw his salary rise from £172,000 to £186,000. The previous year he had a rise of 11%. Last night the University and College Union (UCU) condemned the latest increase, saying it was wholly inappropriate at a time when the higher education sector is facing serious cutbacks.

DATA CENTRE TO RUN ON RENEWABLE ENERGY

June 8 - The massive new data centre in Celtic Springs, Newport operated by Next Generation Data has become the first in Europe to be run entirely on renewable energy. NGD Europe has committed to purchase 100% renewable energy from SmartestEnergy for the 70,000 m2 facility, which includes BT and Logica among its tenants.

“In an industry which consumes over 2% of the UK’s total power supply, it is a significant step to ensuring our operations are as competitive, efficient and environmentally-friendly as possible,” says Nick Razey, CEO of Next Generation Data. Mark Larard, director of the Data Centre Advisory Group for global real estate advisors, Jones Lang LaSalle, says that the IT industry is in a “state of flux” over how to address the power issue. “NGD continues to challenge industry expectations, and it will be interesting to see if others try and follow,” he adds.

SURVEY LABELS CITY WITH DIRTY STREETS

June 8 - For what it's worth Newport has among the dirtiest streets in Wales according to a survey by the GMB union.  Blaenau Gwent has the dirtiest streets for the fourth year running with a quarter of its highways ranked below “acceptable”. Newport and Wrexham are just above them. Neighbouring Torfaen was rated the cleanest.

Allan Garley, GMB Wales Secretary, said: “The next thing that failed politicians may come out with is that people, as well as paying their council tax, should clean the streets themselves.” Mr Garley said clean streets are perfectly feasible everywhere, it’s just a matter of ensuring there are enough properly trained and equipped street cleaners to do the job.

CITY  TEEN NAMED VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

June 7 - Seventeen-year-old Ashley Pyke from Newport, has been named the Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteer of the Year 2010. The announcement was made at a special youth conference held by the Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteers programme as part of National Volunteers Week.

The awards, now in its second year, recognise the outstanding work being carried out by young people involved in the Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteers initiative. The programme, which operates throughout Wales and England, was established to help young people from disadvantaged areas gain sports coaching and community leadership skills by volunteering at their local neighbourhood sports project. Ashley volunteers at the Newport Positive Futures project which delivers sport to young people throughout Newport.

MAGISTRATES COURT PLAN MAY BE HIT BY SPENDING CUTS

June 4 - A £10 million plan for a new Magistrates Court in the George Street district of Newport could be one of the first victims of the new Conservative-Liberal Government's £6.2 billion spending cuts. An £81 million development for Birmingham Magistrates Court has been 'postponed indefinitely' as major capital programmes are shelved to save money.

Paul Rynsard, managing partner at Supreme Court architect Feilden & Mawson, which is developing the Newport scheme told bdonline.co.uk he had deep concerns about the entire Court  programme’s future. “We have been given no indication that [our project] is not proceeding,” he said. “It is a small scheme, less than £10 million. However, I do not think anybody is anticipating that the programme will be taken forward. It will always be sensible to cut capital rather than revenue. People have put a staggering amount of effort into learning the processes, and all that knowledge is going to wilt. What they were trying to do was to come into the 21st century and make court buildings less aggressive. They had really worked hard to do that, but court buildings are pretty well down the pecking order when you compare them to hospitals or schools.”

OFFICERS RECOMMEND REFUSAL OF MEGABOWL RETAIL PROJECT

June 3 - With an appeal already pending for the site the City Council's planning committee is set to consider the proposal for the Megabowl site in Newport Retail Park. The application relates to the conversion and alteration of the unit to create a 5,117sqm convenience retail store. There is no named operator associated with this application. The design year identified is 2011. The unit has been empty since 2005 and is symptomatic of Newport's dreadful leisure offer. The City Council's Planning Officers state "The applicants in this case have lodged an appeal against the failure of the Council to issue a decision on this application within the 8 week time period. The lodging of the appeal means that responsibility for determining this proposal now rests with the Planning Inspectorate and not the Council. Therefore, this report is being presented to inform Members of issues arising from this case and material considerations." Officers recommend refusal of the scheme.

TWO MEN FOUND DEAD IN ALWAY

June 3 - Two men were found dead in a flat in Arthur Bliss Road in Alway yesterday afternoon. More details to follow.

CITY AND WALES WARNED OF ONE OFF BENEFITS OF RYDER CUP

June 2 - As steel balls appear in John Frost Square and the City Council commits a further £225k to the Newport Festival Wales has been warned the 2010 Ryder Cup could be the only time the nation hosts golf's showpiece tournament. The Celtic Manor will stage October's event between Colin Montgomerie's Europe and United States as the Ryder Cup comes to Newport and Wales for the first time. Jim McKenzie, Celtic Manor's director of golf courses, has told us to enjoy this "one-off" as golfing chiefs should share the Ryder Cup around. "I believe this will be a one-off opportunity," said McKenzie. "There are five or six countries who attended the symposium for the 2018 bid, all of whom have made a big contribution to the Ryder Cup, all of whom deserve the Ryder Cup and all of whom will get the Ryder Cup at some point."

And Ryder Cup Wales chief executive Rob Holt hopes Wales impress to ensure the golf's crown jewel returns. "The European Tour have said they won't stage a Ryder Cup in the UK until 2030," admitted Holt. "But let us be positive and hope we have a fantastic event with wonderful weather and is such a success that the tour thinks let's go back there again." The Ryder Cup is only eclipsed by the football World Cup and the Olympic Games in worldwide audience terms as it is expected to attract an audience of two billion people in 195 different countries.

63  JOBS SET FOR ADMIRAL LANGSTONE OFFICE

June 1 - The Newport office of Admiral Insurance is set to expand with 63 additional jobs set to be recruited by end of June. The workforce in the base at Langstone Business Park will expand to 460.

CITY HONOURS WELSH REGIMENT An infantry battalion which has completed two tours in Afghanistan - losing three soldiers - has exercised its right to march through Newport. The Royal Welsh regiment was given the freedom of Newport in 2001. Their freedom of the City was re-affirmed by Mayor Bill Langsford (left). Among those attending was Sarah Adams, the mother of Private James Prosser, from Cwmbran who was killed in an IED blast whilst driving a Warrior vehicle last September. Members of the public and ex-servicemen also lent their support, which was welcomed by Major General Roddy Porter.

REVIEW CLAIMS CITY PRE-RYDER CUP BOOST

May 28 - Poised to maximise the economic boost from the Ryder Cup 2010, Newport has benefited from an estimated 1,600 new jobs and around £98 million to the local economy since 2003, according to an independent review.

These key findings have been published in a report, Newport Unlimited Interim Evaluation, which looked at the performance of the Urban Regeneration Company Newport Unlimited in its first five years from 2003 to 2008. The report was based on an independent review by economists at AECOM. The review stated: "Newport URC has made a positive economic impact on Newport and has acted as a catalyst in bringing about impacts that would not have occurred had the URC not been established. It is clear also that this impact would have been significantly greater had we not entered a national economic downturn and recession during 2008." The independent review, commissioned by the Welsh Assembly Government, found that Newport Unlimited has made a positive economic impact on the city, helping to drive up employment, raising the city’s profile as an investment location, delivering regeneration projects such as the George Street office district, the new City Centre University Campus, and exemplary developments such as the Code 5 Sustainable Homes development in Old Town Dock.

Newport Unlimited Chairman Grant Watson said: "It must be noted that the review covered 2003-2008 and therefore does not take account of the recession and the change in market conditions, which resulted in a number of major regeneration projects being put on hold. We have been working to achieve a more balanced programme, which will involve local people and local businesses, focusing on training and skills, as well as focusing on developments and infrastructure."

FIRST MINISTER PRAISES YOUNG VOLUNTEER

May 27 - Newport’s Ashley Pyke has been named as the 2010 Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteer of the Year for Wales and was praised by First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones for his outstanding contribution to delivering sport in his community.

The awards, now in their second year, recognise the outstanding work being carried out by young people involved in The Co-operative StreetGames Young Volunteers initiative. The programme, which operates throughout Wales and England, was established by The Co-operative and youth sports development charity StreetGames, to help young people from disadvantaged areas gain sports coaching and community leadership skills by volunteering at their local neighbourhood sports project. The volunteers, who joined Carwyn Jones for a special presentation at the Senedd, had all been nominated for the awards which look at a number of factors including skills and qualifications gained, general attitude, impact on other young people and their community, as well as their personal journey and achievements.

Ashley, aged 17, volunteers at the Newport Positive Futures project which delivers sport to young people throughout Newport. Despite having a turbulent family history and arriving in Duffryn without knowing anyone, Ashley has become an integral figure in the community. As well as leading sports session for local young people, Ashley has also mentored other volunteers experiencing troubles, is involved with attracting funding to the project and has pushed himself to gain qualifications which have meant that the project has been able to extend the activities it offers. He has also gone on to use his new found skills and confidence to gain employment with a local ‘Soccer Tots’ programme for under six year olds. First Minister, Carwyn Jones, said: “I’m pleased to be here today to recognise the achievements of these young people who provide an important and useful service to their local communities at the same time as gaining a wide range of skills which will stand them in good stead in the future.”

COUNCIL TAKES ACTION OVER LANDLORDS FALSELY RECEIVING BENEFIT

May 26 - Newport City Council awarded first ever Housing Benefits Rent Repayment Order to be issued in Wales. Following a Residential Property Tribunal on 5 May, two Newport landlords have been ordered (on 24 May) to pay Wales’ first ever Rent Repayment Order to Newport City Council for falsely receiving housing benefits. The order is for the sum of £1120.63 with 14 days to pay. The landlords, Mr Brian Boddy and Mr James Carroll have also been issued with a formal caution from Newport City Council for unlawfully operating their premises, 79 Alexandra Road, as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Investigations showed the house had been in operation as a HMO since July 2009 and that the landlords were receiving the housing benefit payments as well as tenant’s rent at the property, for a total sum of £1120.63. The council applied to the Residential Property Tribunal for a Rent Repayment Order under the Housing Act 2004 and was awarded the total sum on 24 May.

CRIME PREVENTION ORDER SET FOR ROGERSTONE

May 26 - The Safer Newport Partnership is set to introduce two new dispersal orders in the Rogerstone area of Newport to reduce levels of antisocial behaviour.
Safer Newport decided to take action after receiving complaints from residents about large groups of youngsters gathering in the area on Friday evenings and into the early hours of Saturday mornings. During one night in February this year Gwent Police received 19 calls from residents reporting antisocial behaviour including underage drinking, shouting and swearing, urinating, littering, and the intimidation of residents, businesses and passers-by. After gathering information and evidence, Newport West Neighbourhood Policing Team and Newport City Council authorised the implementation of two dispersal orders - one covering Afon Village and the other Thornbury Park and surrounding streets. Both orders will run from Tuesday 8th June 2010 until Tuesday 7th December 2010 and the powers will be enforced on every Friday and Saturday during this period.

Dispersal orders give police officers and PCSOs the power to direct any groups of two or more people, or vehicles, to leave a specified area. Anyone who refuses to leave, or returns to the area within 24 hours, when ordered to do so can be arrested under the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003. The only exclusions to the order will be any prearranged public events that may be held in the area.

TOILETS RE-OPEN AFTER CAMPAIGN

May 26 - After a determined campaign by traders and shoppers the public convenience in Austin Friars will re-open immediately. The City Council report states "The 2010-2011 Council Budget made a number of reductions to budget which required service changes in order that budgets could be met. As part of these cuts, it was decided that one of the City Centre toilets would close. Austin Friars public toilets were chosen as they are underground giving poor access downstairs and are also located close to the main City Centre public toilets in the Bus Station. Since the closure of Austin Friars public toilets in April 2010, it has become evident that there is a demand for the facilities. As a result, it is proposed to reopen these facilities." However, the Council warns "Reduced staffing levels means Cardiff Road and Austin Friars public conveniences will be more liable to vandalism."

FIRST MINISTER WHOLEHEARTEDLY SUPPORTS CITY REGENERATION

May 25 - The University of Wales, Newport is a vital partner in much of the regeneration taking place in the area, according to the First Minister of the Welsh Assembly Government, Carwyn Jones AM. Talking about the exciting prospect of the Ryder Cup coming to Newport in October, he said, “The University has a partnership with the Celtic Manor through its Golf School, and I congratulate the students at the University’s Golf School in reaching the semi-final of the UK Universities’ Golf Cup. “Just as the Rugby World Cup helped to kick-start the regeneration of Cardiff, the Ryder Cup can do the same for Newport, and help to make Newport a destination for people from all over the world,” he added. Welcoming the First Minister, Chris O’Malley, Chair of Institute of Welsh Affairs Local Branch and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Newport’s University, spoke about the many major developments happening in the area, and particularly in Newport.

SEX TRAFFICKING CONCERN OVER RYDER CUP

May 25 - It's Newport not Amsterdam but a Welsh Assembly Government is concerned about sex trafficking as a result of the Ryder Cup in our city later this year. The Ryder Cup golf tournament is "highly likely" to increase the number of women trafficked to Wales for the sex trade, it is claimed. A report by assembly members said evidence from other countries suggested trafficking increased significantly for major sporting events. They recommended setting up a new post of trafficking director to deal with the problem in Wales. The Ryder Cup takes place at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport from 1-3 October. The Knowing No Boundaries report said: "Greece licensed a large number of additional brothels in the months leading up to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, and mega-brothels were installed near the German football stadia during the football World Cup in 2006. It is therefore highly likely that the Olympics as well as other major sporting events to be held in Wales, such as golf's Ryder Cup in Newport this October, will attract a significant increase in the number of women and children trafficked for the sex trade as demand increases."

FATHER FACES JAIL FOR SHOOTING SON May 25 - A father was warned he faces jail after his teenage stepson accidentally shot himself in the head while posing for a photograph with his illegal handgun. Mike Hole, 50, of Somerton, Newport, dialled 999 fled the scene, thinking the boy would die, and hid his semi-automatic gun, Cardiff Crown Court was told. Lewis Bailey, 15, had emergency surgery and has since made a full recovery. Hole pleaded guilty to child cruelty and admitted a charge of possessing a prohibited firearm.

ROYAL WELSH FREEDOM PARADE

May 24 - Soldiers from the 2^nd Battalion The Royal Welsh will exercise their right to march through Newport City Centre on Saturday (May 29). A short ceremony will be held outside the civic centre at 12 noon to reaffirm the freedom of the city upon The Royal Welsh.

Newport’s mayor Councillor Bill Langsford will present a copy of the reaffirmation scroll to the Colonel of the Regiment Major General Roddy Porter MBE. It says the ceremony is taking place in recognition and appreciation of the famous record and glorious traditions of The Royal Welsh as well as the long association between Newport and the Regiment in which many citizens have been proud to serve. Freedom of the city gives The Royal Welsh the “right, honour and distinction of marching through the streets of the of the City of Newport, on all ceremonial occasions with drums beating, bands playing, colours flying and bayonets fixed”.

Following the ceremony, the soldiers will step off at 1pm from Commercial Street (outside Wetherspoon’s Tom Toya Lewis public house) to the D-Day Memorial Statue in High Street. They will be led by the mascot, Billy the Goat, and the RW Band. During the parade, the Colonel and the Lord Lieutenant will take the salute in Westgate Square.

HOTEL SITE UP FOR GRABS AGAIN

May 23 - A 1.3 acre hotel development site on the Old Town Dock is up for grabs after Ramada pulled the plug on their plans for the area. EJ Hales has been instructed by Newport Unlimited to advertise the sale of the site adjacent to the Southern Distributor bridge with proposals for a -

• A new hotel with a minimum of 80 bedrooms.

• Ancillary conference and meeting facilities if appropriate

• Ancillary restaurant facilities if appropriate

• Complementary commercial uses where appropriate

NEWPORT BASED FIRM SPONSORS CARDIFF AGAIN

May 21 - The Cardiff Blues has extended its shirt sponsorship deal with technology solutions provider EADS for an additional three years, from 2010-11 to 2012-13. EADS, which employs 1,200 people at its £35 million technology centre in Newport, has been the principal commercial partner of the team since 2008-09.  “We're really proud of our sponsorship of the Cardiff Blues which reflects EADS' commitment to Wales and the further development of the Welsh knowledge-based economy,” said Robin Southwell, CEO of EADS UK.

EBBW VALE RAIL LINK STATEMENT SOON

May 20 - The Welsh Assembly Government has promised a statement on the long delayed Newport - Ebbw Vale rail link 'soon'. Ieuan Wyn Jones, Transport Minister stated: "It states quite clearly in our National Transport Plan that it is our intention to ensure that there is a train service from Ebbw Vale to Newport and work is underway to allow that to happen. The plan commits to improvements to Gaer Junction by 2011, followed by detailed feasibility work for hourly services from Ebbw Vale to both Newport and Cardiff."

ACCIDENTAL DEATH VERDICT IN BOURNEMOUTH CRASH CASE

May 19 - The driver of a petrol tanker involved in a fatal crash in East Dorset in November was exceeding the speed limit for his vehicle, an inquest heard yesterday. Ian Netherway, 44, escaped injury but teacher Wendy Rumbold, 70, from Bournemouth, who drove into his path, died from multiple injuries. Mr Netherway from Newport, told Bournemouth Coroner’s Court: “I’m being prosecuted for exceeding a class of vehicle speed limit; not the road speed limit.”

On legal advice, he exercised his right not to answer any questions at the hearing which could later incriminate him. Police collision investigator Sgt James Allmond assessed Mr Netherway’s speed, before the accident on the A31 near the Coventry Arms pub on November 12, as 57mph and 54mph before emergency braking was applied. Although the limit for that section of road is 60mph, the maximum speed for the articulated goods vehicle is 40mph. No defects were found on either vehicle and assistant deputy coroner Brendan Allen recorded an accidental death verdict.

ADMIRAL INCREASES NUMBERS

May 18 - Specialist car insurer Admiral will have taken on more than 750 people by the end of June at its offices in Newport, Swansea and Cardiff, it says. The only Welsh firm in the FTSE 100 - the list of the UK's top companies - it already employs more than 3,000 people in Wales and another 800 elsewhere. The firm has recruited 490 people this year and plans to add further 261. "Car insurance is compulsory. The recession isn't hitting us like other industries," said a company spokesman. The firm said its recruitment drive - Admiral's workforce will have grown by 11% in the first half of 2010 - was in large part due to the record growth it is experiencing.

DRESSING NEWPORT UP

May 18 - Leading city dressing company SLS is busy adding more colour and passion to Newport for the Newport Festival 2010. SLS (which counts dressing Liverpool during its year as Capital of Culture 2008 among its claims to fame) is using temporary flagpoles; lamppost banners, catenary banners, tree wraps, hoardings, building wraps, shop window displays, screens, event displays and lighting to add sparkle to the city, in a year-long dressing programme which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and aims to echo community spirit and reflect the events that are taking place.

Local artists will be contributing to the artwork used in dressing the city to capture the spirit of Newport and their work will be displayed in Bettws, St Julian’s, Hartridge, Lliswerry, Duffryn, Bassaleg, Caerleon and Underwood. The launch of the Festival 2010 in January saw the first touches of dressing being added, with flagpoles around The Riverfront Theatre. In March more flagpoles were added to other parts of the city centre, on Bridge Street, High Street and Westgate Square.

NEW MAYOR FOR NEWPORT

May 18 - Councillor Bill Langsford today became the mayor of Newport. The latest in a long line of mayors dating back to the 14^th century, Councillor Langsford received his chains of office in a ceremony in the civic centre. His wife, Sue, was also made mayoress. The couple have been married for 39 years and have a son, Damian. Councillor Langsford was brought up in Somerset and moved to Newport in 1966 where he met his wife when they were both working for British Rail.A keen sports fan, he is season ticket holder at Somerset and Glamorgan County Cricket Clubs as well as Newport RFC and Newport Gwent Dragons. Councillor Langsford was first elected to the Council for Labour in 1995 and has represented Malpas since 1999.

IF YOU VOTE LIBERAL YOU GET TORY RULE - MORDEN TELLS LOCAL LIB DEMS

PUB FINED FOR SELLING CIGARETTES TO UNDER AGE PERSON

May  17 - On 11 May, Goldcroft Inn Ltd (trading as the Goldcroft Inn, Goldcoft Common, Caerleon) was fined £2,500 at Abertillery Magistrates Court and ordered to pay £530 costs and a £15 victim surcharge to Newport City Council. The court case stemmed from an operation carried out by Newport City Council’s Trading Standards officers, involving 16-year-old volunteer who was able to purchase cigarettes from a vending machine at the pub without being asked for identification. A spokesperson for the council said “Newport Trading Standards is committed to tackling the availability of tobacco products to children. Such sales are irresponsible and have a detrimental effect on the health of the city’s children. Traders who break the law will be dealt with robustly, so if you doubt the age of a customer then always ask for identification.”

GRIFFITHS CRITICISES COUNCIL OVER TOILET CLOSURE

May 17 - John Griffiths, Newport East AM, has criticised Newport City Council for their decision to close public toilets in Austin Friars. The Conservative - Lib Dem coalition closed the facility on April 1 in the latest in a long line of service closures and cuts. Griffiths is backing the 5,500 strong public petition to re-open it saying the coalition should do more to encourage shoppers to visit Newport.

BUS COMPANY INTRODUCES SMART CARD FOR TRAVELLERS

May 16 - Newport Transport users are to become the first outside London to use pre-paid smart cards to travel. The passes, which are similar to London’s Oyster cards, will be introduced tomorrow. They will be available in weekly, monthly and annual card types and will work by being held against the bus ticket machine. In addition, a top-up card allowing passengers to add a minimum of £5 credit to their cards via mobile phone will be launched next month, the company said. Chris Blyth, managing director of Newport Bus, said the move was intended to encourage more people to use buses. “We are delighted to be the first bus operator in the UK to launch this kind of commercially available smart card."

Later this month Newport Bus is also to launch a top-up payment card for less frequent bus users. Adults taking up the Passport card can expect to pay £12 for unlimited use over a week of Newport Bus's four dozen or so services in the city and to and from Cardiff and Cwmbran. The monthly rate is £46.80. The annual rate is £561.60. Concessionary rates are available for students and children.

CITY WOMAN FOUND SAFE AND WELL

May 16 - 53 year old Susan Bishop who had gone missing from her Newport home, and hadn't been seen since Monday 10th May, has now been found safe and well.

NEWPORT MAN ARRESTED OVER STABBING

May 13 - A 58-year-old woman has been stabbed during a mid-morning walk. Gwent Police recovered a knife and arrested a man after the attack on Hereford Road in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, at about 1010 BST. The woman suffered stab wounds to her body and was taken to nearby Nevill Hall Hospital. It is understood her condition is not life-threatening. Police have increased patrols in the area, and are carrying out house-to-house inquiries. Officers are also speaking to a number of witnesses. The arrested man is aged 39 and from the Newport area.

DRIVER CHARGED WITH SLEDGER'S DEATH

May 11 - A driver has been charged over the death of a teenager whose toboggan ploughed down a hill and was in collision with a car, police has said. Anthony Farley, 19, died after sliding down a snow-covered hill on to a main road. Mr Farley, from Bettws, who had a baby son, was pronounced dead at the scene. His 23-year-old friend, who was also on the toboggan, was taken to Nevill Hall Hospital with head injuries. The accident happened at the bottom of Armoury Hill, near Ystrad Deri, on February 21. A 34-year-old man, who has not been named, has been charged with causing the death of Mr Farley. He is also charged with driving other than in accordance with his licence, not having insurance and failing to stop at the scene. The man is due before Caerphilly Magistrates' Court on May 25.

FLYNN LAUDS HIS 'BEST VICTORY'

May 10 - Paul Flynn MP has lauded his victory in Newport West as the best of his tenure, owing to the difficult political and eonomic circumstances. He stated "It's the best victory because of the odds against us. The Tories had a bottomless pit of cash. Their leaflets outnumbered ours by three to one. Happily they were insultingly patronising and poor quality. Ours were smarter and prettier. The Murdoch microphone left in Gordon's pocket did not help. The daily Cameronian lies on every other  billboards in the city were disconcerting and paid for by  Lord Ashcroft's tax evasion cash." But he warned supporters to prepare for another general election soon "A word to all Newport West Labour supporters. Don't throw away or re-cycle your party signs or unused leaflets. We will need them for re-use in the near future."

CRUISE SHIP MAY BE RYDER CUP ACCOMMODATION OPTION

May 8 - Newport City Council has confirmed that it is awaiting the success of a marketing campaign that could see the City's Dock area as a base for Ryder Cup visitors with accommodation aboard a luxury cruise ship. The Diamond Cruise Ship is being marketed as an accommodation option for the Ryder Cup, however, final confirmation of the Ship coming to Newport will depend upon sales. If it confirmed that the Cruise Ship will be visiting, the approach routes will be considered in partnership with Associated British Ports. Outside the Ryder cup preparations, the Council is working with Associated British Ports on promoting Newport’s attractions and including them in itineraries. Work is currently being undertaken on future itineraries for 2 cruise ship companies.

LABOUR CLAIMS CITY DOUBLE

May 7 - Newport retained its two Labour MP's following the outcome of yesterday's General Election. Jessica Morden fought off a huge effort by the Liberal Democrats to snatch Newport East. Ed Townsend, Deputy Leader of Newport City Council, managed an 8.3 per cent swing but Ms Morden held on by 1,650 votes. Ms Morden stated ""The Liberal Democrats put a lot of resources into Newport East, but we had a very home-grown group of supporters who have worked tirelessly to bring about this result," she said. In Newport West, veteran MP Paul Flynn easily beat off a challenge from Conservative Matthew Williams, the Tory swing of 3.2 per cent was well below the national average.

Newport East - Jessica Morden Labour 12,744 37.0% -8.2 Ed Townsend Liberal Democrat 11,094 32.2 +8.5 Dawn Parry Conservative 7,918 23.0 -0.5 Keith Jones British National Party 1,168 3.4 +3.4 Fiona Cross Plaid Cymru 724 2.1 -1.7 David Rowlands UK Independence Party 677 2.0 -1.0 Liz Screen Socialist Labour Party 123 0.4 -0.5 Majority 1,650 4.8 Turnout 34,448 63.6% +5.7%

Newport West - Paul Flynn Labour 16,389 41.3 -3.6 Matthew Williams Conservative 12,845 32.3 +2.8 Veronica German Liberal Democrat 6,587 16.6 -1.3 Timothy Windsor British National Party 1,183 3.0 +3.0 Hugh Moelwyn Hughes UK Independence Party 1,144 2.9 +0.5 Jeff Rees Plaid Cymru 1,122 2.8 -0.8 Pippa Bartolotti Green 450 1.1 -0.4 Majority 3,544 8.9 Turnout 39,720 64.8 +5.5

NISV POOL CLOSURE

May 7 - Due to essential maintenance the South East Regional Swimming Pool at Newport International Sports Village will be closed from Monday 17 May and will reopen on Monday 24 May. For information on other swimming pools and opening times in Newport call 01633 656656

POLICE APPEAL OVER CITY SEX ASSAULT

May 6 - Gwent Police are appealing for help after a woman, 31, was sexually assaulted in Newport after a night out in the city centre. Police say her movements remain unclear on the night, but after leaving High Street she was attacked, and ended up in the Brynglas area hours later.

Detectives say the assault took place between 0150 BST and 0330 BST on Saturday 17 April. A 36-year-old man arrested on suspicion of sexual assault has been released. Police said the victim was seen on CCTV cameras walking along High Street on the night of the attack, at the end of a night out socialising. However, she disappears from view, and it is thought she may have walked along Malpas Road, and may have entered a vehicle in the area. She arrived in the Brynglas area at 0330 BST. It was during this missing time that the assault is reported to have taken place. Police are appealing for anyone who may have information about the assault or witnessed the victim during those hours to contact officers. The victim is described as white, 5ft 7in tall (1.7m), slim with short dark hair and wearing black jeans and a white collared "Henley" t-shirt.

STOP THE TORIES BANDWAGON STARTS IN NEWPORT

May 5 - Labour's Welsh leader Carwyn Jones and Secretary of State for Wales Peter Hain were in Newport to encourage voters in the City to stop the Tories. The partnership was hoping to shore up Labour support as they campaigned to stop a Tory Government. Mr Hain said: "I'm asking everybody in Wales to come out and vote Labour, including those who may not be Labour supporters, aren't necessarily in agreement with everything we do. We've got to make sure the Tories do not run Wales again, and I'm confident that Wales can win under Labour and it's vital that we do. I'm asking every voter - Labour supporter, Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrat, an independent or just fed up, to come and support Labour, especially in constituencies where there is a close Labour-Conservative fight."

Kirsty Williams, Liberal Democrat leader in Wales, was in Newport yesterday campaigning with Newport East parliamentary candidate Ed Townsend.

CITY RESIDENTS INVITED TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RYDER CUP

May 5 - Newport residents are invited to find out more about the Ryder Cup. Four roadshow events have been planned for May and will provide an opportunity to find out more about The Ryder Cup as well as the many events and activities that are planned for 2010. The first roadshow will be held on Tuesday 11 May at the Newport Centre and every Tuesday until June 1, roadshows will be held in different venues across the city.

Dates and venues are as follows:- Tuesday 11 May - Newport Centre, Castle Room / Tuesday 18 May - Caerleon Golf Course, Clubhouse / Tuesday 25 May - Ringland Community Centre / Tuesday 1 June - Newport Centre, Castle Room / The roadshows will run from 5.30pm until 7.30pm. There will be a presentation at 5:30pm and then an opportunity for informal questions and answers.

TORIES PLAY THE IMMIGRATION CARD IN NEWPORT EAST

May 4 - Newport East's Conservatives have controversially played the immigration card in their attempt to maximise votes ahead of Thursday's General Election. A four page leaflet to voters in Newport East is headed "Immigration - Too Much?" The leaflet claims the Conservatives will 'reduce immigration by 75%' without any substantiation and claims that Labour 'gave 200,000 immigrants British passports during 2009'. The latter is also unsubstantiated. The clear pitch for the white working class vote includes vehement criticism of Liberal Democrat policy stating they "would open the floodgates, allowing further expansion of the EU, and even more foreign workers". The leaflet from Dawn Parry's campaign is a sign perhaps of their desperation that the Conservative campaign in Newport East has not made significant inroads and that the Lib Dems, more active on the ground, have been more prominent opposition to Labour than the Tories.

Ms. Parry recently complained that Conservative posters and billboards had been removed in Newport and some outlying areas. In addition, the Conservatives temporary HQ in Church Road had been defaced with the message 'burn this building....all welcome to Wales, except Tories'. The parliamentary candidate told the Argus last week some garden boards and large boards on Chepstow Road in Newport had been defaced with what she said were “little Hitler moustaches” drawn on to her face. Originally from the Rhondda, Ms. Parry is a Councillor in Weston-super-Mare and owns a bed and breakfast establishment in the Somerset town.

BASSALEG PUPIL WINS ANTI-RACISM AWARD

May 3 - A student from Bassaleg School attended a prize-giving ceremony for Show Racism the Red Card’s Anti-Racist School Competition 2010, at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Thursday 29 April. Yasu Patel was runner-up in the Year 7-9 category. Her prizes were tickets for a Newport Gwent Dragons game and the chance to be a team mascot.

EVESWELL HOSPICE DEVELOPMENT REFUSED

May 2 - Newport City Council Planning Committee has turned a planning application by St. David's Hospice to build a new facility in the east of Newport. This application sought planning permission for the erection of a new day centre and chemotherapy out-reach clinic at land to the north of Kensingston Court Day Centre off Eveswell Park Road. Due to the topography of this site the proposed building would need to be split-level, being two storeys on the rear and three storeys on the front. The building would provide 1,100sqm of floor space having a footprint of 675sqm. A large number of local residents wrote both in support of the scheme and against it. Those in favour stated that St Davids Hospice undertake valuable work in support of cancer patients, that the existing chemotherapy clinics in Newport are heavily subscribed and the alternative facilities are over 30 minutes drive from Newport. Those against criticised the loss of a green space in the Beechwood ward and the traffic potentially created by the development. Planners turned the proposal with particular regard to its negative impact on a largely residential area. The decision is a blow to the Hospice as the Welsh Assembly Government had offered a grant of £2 million for the development of a palliative care centre in the City.

CITY VIZION TO INCORPORATE RESTAURANT UNITS

May 2 - Newport's restaurant and leisure sector may receive a much needed boost from proposals for the latest phase of City Vizion. The City has none of the major restaurant chain boasted by neighbours but this may change with approval for units to be incorporated in to the revised development in the Rodney Parade area of the city.

It is proposed that the ‘entrance’ to the development from across the bridge would comprise a public plaza area framed by a curved 6-storey feature apartment block (with café/restaurant/retail uses on the ground floor) on the southern side of the boulevard and two 4-storey apartment blocks on the northern side including a smaller café/restaurant/retail unit in part of the ground floor area. The inclusion of the café/restaurant/retail uses is considered appropriate in order to enhance the vitality of the location which is at a key junction between the riverside walkway/cycleway and the axis created by the footbridge and proposed boulevard running through the site.

MARCHERS CALL FOR DOCTOR TO BE STRUCK-OFF

Apr 30 - Over 150 demonstrators have walked through the centre of Newport calling for a hospital doctor to be struck-off following the deaths of two patients in her care. Dr Salawati Abdul-Salam was suspended by the General Medical Council for four months in March. The hearing was told in 2006 she had wrongly diagnosed a nine-month-old girl, Aleesha Evans, of Newport, who died of blood poisoning the next day. Dr Abdul-Salam said she would not comment due to patient confidentiality. Protesters were wearing yellow T-shirts with the slogan "Justice for Aleesha". The march ended outside the Royal Gwent Hospital where Dr Abdul-Salam was working at the time. During the hearing in March she admitted making errors with four patients in her care and said she was "sorry" for her actions. She had sent Aleesha home from the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport saying she had a viral infection that needed only Calpol and Nurofen.

VIRTUAL MUSEUM FOR NEWPORT SHIP

Apr 29 - Local residents and history enthusiasts will now have the opportunity to explore Newport’s medieval past and see how the medieval castle and ship may have looked in the 15th Century, by visiting an online virtual museum. The University of Wales, Newport will this week reveal an interactive visualisation of the ship that allows people to walk around the ship’s underwater remains and visit a 3D museum containing historical information and publications.Visitors will be able to "walk" around the ship's underwater remains and see it in its medieval landscape.

Matt Chilcott, development director at the university's Institute of Digital Learning, said: "This innovative digital approach enables Newport to share its rich heritage with a range of audiences all over the world in a new and exciting way. "For example, tourists planning to visit Newport can now have fun exploring the area's history before they even arrive in Wales." He continued: "This cutting-edge project in the field of digital heritage is an example of the work we are doing here at the university to explore how online 3D technologies can be used to help visualise history, and bring it to life as an effective learning, teaching and public engagement medium."

ROWECORD SIGN UP TO JOBS CHARTER

Apr 29 - Rowecord has become the latest company to sign up to the Newport Construction Initiative Charter (NCI). Ben Hoppe, OBE and chairman of the family business, and Newport’s mayor Councillor Glyn Jarvis signed the Charter at the firm’s headquarters next to the famous Transporter Bridge.

NCI is a groundbreaking business partnership led by the city council which is designed to encourage construction employers to recruit and train local people. “As a company which is committed to its employees, customers and the communities in which we operate, we are delighted to sign up to the Newport Construction Initiative Charter,” said a spokesman for Rowecord. “We want to provide products and services which are the best in the market and product segment in which we compete and our workforce is an important element of that objective.”

COUNCIL WARN OVER NOISE NUISANCE

Apr 29 - People who play their music too loud risk having their equipment seized and destroyed by Newport City Council. This is just one of the penalties facing those who cause a noise nuisance. Figures released by the council to mark Noise Action Week highlight the misery that can be caused by such behaviour. In Newport in 2009/10 there were 1,322 complaints about loud music or televisions and another 528 in relation to animals, usually barking dogs. Persistent offenders could end up in court facing fines of up to £5,000 or even imprisonment.

REVIEW IN TO DEATH CHILD CONCLUDES THAT EVENT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN PREDICTED OR PREVENTED

Apr 29 - Following the death of a four-year-old child on 19 June 2009, Newport Safeguarding Children Board conducted a Serious Case Review which has been published today. The report was conducted following guidance from the Welsh Assembly Government to establish what lessons could be learned about the way local professionals and agencies work together in relation to this case and make recommendations accordingly.

Newport City Council is one of the agencies involved in the report which concludes, ‘the death of child 1 would appear to be a sad, tragic event, which could not have been predicted or prevented by any specific action or intervention from any of the agencies.’

Chair of Newport Safeguarding Children Board, Stewart Greenwell, said: “The death of this four-year-old in June 2009 was a tragic event and once again I would like to express my condolences to the family. These were clearly a set of unfortunate circumstances that no one could have foreseen. There were some shortcomings from a number of services in their contact with the family but it is encouraging that all agencies have accepted the recommendations and are already implementing the necessary changes.”

The report identifies that there were a number of good practices with the family during their time in Newport. The report states that even if the child’s mother had received a full psychiatric assessment in the autumn of 2006 followed by appropriate diagnosis and treatment, it is impossible to state in retrospect whether this would have reduced the likelihood of the mother harming her child.

START TO FOURTEEN LOCKS RESTORATION WORK

Apr 28 - Next week (on 7 May at 10am) Mayor of Newport Councillor Glyn Jarvis will be joined by students from Pill Primary School at the Fourteen Locks Canal Centre, to celebrate restoration work on two pairs of locks on the Cefn Flight of Fourteen Locks, as part of the Education through Restoration project. Newport City Council and the Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canals Trust secured over £1million funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other funding bodies to restore the locks on the Scheduled Ancient Monument and provide an education programme. The contractors, Cuddy, began on site in March 2009 and the restoration works are scheduled to last six months. Canals Trust Chairman Bernard Illman said: “The Trust is delighted that work has now started on four of the locks of the Cefn Flight and we are looking forward to the autumn when our trip boat will make its first passage through the restored structures.”

GLAN USK SCHOOL OPENS

Apr 27 - Pupils and staff were among those celebrating a special day at Newport’s newest primary school building today. Construction of the long-awaited replacement school for Durham Road Juniors and Infants began in March 2008. Now called Glan Usk Primary, the new building in the Glebelands opened to pupils in January this year and today Newport’s mayor Councillor Glyn Jarvis officially opened the new school.

Invited guests were treated to performances by pupils before Councillor Jarvis unveiled a plaque. Glan Usk Primary, which also includes a nursery, has integrated formal and informal teaching areas, a drama studio, two halls, a kitchen and extensive additional facillties. Pupils also have access to outdoor areas such as an all-weather pitch, multi-use games area, a pond for nature study, gardening zones and an outside classroom. Facilities are also available for community use.

The new building incorporates many sustainability features, such as natural lighting and ventilation, and an under floor heating system.It is a far cry from the cramped and crumbling Victorian buildings – and concrete playground - used by the school previously. Children had to walk to a canteen in a nearby street, to local churches for school concerts and to the Glebelands for sports events. Head teacher Jeff Beecher said: “Both staff and pupils are delighted with our new surroundings and we are grateful to the people who planned, designed and built this superb accommodation." The project is a Public Finance Initiative contract, partially funded by Welsh Assembly Government PFI credits, between Newport City Council and Newport School Solutions Limited which includes the provision of support services to the school for 25 years.

PLANNING UPDATE

Apr 27 - Among planning applications published today are a proposal from Tesco to erect two wind turbines adjacent to their distribution centre near Llandevenny and a plan to convert the Drovers Arms public house on Goldcroft Common in Caerleon in to residential accommodation.

COUNCIL TRUMPETS ROAD MAINTENANCE STRATEGY

Apr 26 - Newport City Council has been trumpeting the positive progress made by their Project 21 strategy today. Project 21 was a three year £21 million plan to resurface all the city's roads.

The scheme, which began in June 2009, will see the entire network of roads and footways in Newport being resurfaced, and corroded lampposts replaced. After heavy snowfall earlier this year the council said it had seen a "significant" reduction in the number of reports of potholes, compared to the first 10 days after the snow the previous year.

Leader of the council, Councillor Matthew Evans said: "Co-ordinated and prioritised road improvements have seen an end to the expensive and illogical 'patchwork quilt' approach. Project 21, the largest of its kind in Wales, has been designed to tackle the backlog of repairs in the city and reduce the number of liability claims thanks to the improved condition of the city's streets." Meetings have now been lined up with councils keen to learn more about the Newport strategy.

LEAFLET CLAIM IS LAUGHED OFF BY LIB DEMS

Apr 26 - A leaflet mistakenly claiming that Lib Dem candidate Ed Townsend is the MP for Newport East has been laughed off by his party. Labour criticised the presumptuous leaflet requesting an apology. In it Townsend stated "I’ve always put local people first as our MP." Mr Townsend’s office told the Argus it "was a genuine typing error and that the letters stopped being sent out as soon as the error was known".

 

ELECTION FOCUS ON CRIME IN NEWPORT EAST

Apr 25 - The muted election campaign in Newport stepped up a gear with the focus on crime and anti-social behaviour in the east of the City. Gwent Police has admitted that burglary rates in Newport and the area are at the same level as London this week. Dawn Parry, Conservative candidate, has produced a leaflet castigating the Government for being 'soft on crime'. Jessica Morden, sitting Labour MP stated she wanted earlier intervention to prevent crime, action to tackle the problems caused by problem families, and a right to legal injunctions for repeat victims, funded by the police or council who let them down. She said only Labour was providing the resources to properly fund the police. Ms Parry stated that more needed to address anti-social behaviour "I believe that local action teams set up to combat anti-social behaviour will work. It places responsibility in the hands of local community residents who are best placed to identify where the problems stem from." Ed Townsend the Liberal Democrat candidate, who is trumpeting his party as the only one who can beat Labour said , "More police officers would help, but we need a solution that is wider than just policing. The only way we can make things better is through partnership - with police, schools, councillors, community workers, churches, parents and local residents all working together."

Plaid Cymru's candidate Fiona Cross told the BBC: "Plaid Cymru is committed to restorative justice and community sentencing, where appropriate. We call for a national community safety strategy for Wales, more drug rehabilitation places and programmes, drug and alcohol education in every school in Wales and better amenities for young people in their communities." NEWPORT EAST candidate list is as follows - Fiona Cross (Plaid Cymru) Keith Jones (British National Party) Jessica Morden (Labour) Dawn Parry (Conservative) David Rowlands (UK Independence Party) Ed Townsend (Liberal Democrat)

COUNCIL COMMISSIONS KEY RETAIL STUDY

Apr 23 - Newport City Council and Newport Unlimited have commissioned Colliers CRE to carry out a study of retail provision in the city and area.  The study, commissioned by Newport City Council and Newport Unlimited Urban Regeneration Company, will provide an evidence base and inform the retail policies and proposals of the Newport local development plan 2011-2026. It will also assist the council in assessing retail planning applications. The research will include a household telephone survey to establish shopping patterns and an assessment of the need for additional floorspace. The final report will be delivered in June.
Colliers CRE head of research consultancy Dr Richard Doidge said: "The study comes at a crucial time for Newport, since it has to compete ever harder for retail sales against the nearby regional shopping destinations of Cardiff and Bristol, both of which benefited from major new shopping centre openings during 2008/09. New retail provision in Newport city centre is likely to be a key driver of the city’s regeneration and economic transformation over the next decade."

LATEST SECTION OF CYCLE ROUTE OPENS

Apr 23 - The latest section of the Newport to Caerleon cycle route has been opened by Newport's Mayor , Councillor Glyn Jarvis, with a supporting speech by Rosemary Butler AM.  Pupils from Caerleon Comprehensive School and representatives from Newport City Council, Sustrans, Capita Symonds and local cycle groups attended the launch. The new path is now open to cyclists and walkers and forms an important section of the cycle route which will eventually link central Newport with Wentwood Forest and beyond. It’ll provide a safe route to schools in Caerleon, and a link between the two University campuses at Caerleon and Newport’s riverfront. Funding has been made available by the Welsh Assembly Government (£480,000), Sustrans and Newport Unlimited. A further £549,000 has now been allocated by the Welsh Assembly Government for next year’s section between Home Farm and Caerleon Comprehensive School. Mrs Butler stated "This is a very important section because it shows how an imaginative use of natural surroundings can encourage people to cycle. It’s the first genuinely rural part of the route and local people have already shown a tremendous amount of interest in it. It’s a tribute to all those who have worked so hard on the design and the funding and gives us a foretaste of what can be achieved as the route progresses into and beyond Caerleon."

WOMAN DIES AT HOSPITAL GIVING BIRTH - REPORT

Apr 22 - A new mother has died at the Royal Gwent Hospital after giving birth, according to Wales Online. The unnamed women died in intensive care at the  Hospital in Newport 10 days ago. The case has been referred to the coroner, but the report claims "tragedy will once again put the spotlight on maternity services provided by Aneurin Bevan Health Board". The exact cause of her death has not yet been confirmed, but it is thought she suffered a secondary postpartum haemorrhage.

CITY BUS COMPANY INCREASES PASSENGER NUMBERS

Apr 22 - Newport's municipal bus service, Newport Bus, increased its patronage by 100,000 in 2009/10. Its fleet of 90 buses carried 7.6 million passengers. Chris Blyth, Managing Director, claimed "Major investments have been made in staff, vehicles and the services we operate and this will continue throughout 2010. In a time of recession we have resisted the approach of adopting fare increases to balance profits in favour of a investment strategy focused upon our customers. By improving our buses and services, despite the difficult financial climate, our customers have shown their satisfaction with the positive increase in bus user numbers.”

The company will later this month also launch a website where customers will be able to plan their bus journeys online and book tickets.Mr Blyth said: “We believe these new improvements and investments will continue to help passenger numbers grow during the current financial year.” The company employs 250 people including more than 145 bus drivers.

UNI SCOOPS GREEN AWARD

Apr 22 - A unique approach to waste reduction and sustainability has scooped a prestigious environmental award for the University of Wales, Newport and earned it the accolade of being “a great example of how the public sector can make cost savings during this difficult economic climate". The University won the Envirowise Innovation Award 2010 for its innovative on-site bio-diesel project which turns waste oil generated on campus into fuel for powering vehicles.

MAYOR MAKING CEREMONY SET FOR CELTIC MANOR

Apr 21 - Cost cutting Newport City Council will be holding their mayor making ceremony at the Celtic Manor Hotel this year. The event in the Manor Suite on May 18 will be attended by all members, their partners or guests and other invited individuals. The hire of the hotel suite will cost £4300 with other costs edging the budget for the event up towards the £8000 limit. The choice of venue is change from last year at Newport Centre but the Council states "This event allows the Council and the city to celebrate the new Mayor taking up his or her new role as Newport’s First Citizen. This is attended by all elected members and their partners or guests. It currently concludes with a lunch at which about 150 individuals attend. It is considered that this is an important occasion and an opportunity for the new Mayoralty to be celebrated by the Council and the city."

ODDS NARROW IN CITY SEATS

Apr 21 - Bookmakers odd have narrowed in the two Newport parliamentary constituencies reflecting the close battle in the opinion polls and the unexpected surge by the Liberal Democrats. In Newport East Labour's Jess Morden remains clear favourite to win the constituency but odds on the Liberal Democrats Ed Townsend have improved significantly with the Conservatives well behind in third place. In Newport West it is nip and tuck between incumbent Paul Flynn and Conservative Matthew Williams with bookmakers evenly divided as to the leading candidate. The Lib Dems are not expected to register. In the absence of opinion polls in the area and in Wales generally the only indication of voter choice has come from the polls in marginals and national opinion polls, all seem to indicate an above average swing away from Labour in south Wales.

COUNCIL REVIEWS SCHOOL SNOW CLOSURES

Apr 20 - A review of Newport school closures in the past winter due to severe weather has concluded that the primary responsibility for making the decision to close a school should remain with the Head Teacher and the School's Governing Body. However, a number of important changes are proposed to ensure schools staff report to a place of work to assist the City Council's education service.

Responses to the consultation from parents, in particular staff working in other sections of Newport City Council, voiced dissatisfaction that this meant school staff had been treated differently from other Council employees – many thought that school staff should have to attend the school nearest to their home in the event of adverse weather, as is required of other Council workers, or be required to take leave. The review by the City Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee notes that more must be done by schools staff to attend work or to report to their nearest open school. Initial feedback from Head Teachers questioned whether this was possible given the security issues and requirements for CRB checks. However, it was confirmed by Child Protection and Human Resources Officers that it would be possible for a member of school staff to attend another school on a temporary basis during times of snow.

Members discussed the different health and safety considerations in opening a site to staff or pupils, and that it could be possible for a site to be reasonably safe for staff to access, but not suitable for access by large numbers of children. If a school was open to staff only, they would have been able to undertake other non-pupil contact duties during that time. The Forum also agreed that the costs incurred by the Council's Grounds Maintenance in clearing school sites of snow should be recharged to the schools.

TJ's TO SHUT

Apr 19 - Following the death of owner John Sicolo it has been confirmed that Newport music venue, TJs, will close. Mr Sicolo's daughter Leanne posted a message on Facebook to music fans that after looking at the books the venue's financial problems proved more serious than they thought. "My dad was TJ's and Clarence Place is just a building but it is very hard for me to except that TJ's will be finally gone after it has been in my family for nearly 40 years," she wrote. "I am so sorry because I know the club meant a lot to all of you ... we all have very good memories, everyone different, so I want you to keep those memories and when you think of them or my dad it puts a big smile on your face. My dad will never be forgotten if we all do this because he is in everyone's heart, and we all miss him so much."

CITY DATA CENTRE IS FOURTH LARGEST IN WORLD

Apr 16 - The new Next Generation Data Centre opened in the former LG Hynix building in Coedkernew is the fourth largest in the world and the largest in Europe according to Data Centre Knowledge. The Centre covers 750,000 square feet. The main users of the data centre opened in March are multi-national companies including Logicalis and BT. The huge facility was built to house an LG semiconductor plant, but was vacated shortly after it was completed in 1998. NGD has converted the site into a three-story data centre facility that will feature more than 375,000 square feet of technical space, enough capacity for more than 19,000 cabinets of servers and storage. The data centre is designed to accommodate private data centre pods, and also has shell space to accommodate data centre container installations.

1. 350 East Cermak / Lakeside Technology Center (Digital Realty): 1.1 million sqft/ 2. Metro Technology Center, Atlanta (Quality Technology): 990,000 sqft with 560,000 sqft of data centre space 3. The NAP of the Americas, Miami (Terremark): 750,000 sqft / 4. NGD Europe, Newport Wales (Next Generation Data): 750,000 sqft, 375,000 sqft data centre space / 5. Container Data Centre, Chicago (Microsoft): 500,000 sqft / 6. Microsoft Dublin (Microsoft): 550,000 sqft / 7. Phoenix ONE, Phoenix (i/o Data Centres): 538,000 sqft / 8. CH1, Elk Grove Village, Ill. (DuPont Fabros): 485,000 sqft 9. 9A and 9B. Microsoft Data Centres in Quincy Washington and San Antonio: 470,000 sqft / 10. The SuperNAP, Las Vegas (Switch Communications): 407,000 sqft

COUNCIL TO MOVE ON JOHN FROST SQUARE DEVELOPMENT

Apr 15 - The City Council Cabinet has set out plans to move forward the redevelopment of John Frost Square, considering procurement options for the re-tendering of the opportunity to the market. After considering the options available, the Cabinet was advised that the restricted tendering procedure was considered to be the most appropriate method for selecting a preferred development partner in this case. This will allow the Council to invite the most appropriate developer to work with it on the much-needed project. In a separate development the City Council has set aside a significant sum for the legal fight with Iceland Foods concerning the Compulsory Purchase Order of its stores near Austin Friars.

WORK TO BEGIN ON NEW HARTRIDGE SCHOOL

Apr 15 - Work will begin on the enabling works for the new Hartridge School next month (May 2010). The school building is expected to be completed in March 2012, the City Council were advised of the proposed timescale this week by design partner HLM Architects.

SIMS GROUP PROSECUTED OVER SCRAPYARD DEATH

Apr 14 - The owners of a scrap metal yard have been fined £200,000 after a lorry driver was killed by a crushed car. Adrian Turner, 50, from Wolverhampton, was hit by a metal bale which rolled off a heap at the yard in Newport Docks in April 2008. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted yard owners Sims Group UK Ltd, of Stratford upon Avon.

In a statement Mr Turner's family said the financial penalty handed down offered them little comfort. They stated "It should be an absolute priority to ensure death and injury to employees and others on site is avoided. We have been torn apart by Adrian's death and wish that no other family has to endure the loss of a loved one in the manner we did."

While delivering scrap to the site on 28 April, 2008, Mr Turner was told to deliver his load to the metal shredder area of the yard. He left his cab and was opening the rear doors to his trailer when the one-and-a-half tonne metal bale on the scrap pile came loose and rolled down into him.

QUEENSWAY ROAD PURCHASE WILL BRING NEW ROAD SCHEME

Apr 14 - A plan to ease M4 congestion has been heralded following confirmation that the Welsh Assembly Government has purchased Queensway Road from Corus for £7.7 million. The road links the Newport entrance to the Corus steelworks site in Lliswerry with junction 23A of the M4 at Magor. Plans will now be drawn up to see how the road can be improved to allow public traffic to use the route. The aim is to upgrade the road to a dual carriageway. Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones said: “The M4 is a vital economic artery through South Wales and we are taking action to make sure it is improved and that traffic flows smoothly. I announced last year that a new M4 relief road was simply too costly on economic and environmental grounds. Since then we have been working tirelessly to look at every option available to improve the road and address safety and capacity issues. Buying the Queensway Road is the latest step in our plans." According to the press release the first phase of road construction is set to start "immediately" when the Welsh Assembly Government and Newport City Council begin to upgrade the road. Traffic management arrangements will be put in place to carry out the necessary work and a specific communication will be issued closer to the start of the works.

CIVIC RECEPTION FOR FOOTBALL HEROES

Apr 13 - A civic reception will be held for Newport County AFC this Sunday, April 18, to celebrate the club’s success in winning the Conference South Championship. Before and after the ceremony, the players will board an open top bus which will tour the city’s streets.

Newport’s mayor Councillor Glyn Jarvis will present a crystal football to the club in recognition of their outstanding success this season which has won them promotion to the Blue Square Premier League. The open top bus will leave Newport Stadium at 11.30am and travel along Corporation Road, Clarence Place, Queensway and to the main entrance of the civic centre. Following the reception, the players will again board the bus to make their way back to the stadium via Queensway, Clarence Place, Chepstow Road, Somerton Road and Nash Road. On Sunday 18th April the City will host a Civic reception for Newport County AFC to celebrate their success in winning the Conference South Championship here at the Civic Centre.

ROYAL VISITOR IN CITY TOMORROW

Apr 13 - HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex and trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, will undertake a day-long visit to Newport, South Wales on Wednesday 14 April. The visit will see Prince Edward visit numerous Duke of Edinburgh’s Award projects throughout Newport and his first visit will be to the Rivermead Centre in Rogerstone.

Prince Edward will then visit the Info Shop in the city centre where he will meet a group of young mum’s who have completed the Duke of Edinburgh’s award alongside caring for their children. Following the visit to the city centre, the next stop on the journey will be to Bisley Office Furniture Factory before Prince Edward finishes his tour at the Wales National Velodrome for an afternoon of activities. At the Rivermead Centre, HRH Prince Edward will meet the Mayor Councillor Glyn Jarvis and Mayoress Glenys Jarvis along with Duke of Edinburgh’s Award director for Wales and Newport as well as gold participants before viewing the facilities the centre offers. At Bisley Office Furniture factory there will be a private lunch and a presentation by an inspirational gold award holder. Prince Edward will also meet key figures from local and national businesses. The final stop of the visit will be to the Velodrome where young people from across Newport (approx 300) will participate in a Duke of Edinburgh’s challenge event.

POLICE RE-APPEAL OVER SDR FALL INCIDENT

Apr 12 - See details here.

POSTAL VOTE REMINDER

Apr 12 - Newport residents wishing to use a postal vote for the General Election on May 6 are being reminded that the last date for registration and applying for a postal vote is April 20. Contact 01633 232134; email uvote@newport.gov.uk or call in person at Entrance 3 in the civic centre during office hours.

EASTERN SUBURB PLAN SET TO START ON SITE

Apr 9 - Work is expected to start soon on Newport's Eastern Suburb, Glan Llyn, on the site previously occupied by the Llanwern Steelworks. A leading regeneration specialist, St. Modwen, has signed an agreement with Newport City Council, allowing plans for the redevelopment of the former Corus Llanwern steelworks into a £1 billion urban community to commence. It is understood the first 140 homes will be built on the area as the development gets under way. Glan Llyn, owned by St. Modwen, will see 4,000 new homes built over the next 20 years, creating 6,000 new jobs, as well as a business park, three lakes, a railway station, a retail area and primary school. The site will be divided by an upgraded link road from Junction 23 of the M4 all the way through to the Southern Distributor Road. Developer St Modwen has been involved in "remediation works" for the last four years, clearing the site. Councillor Matthew Evans, leader of Newport City Council, said: “I am delighted that St Modwen and the council have been able to move this important regeneration project forward. It has a significant strategic part to play in the future of Newport. We look forward to seeing a new community taking shape on this brownfield site and welcome the many new employment opportunities which are due to be created. St Modwen has shown confidence in Newport and that speaks volumes particularly in the current economic climate.”

25% OF M4 SPEEDSTERS FINED

Apr 8 - Only a quarter of drivers caught exceeding the speed limit on controversial new 50mph zone on the M4 have been fined, Wales Online has revealed. Since October, more than 16.5million vehicles have negotiated speed check cameras between junction 24 and junction 29 in Newport. But Gwent Police revealed just 2,031 speeding offences were recorded in those six months – partly because drivers can clock 56mph without being prosecuted, or can slow down in between cameras to bring their average speed down. And of those, just 524 had been issued with fines – equivalent to around three a day. A Gwent Police spokesperson told us: “Current prosecution guidelines state that an allowance is given for the Association of Chief Police Officers to prosecute when exceeding the limit by 10% + 2. This is to allow for manufacturing differences in vehicle speedometers.”

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT DEMONSTRATES GREEN CREDENTIALS

Apr 8 - The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) initiative Halving Waste to Landfill received a boost with the decision of one construction company to not only join the scheme but also to publicise its good working practice and commitment to reducing waste by displaying the HWTL logo on its hoardings. This is the first time a contractor has produced panels with the logo for its hoardings, a precedent WRAP hopes others will now wish to follow. The new panels were first placed at Leadbitter's Mariner’s Quay development and will now be rolled out to other company construction sites across the country. Mariners Quay, Newport, is the largest sustainable new housing development in Wales—and one of only a handful across the UK to achieve a Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) Level Five rating—and it is also a site where exceptional measures have been taken to reduce waste. WRAP had been keen to develop site hoardings incorporating its logo for some time and worked closely with the company to do this. It is now intended that these hoardings will be used nationwide to demonstrate the work being done to reduce the amount of waste produced from construction work. The unveiling of the new hoardings coincided with a visit to the project by Dr Mike Watson, Head of Construction at WRAP, who wanted to see how the contractor, one of the first signatories to WRAP’s halving waste to landfill initiative, had embraced the challenge. Dr Watson said "I am delighted with Leadbitter’s drive to curtail the amount of construction waste sent to landfill. Since signing the voluntary agreement in 2008, and then engaging with their own supply chain, they have been directly responsible for adding more than 30 new signatories to the 320 total list".

SIGNIFICANT CUTBACKS TO CITY LIBRARY SERVICES

Apr 7 - Newport City Council's Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition has agreed significant reductions in the City's library services. All branch libraries will be closed on Saturday afternoons. The main City library will shut at 4pm with its cafe replaced by vending machines. In addition, the music and DVD facilities provided will be withdrawn gradually. Bizarrely, the plans also include the introduction of lone working in a number of branch libraries. The proposals will save £49,000.  Alway Councillor Ray Truman (Labour) has criticised the decision by Lib Dem Cabinet Member Mike Hamilton "The proposed decision to close branch libraries on a Saturday afternoon is counterproductive. For example on a Saturday afternoon in Ringland Library the building is packed with young people using the various facilities on offer. Surely any decision to deny them of this service does not make sense? It makes more sense to me to have people using the facilities in the library rather than be locked outside the building with nothing to do. I'm sure its the same with some other branch libraries. The proposal to extend lone working in libraries is something that comes with a risk. I have serious reservations about this.....In the past we in Newport have taken great pride in our libraries and the service that they provide. However the above proposals will seriously challenge the service and there is a risk that we will fall behind on the standards of what we offer our citizens."

ABOVE INFLATION INCREASE FOR CARE CHARGES

Apr 7 - The City Council's coalition has implemented an inflation busting increase in charges for domiciliary, day care and residential services. The average increase is 4 per cent with some charges rising by up to 39 per cent. The Council argues that the increases have not been sufficient in the past but Councillor Langsford (Labour, Malpas) has criticised the proposals stating "I think that we are hitting the vulnerable once again and I am against any increase in charges that is above inflation."

COUNCIL SLAMMED OVER MANSION HOUSE PLAN

Apr 7 - Proposals by Newport City Council to build a car park on the east lawn of the City's Mansion House to pave the way for its use as  a registry office have been criticised by a vocal group of local residents and councillors. They have formed a Facebook site calling for the Council to consider a safer option of using existing entrance and exit ways for vehicles. One resident of Stow Park Circle states on the site ""I have been privileged to live in the Circle for fifty years- it being one of the few parts of Newport to remain unspoilt by development. The Mansion House has always been a special place for the people of Newport to visit and enjoy. To allow the Council to desecrate the gardens would be the final nail in the coffin of Newport's heritage." See the site here.

NEWPORT HOUSING EXPANSION UNDER WAY

Apr 6 - Despite the interruption caused by the recession there are significant signs of development activity with the City Centre. Alongside the new University Campus and Railway Station a swathe of residential developments are on site.

The former Technical College in Clarence Place will provide 66 residential units when it opens later in 2010. The Persimmon development near the Southern Distributor on the former British Dredging site is nearing completion with 85 houses and 50 flats available now. Taylor Wimpey are shortly to recommence work on the City Vizion site near Rodney Parade creating 486 residential units. On the former Orb Steelworks the same company are onsite building 176 properties in Lysaghts Village. The Parc Lysaght development opposite will include 69 residential properties (57 houses, 12 flats) adjacent to the new Morrison's supermarket as part of Linc-Cymru's new scheme for the area including a refurbished Institute building. Redrow are building 120 properties on their Alexandra Gate development on the west side of the Distributor bridge, part of a development of 399 properties. Fairlake are currently building 101 homes along the riverfront in their Mariner's Quay scheme. Westmark are completing block 2 of their 154 flat Newhaus development in the Old Town Dock.

Despite the recession the scale of this development will provide a major boost to Newport's economy over the coming year with other developments ongoing in areas such as Langstone and Duffryn as well as a number of plans for the Caerleon area. The major scheme waiting in the wings from St. Modwen involving the building of over 4000 homes, schools, parks and lakes on the western end of the Llanwern steelworks is imminent with an outline statement already approved by the City Council.

BNP ANNOUNCE NEWPORT CANDIDATES

Apr 5 - The British National Party’s Welsh regional organiser, Brian Mahoney, has announced two General Election candidates to stand in Newport, bringing the total number of contested seats in Wales to twelve, with more to follow. “Keith Jones will stand in Newport East, and Timothy Windsor will stand in Newport West, said Mr Mahoney. Newport was subjected to an Islamic march through its streets, led by Mohammed Ashgar, AM for Plaid Cymru. Treacherous Plaid Cymru’s vision for Wales in cultivating the taxpayer funded ‘Operation Black Vote’ took a bit of a knock recently when their very own Mohammed abandoned them and jumped ship to the Conservatives, who had to allow him to employ members of his own family at taxpayers’ expense. Mohammed has openly declared his ambition to establish a family based Muslim political dynasty in South East Wales with his daughter Natasha Ashgar (another Muslim Plaid Cymru candidate, although her current allegiance is not known),” continued Mr Mahoney.“We have other ideas.” The BNP did not stand in either Newport seat in the 2005 General Election.

TREDEGAR HOUSE VW SHOW CANCELLED

Apr 2 - The Volkswagon Show scheduled for Tredegar House over the Easter holiday weekend has been cancelled by the City Council. The popular event scheduled to run until Monday was shelved due to the poor weather. The organisers stated "We have been contacted by the country house and area council, and have been told that due to the up and coming weather conditions the grounds in and around the area where the show was to take place would not be suitable.It seems a clause in the contract between the country house and ourselves stipulated this, and the decision to cancel this event was not down to the organizers but the council themselves.There is no one more disappointed and unhappy with this decision than ourselves, and have been in talks with the council to try to rectify the situation, but after exhausting all options we have no option other than to inform you now of the cancellation."

THEATRE SHUTS FOR EASTER BREAK!

Apr 2 - Newport's Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre will be closed for the entire Easter break! The city's premier venue will also not be able to take bookings from customers for up and coming events. It reopens on Wednesday April 7.

CITY RESIDENTS CUT THEIR CARBON EMISSIONS

Apr 2 - Residents of Newport helped to reduce carbon emissions by 13440.68 tonnes last year by recycling over 10 and a half thousand tonnes of dry recycling, along with 609.61 tonnes of food waste. Dry recycling is collected weekly at the kerbside in the green and blue boxes from every household in Newport. Residents can put out textiles (clothes and shoes), magazines, junk mail, newspapers, envelopes, directories (i.e yellow pages), mobile phones and printer cartridges for recycling in the blue box.

The green recycling box can be used to recycle aerosol cans (e.g.hairspray, deodorant), drink cans, foil, glass, plastic bottles (type 1 and 2) and food tins/cans. Wastesavers Chief Executive, Penny Goodwin said: ”Recycling is such an easy way to reduce our carbon emissions, and Newport residents are doing a great job. We need all Newport residents to continue recycling if want to reduce our carbon emissions significantly and lead the way in Wales.”

POLICE SEEK HELP WITH BIKE THEFT Apr 1 - Gwent Police is appealing for information to locate items stolen in a burglary in the Malpas area overnight on 17th-18th February 2010. A garage at an address on Grove Park Drive was broken into and rare and customised bikes to the value of approximately £20,000 were stolen. The stolen bikes are described as follows: 1 x 'INTANSE' mountain bike frame 1 x 'COVE' chrome mountain bike 1 x 'SPECIALIZED SX TRAIL' full suspension mountain bike - red in colour fading into black 1 x 'ORANGE' full suspension mountain bike - grey in colour 1 x 'GENESIS ALTITUDE' titanium mountain bike - grey in colour 1 X 'YALE' tool box blue in colour containing 'SHIMANO HOLLOWTACH2' tools An investigation into the incident is ongoing. Police would appeal to anyone who may have been offered the items or has information about the incident to contact them on 101. Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENT COULD BRING NEWPORT JOBS BOOST

Mar 31 - Newport's growing reputation as a centre for public sector jobs could be boosted by the Budget announcement recommending the move of 15,000 civil service jobs out of London. Writing in today's Western Mail Robert Carew-Chaston of chartered surveyors Hutchings & Thomas puts the case for relocation to Newport. He stated "Newport recently came third in a list of the 28 best office locations in the UK in the highly-regarded Lambert Smith Hampton Office Location Index. The chart, which placed Newport on almost maximum points, listed centres on criteria of rental cost, quality of premises available, labour costs, availability of skilled workforce and the potential to recruit staff locally. Major office expansion in Newport is possible due to its enormous labour catchment area. Newport is at the centre of the South Wales/Severnside area which, with a population of some 1.5m within 45 minutes drive of the centre of Newport, is the second largest conurbation in the UK." The Patent Office, the Office for National Statistics and the Prison Service have had highly successful relocations to Newport creating a significant public sector cluster in the west of the City adjacent to M4 junction 28.

LIMITED AMBITIONS OF ASSEMBLY TRANSPORT PLAN

Mar 30 - The Welsh Assembly Government has revealed very limited ambitions for the south east Wales and the Newport area in its five year transport plan published yesterday. Major projects that would aid the area's infrastructure such as the M4 relief road and Severnside Airport are completely ignored in favour of the following threadbare aspirations

Complete the works at Newport rail station to improve transport interchange facilities for passengers.

Complete the improvement to Gaer Junction by 2011, and as the next stage complete the detailed feasibility work to provide hourly services from Ebbw Vale to both Cardiff and Newport.

In line with the regeneration of Ebbw Vale, appraise the feasibility of a new rail station in the town centre.

Deliver a package of measures designed to improve the efficiency of the M4 in south-east Wales, including public transport enhancements, making the best possible use of the motorway and improving the resilience of the network.

Integrate the development of cycle routes in south-east Wales that are supported under EU Convergence funding through the Heads of the Valleys, Valleys Regional Park and Valleys Cycle Network projects.

POLICE RENEW APPEAL OVER INJURED MAN

Mar 29 - Gwent Police is re-appealing for information following a man being located on the side of the Southern Distributor Road (SDR) in Newport with serious head injuries. The 20 year old man from the Lliswerry area was found at approximately 11.30pm on Saturday 27th March on the side of the SDR outside Carcraft. Police believe the man, who had been out socialising in the Maindee area of Newport earlier that day, left Maindee Square at approximately 11.15pm in a dark coloured people carrier with a sliding door.

The man was seen exiting this vehicle on the SDR and then the vehicle continued to travel along the road down towards the slip road to Stephenson Street. The injured man was conveyed to the Royal Gwent Hospital and later transferred to the University of Wales Hospital where he remains in a critical condition. Police inquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances of the incident and officers are renewing their appeal for the driver of the vehicle to come forward.

Officers are also particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen the man getting into the vehicle on Saturday night in Maindee Square at approximately 11.15pm. He is described as 6 feet 1 inch tall, of medium/stocky build with short dark brown hair. Both his arms are heavily tattooed. His right arm has tattoos of hearts, tribal patterns and a skull with chequered flags and a red spider's web coming out of it and his left arm has tattoos of Japanese flowers and a koi carp fish. He was wearing a blue and white striped t-shirt and blue jeans. Anyone who witnessed the man in Maindee Square/getting into the vehicle or can offer information to identify the vehicle or driver is asked to contact Gwent Police as soon as possible on 01633 838111.

FOOD WASTE COLLECTIONS TO BE EXTENDED

Mar 29 - Newport City Council’s successful food waste collection service is set for another expansion. Throughout April 6764 homes will be added to the scheme, with another roll out planned in June. All the streets involved in the roll out will be formally notified and will receive caddies, liners and a detailed guide on how to use the new service. The service will be extended to streets in Bassaleg, Rhiwderin, Alway, Caerleon, Pontfaen and Marshfield.

POLICE FIND INJURED MAN ON SDR ROADSIDE

Mar 28 - A 23-year-old man is in a critical condition in hospital after falling from a moving vehicle in Newport. Police are trying to trace the driver of a dark coloured people carrier or Land Rover type vehicle involved in the incident in Newport on Saturday night. Part of the A48 southern distributor road near Carcraft, where he was found lying at 2330 GMT, has since reopened. Gwent Police said they are "keeping an open mind" over how he came to "exit" the passenger side of the vehicle. Detectives believe he was socialising in the Maindee area of the city and had bought a kebab prior to getting into the vehicle in Maindee Square. He was found later lying by the roadside and police said following the incident, the vehicle continued to travel along the distributor road towards the slip road to Stephenson Street.

CITY COUNCIL TO SHARE SERVICES WITH NEIGHBOURING AUTHORITIES

Mar 26 - Newport City Council has agreed to formalise shared working with two neighbouring authorities as part of its drive to reduce costs. Newport's Chief Internal Auditor will provide a similar role for Monmouthshire on a formal basis from now onwards as part of a new agreement between the two Councils. In addition, Newport's Student Services function will be transferred to Cardiff City Council from April.

MEMBERS ALLOWANCES FROZEN

Mar 26 - Members allowances for Newport City Council are set to be frozen for the 2010/11 financial year to reflect the difficult economic circumstances being experienced by residents. Members currently receive a salary of £13,030 per annum. The Leader receives an additional £30,591 and Cabinet Members £15,396. The Leader of the Opposition receives an additional £9,236.

NEWPORT PAYS RESPECTS TO TJ'S OWNER

Mar 25 - Newport paid her respects today to John Sicolo, the inspiration behind the TJ's music venue in Clarence Place. Sicolo died on Sunday March 14. A massive turnout at St. Paul's Church in the city centre commemorated the life of a merchant seaman from Pill who became a leading figure in Newport's rough and ready independent music scene. The funeral cortege started its route with a slow drive past TJ's greeted by a round of applause from those gathered to remember Mr Sicolo. This evening many people were still gathered at TJ's as a number of bands played in his memory.

A tribute issue of the Frug zine has also been produced. See here. Donations will go towards a possible memorial for John Sicolo in Newport.

FIREARMS DISCOVERED IN RINGLAND POLICE RAID

Mar 24 - A high voltage stun gun, pepper spray and small quantity of cannabis has been seized after a police raid in Ringland, Newport. Gwent Police officers executed a warrant issued under the Firearms Act and the Misuse of Drugs Act in Howard Close, Ringland, at 10.15am on March 18th. After the weapons and drugs were discovered by a search team, one 41-year-old man was arrested. The man was questioned and bailed pending forensic analysis of the seized weapons.

Sergeant Dave Morgan, of Newport East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We received intelligence that illegal activity was taking place in the area and we acted on it quickly. This coordinated police response - involving officers from across the Newport East Neighbourhood Policing Team, response offices and firearms team - stopped dangerous weapons from potentially getting onto our streets.  We want to reassure people living in the area that we are taking tough action on crime." Anyone with information on crime in their area can call Gwent Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

CAR WRITTEN OFF IN M4 CRASH

Mar 24 - A Citroen C1 was left wrecked and straddling the central reservation of the M4 this morning after crashing with an HGV, according to Wales Online. The smash happened between the red hatchback and the lorry between the Coldra Roundabout and Brynglas Tunnels in Newport at 7.45am this morning. Remarkably, no-one was injured in the crash, though the car is believed to have been written off. A spokeswoman for the Police said: “Lane one was temporarily closed while car was recovered.” Tailbacks stretched along the three-lane carriageway for more than a mile in both directions. The road was cleared by 9.10am.

YOUNGSTERS URGED TO HELP WITH ST. JULIAN'S CLEAN UP

Mar 24 - Police in St Julians, Newport, are appealing for youngsters to help them tidy the local area at a special clean-up day during the Easter holidays. Newport East Neighbourhood Policing Team joined forces with Church of Christ minister Paul Halliday to organise the St Julians Clean-up Day on Wednesday 31 March.

Newport City Council, local councillors, Newport City Homes and Keep Wales Tidy are also involved. Car company Vauxhall have offered to supply the transport on the day. High school pupils under the age of 16, particularly those living in the Old Barn Estate area, are invited to take part on the day. The day will involve two-hour morning and afternoon sessions and lunch will be provided for all helpers at the Church of Christ on East Usk Road. Youngsters who take part will also be rewarded with a high street shopping voucher. St Julians ward police officer Alex Jones said: “The clean-up day promises to be a fun event, which will be rewarding for youngsters who take part in a number ways.Helpers will see a visible difference to their local neighbourhood, but they will also be rewarded with a shopping voucher and a tasty meal for lunch."

CITY COUNCIL IN LEGAL BATTLE WITH ICELAND FOODS

Mar 24 - Newport City Council is set to be embroiled in a legal battle with Iceland Foods over plans for the Compulsory Purchase of their stores near John Frost Square. The City Council were seeking to obtain the order as part of their plans for the redevelopment of the City Centre. The process due to be completed on March 8 was halted following a legal challenge from the supermarket chain.

JOJO MAMAN BEBE BOSS IS BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

Mar 23 - The owner of a nursery retail firm who cycles to work and encourages her staff not to take a "jobsworth" approach to work has won a top business award. Laura Tenison, founder and managing director of Newport-based JoJo Maman Bebe, has been named the Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of The Year. She started the company, which sells mother and baby clothes and products, from scratch in 1993. It now employs 280 people and has an annual turnover of £21m. She said "I encourage staff to pursue their dreams in life and offer flexible shifts, school hour shifts and the chance to work from home. We have husbands and wives working for us who swap babies over in the car park as they arrive and leave for work."

CITY LAUNCHES RYDER CUP BASED EDUCATION INITIATIVE

Mar 23 - Newport City Council Local Education Authority and The European Golf Tour have joined forces to launch a new, bilingual Ryder Cup-themed curriculum to pupils from years 2 to 8 in schools across Newport. In a world first, teachers, head teachers and education officers in Newport have embraced being the host city for The 2010 Ryder Cup and created an exciting curriculum using golf and The Ryder Cup as a theme. Via this curriculum, children from across Newport will be taught new skills from literacy and numeracy to equalities, sustainable development, ICT and technology.

Newport schools St Julian’s Primary and Langstone Primary have both been trialling the new curriculum, which is due to fully launch into schools across the city in September and will run for seven weeks, coinciding with The Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor Resort. Schools across Wales will be able to access curriculum materials via an online resource as part of the Welsh Assembly Government’s National Grid for Learning Cymru initiative.

COUNCIL GRANTS £7.5K TO CATHEDRAL

Mar 23 - In a further grant to support Newport Cathedral the City Council is providing £7,500 towards the repair and maintenance of boilers in the building. The Headley Trust have announced that they are making a grant of £50,000 to the Newport Cathedral Campaign to carry out a £2 million restoration project. The Cathedral has raised approximately £1 million so far. The Cathedral has appointed Davies Langdon as Quantity Surveyors to join the team of professionals who along with the Cathedral Architect Michael Davies of Davies Sutton (Architects) in order to draw up the required plans for the restoration work.

POLICE APPEAL OVER GEMELLI'S BURGLARY

Mar 23 - Gwent Police is appealing for information and witnesses following a burglary at Gemelli's Italian Restaurant on Bridge Street, Newport.
The incident occurred on Tuesday 16th March at approximately 5am. Forced entry was gained and a small quantity of cash was stolen. The offenders were seen making off from the scene in a red rover 5 door saloon.  Three men have been arrested in connection with the incident, they have since been released on police bail pending further enquiries. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information that could assist officers with their enquiries is asked to contact Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT GRANT UP

Mar 22 - The Welsh Assembly public transport grant for Newport has been increased for the first time in two years. The allocation to the City Council will increase from £395k to £411k for 2010/11. The funding is used  to subsidise economically unviable routes.

RESIDENTS LACK PRIDE IN CITY - SURVEY

Mar 21 - A City Council survey of 300 Newport residents has revealed a mixed view of the City. The survey revealed that 69 per cent of those questioned felt that Newport was a good place to live. 53 per cent stated that they felt that Newport was improving and had become a better place to live recently. However, only 44 per cent of those surveyed felt proud of Newport. The survey will be carried out on a regular basis by the Council's contact centre, particularly to review residents' opinions of the City's role in the Ryder Cup.

BELLWAY APPEAL HURRANS' DECISION

Mar 21 - Developer Bellway has appealed the decision by Newport City Council not to grant permission for the building of 60 homes on the former Hurrans Garden Centre in Langstone. The City Council Planning Committee split five votes to four, overturning an officer recommendation for approval, when it agree the decision on February 10. Bellway's appeal will be heard by the Planning Inspectorate for Wales.

The plan attracted a wide range of objections from Langstone residents. They included the following "the village of Langstone is being destroyed by the on-going building of new homes;  the area already suffers from electricity supply problems due to overburdening of the system;  primary and Infant schools in Langstone are full with some classes taking place in terrapins; there is no state Nursery in Langstone. It should be linked to the school and established on the application site; Langstone has no facilities for residents such as shops, post office and community centre. The Council think they can put more houses in Langstone without providing any facilities for residents; - there is no dedicated doctors surgery for a community of 2770+ residents. The development is unsustainable in a rural area; the provision of social housing is out of character for the area and will have a negative effect on the resale value of properties."

NEWPORT PERFORMS POORLY IN TRAVEL SURVEY

Mar 19 - Newport has come out of fifth in a Travelodge survey revealing Britain's ten least visited cities. The city that came out top, Bradford, has been branded ''dangerous, ugly and boring'' and where travellers least want to go. Wakefield was seen as 'dull and depressing'. Other locations high on the do-not-visit list were Dundee, due to bad weather there, Sunderland (nothing to offer with dislikeable local accents) and Newport itself, which was seen as having a high crime rate. ''We live in a world of misconceptions, and often don't realise it," said Travelodge spokeswoman Shakila Ahmed.''A significant proportion of the images of cities we have in our minds may be biased, out of date and not in tune with reality.'' The full list 1. Bradford 2. Wakefield 3. Dundee 4. Sunderland 5. Newport 6. St David's 7. Wells 8. Ely 9. Ripon 10. Lichfield

DOCTOR SUSPENDED AFTER FATAL ERRORS

Mar 19 - A doctor with a "disregard" for patient safety has been suspended for four months by the General Medical Council. Dr Salawati Abdul-Salam wrongly diagnosed nine-month-old Aleesha Evans, of Newport, who died of blood poisoning the next day, a hearing was told. She admitted making errors with four patients in her care and said she was "sorry" for her actions.

The hearing had been told that in 2006, Dr Abdul-Salam had sent Aleesha home from the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport saying she had a viral infection that needed only Calpol and Nurofen. The trainee specialist registrar had not examined the baby, noting her condition was "unremarkable". But she was suffering from meningococcal septicaemia, blood poisoning, and died the following day.

AUSTIN FRIARS TOILET TO CLOSE

Mar 19 - Another public toilet in Newport is to close as part of expenditure cuts by the City Council. The Facility at Austin Friars is underground and has poor access downstairs. The City Council states "Having regard to this factor and the alternative provision nearby (in the bus station), closure of this Facility is recommended as the way to meet the Council’s budget." This will save £25,000 per annum. It will close on 26 March.

UNEMPLOYMENT STILL ON THE RISE

Mar 18 - The latest detailed unemployment statistics show joblessness in Newport still on the rise despite a national / UK trend showing a reduction. National Statistics figures show the number of Jobseekers Allowance recipients in the Newport East constituency has increased from 2570 (in January) to 2605 a month later, 5.8 per cent of the workforce. In the neighbouring Newport West constituency the numbers increased from 2710 to 2759, 5.5 per cent of the workforce. The UK's claimant count rate stands at 4.9 per cent of the workforce.

MAN CHARGED WITH 2008 MURDER

Mar 17 - A 27-year-old man has been charged with murdering a woman in Newport almost two years ago. Aleksandra Lipska, born Kaczmarska, 27, was found dead after police were called to a house in the Maindee area of the city on 13 May 2008.  A man was arrested this week and Gwent Police said on Tuesday evening that he had been charged with murder. He is due to appear before Newport Magistrates' Court tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.

FLYNN/MORDEN TABLE COMMONS TRIBUTE TO COUNTY

May 17 - Newport's two MP's, Jessica Morden and Paul Flynn, have tabled a Commons motion congratulating Newport County on their promotion from the Conference South "That this House warmly celebrates Newport County AFC's phenomenal 24 points lead at the top of their division which secured their promotion into big time football after 21 years of difficulties and exile: congratulates Dean Holdsworth, the rest of the squad and management and the record number of Amber Army faithful for their brilliant achievement: looks forward confidently to even greater triumphs in future."

WAG REPORTS RECOMMENDS NEWPORT UNLIMITED CHANGES

Mar 16 - A review commissioned by the Welsh Assembly Government has recommended changes to the way Newport Unlimited, the City's regeneration company, is run.  Formed in 2003 urban regeneration company Newport Unlimited was tasked as being the engine room for change in Newport working alongside WAG and the City Council. The review, however, warns that Newport Unlimited is "very disconnected from the people, businesses and communities in Newport". This needs to change so that local people are better informed and see Newport as a 'city of change'. The organisation's website has not been updated since December! The review recommends a review of Newport Unlimited's Masterplan for Newport and a 'reality check' on the developments planned and the dates for delivery. It concludes  "This interim evaluation has concluded that the URC approach has proved to be a powerful and effective mechanism for driving forwards the physical regeneration and economic change needed in Newport. To date much still needs to be done which will require the continued co-ordination and direction of partnership efforts and resources."

ARREST OVER 2008 MURDER OF POLISH WOMAN IN MAINDEE

Mar 15 - Police investigating the murder of a woman almost two years ago have arrested a 27-year-old man. Aleksandra Lipska, born Kaczmarska, 27, was found dead at a house on Dewstow Street, Maindee, Newport, in May 2008. The suspect, who is from Cardiff, is being questioned by detectives at Ystrad Mynach police station in Caerphilly county.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Det Supt Paul Griffiths said: "This investigation has been ongoing for nearly two years and I am appealing to anyone not previously approached by police who has any information with regards to Aleksandra's death to come forward." Police and the ambulance service had been called to the house in Dewstow Street in the early hours of Tuesday, 13 May where they found Ms Lipska's body. At the time of the murder, detectives appealed to the Polish community in Newport for any information that could help the investigation. Detectives distributed posters in Polish and set up a telephone line with a Polish and English voicemail message.

MINISTER OPENS WIND TURBINE DEVELOPMENT

Mar 15 - Wales’ environment minister Jane Davidson has officially opened two wind turbines developed, constructed and now operated by Wind Direct at the site of Solutia Chemicals, Newport. The Wind Direct project, which is the largest of its kind in Wales, was also chosen as the background to the launch of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Energy Policy Statement - A Low Carbon Revolution. The two Nordex N90 2.5MW wind turbines will supply up to a third of the facility’s electricity requirements; aligning closely with the Welsh Assembly’s vision of a low carbon future.

TJ's OWNER DIES IN HOSPITAL

Pay your tributes to John Sicolo here

Mar 14 - One of the leading lights of the music scene in Newport for 40 years and owner of TJs, John Sicolo, has died in hospital aged 66.  One of TJ's staff told BBC Wales that Mr Sicolo had died at 0600 GMT on Sunday at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport. "The cause of death is not yet known," he said, adding, "Rest in peace, mate." The TJ's Facebook site has received many messages of condolence. John's daughter Leanne Jane Sicolo said in response to them "thank you everyone for your kind messages my dad died early hours of this morning he passed away in his sleep he will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him love you dad x." Mr Sicolo was a former merchant navy seaman, where he served as a cook. He is described on the club's website as 'half Welsh, half Seychellean'. He founded the club in 1971, first christening it El Sieco's before renaming it TJ's Disco. The late BBC DJ and presenter John Peel dubbed the venue "the legendary TJs" on his radio shows. Oasis, Echo and The Bunnymen, Catatonia, Manic Street Preachers, the Buzzcocks and Primal Scream were among the thousands of bands who appeared there. Paul Flynn MP for Newport West stated TJ's gave Newport fame, excitement and musical chutzpah. "It was TJs that won for Newport the title the New Seattle. A generation of Newportonians relished the buzz of hearing top World groups on their own doorstep. They fondly remember TJ's at it's thrilling best, robust, loud and bursting with talent." The future of the club had been shrouded in uncertainty and Mr. Sicolo had planned to sell off some of his memorabilia to keep things afloat. In the next month there was a busy schedule of events including the return home to Newport of Skindred.

Joe Strummer play one of his last gigs at TJ's. Strummer was fond of the club and of Newport.

PLAN TO LINK FOOTBRIDGE TO JOHN FROST SQUARE

Mar 13 - A plan to link the Usk Footbridge to John Frost Square has been put forward by the City Council. At present pedestrians from the footbridge access the shopping areas of Newport via the bus station. The walkway from the bus station to John Frost Square is dark and unpleasant. The City Council is intending to put in place a steel staircase between Llanarth Street, adjacent to the Kingsway Centre entrance and the walkway from the footbridge creating a continuous link between the river and the city centre. At this stage the staircase is intended to be temporary until new proposals come forward for the City's new shopping centre. The application seeks consent for the erection of steel public steps, realignment of 2.4m high hoarding and reconstruction of public footpath at land to east of John Frost Square to Llanarth Street, John Frost Square. The improved footpath and staircase is intended "to create a strategic route and vision between the City Centre and the riverside whilst also stimulating interest in the new adjacent Kingsway Shopping Centre units resulting from the increased passing trade". The total length of the site being redeveloped would measure 29m with the staircase being 6.125m of this length. The footpath and staircase would span a width of 2.65m. The staircase would bridge a gap in levels of 2.34m and would be constructed from a hot dipped, galvanised steel and would be finished with etching primer and a gloss coat. The staircase would be enclosed by a balustrade measuring 1.1m in height, the balustrade would consist of galvanised steel support poles infilled with a mesh panel welded to the inside frame, the top of the balustrade would be act as a handrail, these would run down either side of the staircase and also through the middle creating additional support. The steel staircase structure can be easily dismantled for use elsewhere if a more permanent scheme should be implemented. The application states the proposed scheme "would create a strategic route and an additional point of pedestrian access to the riverfront and also the City Centre Footbridge pending a more comprehensive scheme as part of the future redevelopment of Friars Walk". It is expected to receive planning permission shortly from officers though Newport Civic Society expressed concerns about how 'temporary' this structure would actually be. Left - the walkway (top) near the Usk Footbridge and the view from the Llanarth Street  end near Clarks towards John Frost Square and the proposed location of the new staircase adjacent to the former Co-operative Bank.

TROOPS RECEIVE ROUSING RECEPTION

Mar 12 - The 1st Battalion of the Welsh Guards received a rousing reception from hundreds of shoppers and office workers as they marched the length of Commercial Street in Newport this afternoon. The homecoming parade marks the end of their campaign in Afghanistan.

Afterwards they went to the Civic Centre where Major Terry Harman said: “Thank you for the reception we have just received in your wonderful city.” He then gave a presentation, in the council chamber, on their work in Afghanistan. He explained that as well as fighting the Taliban, the Welsh Guards were involved in reconstruction and partnering the Afghan National Army. Major Harman also spoke of the importance to the soldiers of the support they received back home. Referring to the youth of some of the Welsh Guards he said: “They ask for nothing and give everything. They are men among men.” Councillor Glyn Jarvis, the Mayor of Newport, said: “It is a very proud day for us today, to welcome the Welsh Guards to Newport.

MAN IN WHEELCHAIR ROBBED IN CITY CENTRE

Mar 12 - A man in a wheelchair has been robbed at a car park in Newport. The 41-year-old was approached by a man in his mid 20s in the city centre on Wednesday night and wheeled into the car park on Bridge Street. A bag containing cash, bank cards and personal items was stolen before the offender fled the scene. The offender is described as a white male, about 5ft 7ins (1.7m), slim, and wearing a green jacket with a hood. Police are appealing for information. The victim was travelling along Commercial Street into Bridge Street in his wheelchair when he was approached by a man who offered to help him.

Despite saying he did not need help, he was wheeled into a nearby car park and his black cloth bag was taken, some time between 2230 and 2300 GMT. Gwent Police said the victim, who is from west Wales but was staying in Newport, was not injured. He called to two men for help and they ran after the offender but were unable to catch up with him. The two men returned to check the victim was okay but left before police arrived. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

£200 MILLION DATA CENTRE OPENS

Mar 11 - One of the largest data centres in the world has opened in Newport following a two-year construction project. The facility, located in the former Hynix semi conductor building has a 750,000 sq ft tier 3 data centre and has cost £200 million to complete. Owned and operated by Next Generation Data, it has triple-skipped walls, bomb-proof glass and is surrounded by prison grade perimeter fencing quipped with state of the art security.

Welsh Assembly government minister for science, innovation and skills Lesley Griffiths said: "For a highly respected company such as Next Generation Data to locate and develop this site here in Newport sends out a strong, clear message. Next Generation Data will provide opportunities for higher level skills, including the technician base required to ensure the company, and economy, remains competitive far into the future." Next Generation Data, the owner and operator of the new data centre which has worked closely with the Welsh Assembly Government on the project, is now making available a wide range of custom built co-location data halls to large UK and international organisations. Contracts totalling over £20 million have already been concluded with BT and Logica which began moving their extensive data centre IT operations into the high security NGD Europe facility last month.

HOMECOMING PARADE FOR TROOPS

Mar 11 - Soldiers from the 1^st Battalion Welsh Guards who have served in Afghanistan will parade in the city centre tomorrow. It will start at 2pm outside Weatherspoon’s in Commercial Street and proceed through Commercial Street. As they pass Westgate Square, the Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent Simon Boyle and Regimental Adjutant Colonel (Retd) Tom Bonas will take the salute in the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress, the High Sheriff of Gwent and the leader of Newport City Council. The parade will proceed through Bridge Street before ending in Cambrian Road. In the summer of 2009, the Welsh Guards took part in some of the fiercest fighting ever seen in Helmand supporting 19 Brigade during Operation Panther’s Claw.

CAMBRIAN CENTRE COULD BE SUPERMARKET LED DEVELOPMENT

Mar 10 - Yet another supermarket could re-open on the site of a former shopping centre in Newport that had been due for a £90m facelift. A plan to demolish the Cambrian Centre to build shops and a 100-metre tower was scrapped last year when developer Modus went into administration. New owners Scarborough Development Group are now considering building a supermarket on the land, believing it is more economically viable. There have been plans to regenerate Cambrian Centre going back to 2004.

Mark Jackson, managing director at Scarborough Development, said: "The food store market is understandably proving to be one of the more robust in this recession, and is a great sector in which to be investing and in which to found our new business." The Cambrian Centre used to house a Somerfield supermarket before it was closed down to pave the way for regeneration.

Welcoming the news of the acquisition Robert Carew- Chaston, director of Newport- based Hutchings & Thomas Chartered Surveyors told Wales Online : “I’m keen to know more about Scarborough Development Group’s plans for Newport but on the face of it this is fantastic news for our city. This could well be the first sign of hope generally and for the city that the private sector is now ready to act and get back into the marketplace and take up what are in the case of the city of Newport ‘oven ready’ development sites such as the one worked up by Modus for the centre of Newport." Rosemary Butler AM stated ""I was ...glad to hear that the Modus subsidiary company which originally set out to develop the Cambrian site, has now been acquired by the Scarborough Development Group. That's another piece of good news and I hope that the Friars Walk redevelopment will also get back on track . All this, as well as the Ryder Cup in October, means that Newport is still very much on the map."

CAERLEON CYCLE ROUTE BOOST

Mar 10 - Newport West AM Rosemary Butler has welcomed the news that another crucial section of the Newport-Caerleon Connect 2 cycle route has been given the necessary go ahead by the Welsh Assembly Government. The Pillmawr Road to Home Farm section is due to open in April, and  the Assembly Government has now agreed to provide  £549,000 from its National Transport Grant fund to help build the next section of the route from Home Farm to Caerleon Comprehensive School.  A major feature of this section will be a railway bridge near St Cadoc's Hospital as part of the Assembly's Safe Routes in Communities programme for 2010/11. There are plans to extend the cycle route eventually through Caerleon and the Celtic Manor Resort to Wentwood Forest . Other partners in the scheme include the transport charity Sustrans, Newport Unlimited, Newport City Council, Newport University and transport consultants Capita Symonds.

EVENTS BOOST CITY CENTRE TRADE

Mar 9 - A City Council report has revealed the City Centre is increasingly dependant on events for its sustainability. The report to the Council's Overview and Scrutiny Forum notes that retailers welcomed the events organised by the City Council throughout the pre-Christmas period and the boost to trade provided by the free parking initiative. However, the report notes the need to do more particularly during Newport Festival year. The report paints a downbeat picture of retail trade in the centre "From July 2009 to November 2009 footfall in Newport City Centre showed a gradual decline, this is in line with other towns and cities across the UK with an average 5% decline during these months. This would reflect the economic climate. November to December showed an increase in footfall in Newport reflect the pattern across the UK as a whole which saw an average increase of 11.2%, however, year on year figures compared to 2008, showed a steady decline."

PLANNERS BACK CHANGES TO CITY BUILDINGS

Mar 9 - Changes to a number of well known City buildings are backed by Council planning officers in their report to the Council's Planning Meeting tomorrow. Councillors will be asked to consider -

• The conversion of the former Chicago Rock Night Club at the top of High Street into offices for the Seren Housing Group.

• The conversion of the former Corporation Hotel in to sixteen one-bedroom flats.

• The conversion of the former Floors 2 Go building in Philip Street in to twelve dwellings.

DEVELOPMENT COMMEMORATES STEEL MILL OWNERS

Mar 8 - Taylor Wimpey has this week revealed the name for its new development in Newport, Lysaght Village. The developer has named the site, which is being converted into 549 new homes, after the city’s steel mill owners, the Lysaght family.

Born in Ireland in 1832, John Lysaght inherited the Temple Backs factory, a modest ironworks enterprise in Bristol, in 1857. Starting out with just six employees, John Lysaght recognised the increasing demand for sheet iron usage in construction and built the factory into a profitable trade.

John’s eldest son, Frederick Percy Lysaght, took over management of the family business in 1895 and it was thanks to his success that sheet mills were first brought to South East Wales from Wolverhampton along with many workers from the Black Country. As demand for galvanised steel increased, Frederick Lysaght chose to build a new ironworks factory on farmland bordering the River Usk in Newport. He chose this site because of its close proximity to plentiful coal supplies and its accessibility via the river and nearby train lines. Construction started in 1896 and in October 1897 the new factory was named The Orb Works after John Lysaght’s ORB trademark, which he had established in 1857. Some of the buildings constructed using his corrugated iron included the market halls in Swansea and Llanelli and a concert pavilion at Aberystwyth Pier.

Sara Taylor, regional sales and marketing director, commented: “Located in the city where steel works originated in South Wales, our sales team felt that Lysaght Village was a fitting name for Taylor Wimpey’s latest development in Newport. Over 3,600 people were employed by the Lysaght family during the Second World War and their steel works heralded the city’s expansion onto the east bank of the River Usk – where our other development, City Vizion, is situated."

MAN REMANDED IN CUSTODY AFTER SHOOTING STEPSON

Mar 6 - A 50-year-old man has been remanded in custody in Newport charged with child neglect after his stepson aged 15 suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Michael Hole also faced charges of possessing a prohibited weapon and perverting the course of justice, when he appeared before city magistrates.Lewis Bailey is in a serious condition in the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, after Tuesday's incident. Mr Hole of Hawthorne Avenue, Newport will next appear in court on Tuesday. He spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

SKATE EXTREME BADLY DAMAGED BY BLAZE

Mar 6 - Fire crews have been tackling a fire at a skateboarding and biking centre in Newport. They were called to Skate Extreme in Herbert Road at 0415 GMT. Five fire crews and a hydraulic platform were originally at the blaze, which caused substantial damage to the building. Fire investigators, along with two fire crews, are still at the scene. The centre includes ramps and pipes for skaters.

GRANT FOR STOW PARK CHURCH

Mar 5 - Stow Park Church in Newport is to benefit from a major £98,811 funding boost, thanks to a grant from the Welsh Assembly Government. Rosemary Butler AM (Labour, Newport West) has welcomed the news as a shot in the arm for community life and the local economy. The Assembly's Community Facilities and Activities Programme funding will lead to the construction of a new community centre at Stow Park to replace the existing hall. The church's congregation ­ formerly the Newport United Reform Church ­ has now amalgamated with the congregation of the Stow Park Presbyterian Chapel and it was decided that the old church hall was too old and unusable and that a modern multi-purpose building was needed to replace it.

LIB DEMS OPPOSE BANKSIDE PROPOSAL

Mar 5 - Victoria Lib Dem councillors are opposing a development at the Bankside Industrial Units near George Street Bridge. An application has been submitted to the City Council to close the site and replace it with a residential development. Victoria Ward Councillor Mike Hamilton said: "The site is home to 14 local businesses employing around 58 people. These include a range of small businesses from catering, online companies to manufacturing. Many of these businesses have been supported by council grants whilst others have offered training to local people.Given the present economic climate it seems to be crazy to be thinking about closing local businesses. In this area, more flats are already on the way including the Taylor Wimpy City Vizions Project, the reopened Art College site and the riverbank development in neighbouring Lliswerry ward. It is difficult to see the market for more flats in the ward."

FLOOD DEFENCE GRANT AGREED

Mar 5 - A £4.8 million plan to improve flood defences in the Riverside area has been announced. Newport City Council applied for the funding after an Environment Agency showed the existing flood wall near Bond Street and Frank Street was not strong enough to withstand high tidal river levels. Gaps between East Usk Road and Clarence House also increase the chance of flooding and the problem is made worse by a 70 year river wall supporting the pavement in Riverside.

HOSPITAL SALMONELLA ALL-CLEAR

Mar 4 - Eight patients at Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital initially thought to have salmonella have now tested negative. Health officials say it was likely they did not have a "true" salmonella infection and the original results were a "false positive." Three others, two of them hospital patients, previously found to be provisionally positive have now been confirmed and will have further tests. GPs have been contacted to alert them the bug may be present in the area. Salmonella is usually associated with eating contaminated foods. The eight people are said to be recovering well. The cases were investigated by Aneurin Bevan Health Board, Public Health Wales and Newport City Council's environmental health department.

POLICE INVESTIGATE SHAFTESBURY ROBBERY

Mar 4 - Gwent Police is appealing for information following a robbery which occurred on Thursday 25th February in the Sainsbury's car park on Wyndham Street, Newport. The incident occurred at approximately 3.30pm when an 81 year old lady was loading her shopping into the back of her car. The lady was approached from behind, pushed out of the way and her handbag was grabbed off the back seat. The offender ran off through a fence along Pugsley Street in the direction of Shaftesbury Park.

The lady did not sustain any injuries. The offender is described as being a white male, in his late teens-early 20s, of medium build and approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall. He was wearing a dark coloured baseball cap, dark trousers, and a dark jacket with two light coloured stripes down the back of it which divided it up into 3 panels. Police believe the same individual may have been seen in the Shaftesbury Park area at approximately 3.45pm. Anyone with information, or anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact police on 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

MAN ARRESTED AFTER TEENAGER IS SHOT

Mar 4 update - A 50 year old man has remained in custody today following the shooting incident in Somerton on Tuesday.

Mar 3 - A 50-year-old man is being questioned on suspicion of attempted murder after a teenage boy was shot. Gwent Police were called to a house in Somerton, Newport, on Tuesday, where they discovered a 15-year-old boy alone and suffering from a head injury. The boy, named locally as Lewis Bailey, was transferred to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, where he is in a serious condition. Police have confirmed the arrested man and the teenager know each other. Officers were called to the house in Hawthorne Avenue at about 1620 GMT on Tuesday by ambulance staff. It is not known who made the initial 999 call. A Gwent Police spokesman said: "Officers attended and found a 15-year-old boy alone in the house. He was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital with a head injury." The 50 year old man is understood to be the boy's father Michael Hole.

Specially trained family liaison officers are supporting the family of the young boy. Officers from Gwent Police Major Incident Team remain in the local area this evening to establish the circumstances around the incident and to locate the firearm used in the incident, which they believe at this time to be a type of handgun. If a member of the public discovers a firearm they are advised not to touch it but to contact police immediately.
Anyone who with any information or concerns should contact Gwent Police on 101 or Crime-stoppers on 0800 555 111.

DIGITAL SWITCHOVER STARTS

Mar 3 - Viewers in Cardiff, Newport and south east Wales have begun the switch to digital that will make Wales the UK's first digital nation. Forty-six years after BBC Two was launched, the channel's last remaining analogue signal in Wales was turned off permanently at the Wenvoe transmitter, and engineers started switching on digital signals at 75 relay transmitters serving more than 280,000 homes. The changes also affect existing Freeview viewers who may find their BBC TV channels are missing. These services have moved to new frequencies and can be restored by retuning Freeview TVs and boxes. The second and final stage of switchover at the Wenvoe transmitter group takes place on 31 March, when the remaining analogue channels will be switched off permanently. On this date, further Freeview channels from ITV, S4C, Channel 4 and Five will also become available from relay transmitters for the first time.

SAFER ROUTES FUNDING FOR CAERLEON COMP

Mar 2 - Newport City Council has received a Welsh Assembly Government Safe Routes in Communities Transport Grant of £549k to further extend the walking and cycle path which links the city centre to Caerleon. A new route is set to be constructed between Home Farm and Caerleon Comprehensive School with a new footbridge crossing the railway, offering major potential for cycling and walking in Caerleon. It will also link the University of Wales campuses and provide safe routes to and from school for the students at Caerleon Comprehensive School. This scheme is also an important element of the Sustrans Newport Connect2 project.

COVETED AWARD FOR CITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

Mar 2 - Newport Business School at the University of Wales, Newport has been awarded the ‘Public Sector Accountancy College of the Year Award 2010’ at a prestigious award ceremony at St James’ in London, hosted by PQ Magazine. The Award follows on from recent good news that the University’s students have achieved pass rates significantly in excess of national averages in the final ACCA (Association of Certified Chartered Accountants) examinations. Members of the Newport Accountancy teaching team travelled to the awards ceremony, which was attended by representatives of all the main accounting bodies.

UNSUNG HEROES RECEIVE RECOGNITION

Mar 1 - Unsung heroes from the city were honoured by the City Council at a ceremony in Parc Golf Club. Council employees who went beyond the call of duty were also recognised in the first ever Extra Miles Awards. Newport City Council joined with the South Wales Argus to call for readers to nominate citizens who they believed deserved an award for their achievements, dedication and bravery.

Awards were given to nearly 40 individuals and organisations. Councillor Matthew Evans, leader of the council, said: “The Extra Mile Awards is a new initiative which has given us the opportunity to formally recognise the many individuals and groups of people who have done something extraordinary, or not quite so extraordinary, in their everyday lives but have clearly gone the extra mile." Winners included

• Diana Fode Bakary fled Africa to escape political prosecution and worked as a volunteer for Newport Wastesavers for 15 months before being offered a paid job when his asylum application was approved. Despite having one of the dirtiest jobs, he gets on with it and never complains. Wastesavers describes him as a valued employee and an extremely hard worker.
• Stephen Beaumont, Marco Guy, Lyndon Jarvis, John Donaghey and Craig Beresford rescued children from a house fire in Kestrel Way, Duffryn. They coaxed two youngsters to jump to safety and one of the men entered the house to make sure no-one else was inside while the others checked on neighbouring houses.
• Bettws in Bloom is an organisation set up by residents to improve their area and the initiative has helped the city win and retain the Wales in Bloom trophy. It has gone on to be the hub of the community.
• James Bufton, James Tonks, Jay Rowe and Lewis Richards are four pupils from Lliswerry High School who helped a woman injured while out sledging in the snow. The boys used their first aid training, gained as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme, and directed emergency services to the scene, helping to save her life.
• Paul Chambers is a box office assistant at the Riverfront Theatre, he came into work on crutches on his day off to supervise the venue’s first ever party booking to make sure it went off without a hitch and has since looked for ways of improving future bookings.

HOMECOMING PARADE FOR WELSH GUARDS

Mar 1 - The First Battalion of the Welsh Guards are to parade through Newport on March 12th (from 2pm) as part of a series of homecoming parades. The Guards were part of Operation Panther's Claw in Afghanistan designed to clear Taliban strongholds. The Battalion undertook its first operational tour to Helmand Province in June 2009 as part of 19 (Light) Brigade. In the summer of 2009 as the national elections in Afghanistan approached, thousands of British, American and Afghan soldiers conducted a joint operation to clear the Taliban from an area north of Lashkar Gah, the provincial capital of Helmand. The Panther's Claw offensive cleared the insurgency from that area of Helmand province, freeing 90,000 local residents from Taliban control.

WOMAN FINED FOR FLOSSING WHILST DRIVING

Feb 28 - Gwent Police state they have fined a 36 year old woman for careless and unattentive driving for flossing her teeth while at the wheel of her car on the M4 near the Coldra Junction in Newport. The unnamed woman was fined £60. Police warned that many drivers put lives at risk out of vanity. A spokesman advised Sun Online said: "We've caught women applying lipstick and make-up and men using an electric razor on their way to work. But this is the first time we've seen someone flossing their teeth."

BOOST FOR CITY CENTRE SHOPPING SCHEME

Feb 27 - The Financial Times reports that Scarborough Development Group, part of Sheffield United FC chairman Kevin McCabe’s property empire, has bought some of the failed Modus group from its administrators.

Ernst & Young sold the assets of Modus Properties and eight retail developments to Scarborough for £37m ($57m). They were called in to 15 Modus companies in June 2009. Brendan Flood Modus’ founder and a co-owner of Burnley FC, said he had been in talks with Mr McCabe before its collapse. Tom Jack, joint administrator, said: “This is a significant deal to have completed, particularly given the current challenges in the property market for developers and investors. The sale will ensure commercial, retail and leisure schemes will now be completed in a number of key locations, including the North-West and Wales.” According to the article cities and towns that should now get new shopping areas include Newport, Congleton, Boston and Wigan.

Update - February 28 - the companies and sites sold include the Cambrian Centre in Newport. The former Friars Walk development does not seem to be part of the acquisitions by Scarborough.

CITY POLICE IN ORGANISED DRUGS BUST

Feb 26 - Seven people have been arrested for drug trafficking offences following raids on homes in Bettws, Newport. Thirty-five police officers raided eight homes on Friday morning, where they discovered amphetamines and cannabis with a street value of £5,000. Large amounts of cash, weighing scales and other drug-dealing paraphernalia were also seized, police said. Four men and three women, aged between 19 and 40, remain in custody while investigations continue. The raids took place after information was received from the local community, Gwent Police said. Four flats in Bettws Shopping Centre, as well as homes in Monnow Way, Helford Square, Welland Crescent, and Tone Close were raided.

NEWPORT FIRM'S PETITION AGAINST CARDIFF CITY

Feb 26 - A small Newport business has taken out a second winding-up petition against Cardiff City. Shine Food Machinery has been fighting the football club through the county court in Cardiff over a debt of more than £750,000. The company, which installs commercial kitchens, fitted out the catering kitchens at the Bluebirds’ new stadium. According to Wales Online it is a relatively small, family firm based on a Newport industrial estate which made a loss of £123,000 in its last published accounts for 2008 on a turnover of £10m after being hit by rising fuel costs, the falling value of the pound and the collapse in public spending. Shine took out a winding-up petition in the county court in Cardiff on December 21 last year against Cardiff City Stadium Limited, a sister company of the football club for whom it carried out the work on the stadium.

SALMONELLA OUTBREAK ALERT

Feb 25 - Health officials in Newport are investigating eight cases of salmonella at the city's Royal Gwent Hospital. A hospital spokesman said it was not yet clear whether those suffering from the bacterial infection had caught it in the community or in hospital. GPs in the area have been contacted to alert them to the possibility the bug may be present in the community. Salmonella is usually associated with eating contaminated foods. The eight people are said to be recovering well. Some showed symptoms of the illness when they came into hospital but others did not, the spokesman said. The cases are being investigated by Aneurin Bevan Health Board, Public Health Wales and Newport council's environmental health department. In a statement, the health board said: "We are contacting local GPs to alert them to the possibility of salmonella in patients presenting from the community with symptoms. "

Salmonella is a type of bacteria. It is usually found in poultry, eggs, unprocessed milk and in meat and water. It may also be carried by pets. The salmonella bacteria attacks the stomach and intestines. In more serious cases, the bacteria may enter the lymph tracts, which carry water and protein to the blood, and the blood itself. The bacteria attack all age groups and both sexes. Children, the elderly and people who are already ill are much more likely to get a serious infection. Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment.

SCHOOL MEAL PRICES UP

Feb 25 - Newport City Council has upped its standard school meal charges by 10 per cent for secondary schools by 20 pence to £2.20. Prices for junior and infant are increased by 20 pence and 10 pence respectively to a set price of £1.90. The Council state "As part of the budget setting process for financial year 2010/2011, an increase in income is required to meet the Council’s guideline adjustment of 1% for other and adult meal income."

PRINCESS ROYAL OPENS NEWPORT HIGH

Feb 25 - The Princess Royal today officially opened the new Newport High School, Bettws Lane. As well as meeting pupils, staff and community leaders, Her Royal Highness was introduced to the architects and builders responsible for the building. After a tour of the building, The Princess congratulated all those who had been involved with the new school. “Enjoy the facilities and make the best possible use of them to give you a terrific start in life,” she told a hall full of pupils and guests. Council leader Councillor Matthew Evans said: “We were delighted to welcome The Princess Royal to Newport High School."

CITY COUNCIL CLAIMS RYDER CUP IS REWARDING NEWPORT

Feb 25 - Newport City Council is claiming significant and lasting benefits will accrue to the City from this year's Ryder Cup. Their latest publicity claims "As host city, Newport has been able to access funds that would not have otherwise been available to us. This welcome investment has enabled us to bring forward a programme of regeneration works which will ensure that hosting the Ryder Cup in Newport leaves a permanent legacy that will remain long after the golf has finished."  The publicity states a host of Welsh companies have also benefited by being awarded contracts linked to The 2010 Ryder Cup, including the design and construction of the Twenty Ten Course and Clubhouse at Celtic Manor Resort. Companies that have secured contracts include Alun Griffiths Construction (Abergavenny), Hansons of Bedwas, Inturf of Bridgend, HLN Architects, Lewis and Lewis of Newport, Whitehead Electrical, Paramount Office Interiors and Afan Landscapes. Local company Asbri Golf has also secured a lucrative license agreement within the Welsh market to design and supply official merchandise for The 2010 Ryder Cup. Jim Davies Civil Engineering of Blackwood and The Cuddy Group who are based in Neath have been appointed to construct the park and ride sites at Tredegar House and Llanwern. The Tredegar House project itself will create a lasting legacy for Newport providing improved facilities for the future events. A £3.8 million public realm enhancement programme, dedicated education programmes and improved road networks will enhance Newport's future. However, sceptics will point to failed developments in the centre of Newport and the lack of facilities may mean neighbouring locations benefit equally from the presence of the event here.

ADMIRAL CITY JOBS BOOST

Feb 24 - Admiral Group has announced plans to more than double its claims department by hiring over 200 new members of staff The insurer currently employs 188 people at the site in Newport and said the new positions would span a range of roles at all levels-from registering claims through to management positions.

Ceri Assiratti, people services manager at Admiral, said the decision was due to the group's customer base growing by 16% to 1.8m by the end of Q3 2009. She added: "Growth in the business is expected to continue over 2010. We need to grow our number of employees to service those customers." Admiral said its original target was to reach full employment by the end of 2011. It now plans to appoint 30 new employees per month until the positions are filled, which it said could be as early as September this year. The claims department was Admiral's third site, opening in October 2008 with 30 new recruits who joined 39 staff that had relocated from Cardiff and Swansea.

Ms Assiratti said: "Newport has proved a huge success and we will continue to expand here. It was initially projected the site would be full by the end of 2011, but we have found a wealth of talent in the area." Admiral, which launched in 1993, said it had around 2,900 members of staff across South Wales and more than two million customers worldwide.

LLANMARTIN MAN ARRESTED OVER BIKE THEFTS

Feb - 24 Gwent Police is appealing for the owners of 4 stolen bikes that were recovered following a spate of burglaries across Gwent over the Christmas period to come forward and identify them. The burglaries took place in several areas including, Llanmartin, Langstone and Machen.

Police officers recovered the stolen bikes from an address in the Magor area on February 5th 2010. A 36 year old man from Llanmartin has been arrested on suspicion of burlgary and has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

The bikes are described as follows:
-Yellow and black SPECIALIZED "HARDROCK" mountain bike
-Black GIANT "BOULDER" mountain bike
-Navy ADAMS trailer bike
-Pale green "GT BIKES"
-BMX - custom made
Anyone who identifies any of the bikes as one of their own is asked to contact Newport CID officers on 01633 838111.

GREEN BUILDING PLAN FOR RIVERFRONT

Once built, the properties at Mariners Quay will be available on a tenure neutral basis. This means that the homes will both be available to rent through Seren’s housing arm, Charter Housing, and to buy through the shared equity scheme operated by their development arm Fairlake. Whether the resident chooses to buy or rent is dependent on their individual circumstances. This builds on what is described as 'the cutting edge work Seren Group and Newport City Council have undertaken to implement the Assembly’s vision of neutral tenure in Wales'. The new homes will use green technology including triple glazing and maximum insulation, water efficient fittings and rainwater harvesting to reduce water usage, an on site biomass fuelled central heat and electricity generating boiler using locally sourced woodchips, and sun boxes to catch the warmth of the sun. Residents will receive a ‘green guide’ and a meeting about how to get the best out of their new homes. The buildings will be so efficient that utility bills could cost as little as £5 per week.

MORE CONFIDENCE IN POLICE APPROACH TO CRIME-FIGHTING

Feb 23 - More than half of people living in Newport are confident that the police and their partners in community safety are dealing with anti-social behaviour and the crime issues that matter to them. More than three thousand people, living in the five local authority areas which the force serves, were surveyed. In Newport 57% are confident that the police and partners are tackling anti social behaviour and the things that matter in the community. A spokeswoman stated "We have invested heavily in neighbourhood policing, with more officers than average devoted to local beat work. They engage with communities in all sorts of ways to make sure they know about the work we are doing to tackle anti social behaviour and other crime."

BETTWS MAN KILLED IN TOBOGGANING ACCIDENT

Feb 22 - A 19-year-old man has died from Bettws and another man was injured after they crashed into a car while tobogganing on a plastic sheet in Tredegar.Anthony Farley and a relative slid onto a main road from a grass bank at around 1610 GMT on Sunday. Gwent Police say the driver of the car they collided with did not stop and the men were found by a member of the public off Armoury Hill in the town. A man, 34, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Mr Farley was pronounced dead at the scene in the Ystrad Deri area of Tredegar. He leaves an eight month old son, Ieuan Meek.

CITY COIN ROBBERY SUSPECT IS BAILED

Feb 22 - A 54-year-old man from the Northampton area arrested on Sunday in connection with a robbery at a security depot in Newport has been released on bail. A four-figure sum made up of coins was stolen from the Loomis UK depot in Queensway Meadows industrial estate on Friday evening.

Gwent Police officers have found two of the three vehicles used in the raid, and have appealed for more information. All three vehicles were described as having distinctive markings. The vehicles were driven into the area some time before the robbery at 1910 GMT on Friday, said police. Det Supt Geoff Ronayne said: "I am still appealing to anyone who was is the vicinity of the Queensway Meadows Industrial Estate on Friday and might have seen anything suspicious or out of the ordinary to contact police by dialling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. I am also very keen to speak to anyone who saw any of the vehicles used by the offenders to contact the police. The lorry had some distinctive markings on the cab and the Volkswagen Transporter is not that common, members of the public may recall seeing two or three of these vehicles together travelling in convoy or parked up."

WALKING STICK ALARMS FITTED FOR CITY OAPs

Feb 21 - Walking sticks are being fitted with personal attack alarms by police in Newport as elderly people raised fears about their personal safety.  400 alarms have been fitted to walking aids and motability vehicles for people living in sheltered housing schemes in the city, the idea originated following discussions with pensioners at the Shaftesbury Court housing complex. The alarms can also be fitted to crutches, walking frames and wheelchairs. Police hope the high pitched alarms will reassure and give confidence to elderly people who have them. The alarms are loud and high pitched and can be activated easily with the push of a button in times of danger or distress.

EDUCATION ALLIANCE FORMED

Feb 21 - In what is described as "a far reaching and innovative initiative" the Governing Bodies of Coleg Gwent, The College Ystrad Mynach and the University of Wales, Newport have agreed to enter into talks exploring future strategic alliances. The governors of the three institutions state they are clear that such an alliance would be a step change towards achieving the vision of an integrated post-16 further and higher education learning network in South East Wales.  The talks will investigate the possibility of a merger between Coleg Gwent and The College Ystrad Mynach and innovative ways of planning for further Higher/Further Education development between the University of Wales, Newport and the merged college. This could lead to a further merger embracing all three organisations in the longer term or other approaches to working together.

CITY AWARDS PLAN

Feb 19 - The City Council is sponsoring its first awards evening at which staff and members of the Newport community will be recognised for exceptional work, acts of bravery, fundraising and many other activities which have either been of benefit to a council service or  local community. The Council Leader, Matthew Evans, agreed maximum expenditure of £5,000 for this event.

Throughout the past year research has been undertaken to identify people within Newport who have in some way have given of themselves for the benefit of others. In addition since the start of the New Year a campaign has been run in association with the South Wales Argus who have invited nominations from the public to find other unsung heroes within the City. Internally an initiative has been launched to find staff who have gone the extra mile within their field of work. The Council are to host all winners of the Extra Mile Awards at a Presentation Evening and Dinner to be held at the Parc Golf Club on Thursday 25th February 2010 at 7.00pm. The Mayor, Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council along with 2 Cabinet Members and the Council Directors will act as hosts for the evening.

UNI'S GREEN CREDENTIALS RECOGNISED

Feb 19 - The University has been declared an outstanding study in sustainability after winning a prestigious environmental award. The University is celebrating after being awarded the Envirowise Innovation Award 2010 for its unique approach to waste reduction.  Judges selected the University for its strong commitment to sustainability and for the significant and original steps it has taken towards improving its environmental performance. The University is one of the first in the UK to create its own bio-diesel project, producing its own bi-diesel from waste oil generated on site and using the fuel in their vehicles. In the last three years the University has recycled around 5200 litres of waste vegetable oil and reduced emissions by 85% which amounts to approximately 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide. 

SNOWFALL IN CITY

Feb 18 - Snow fell in Newport for most of the day as it brought a covering to many areas particularly in the east of the City. No significant disruption was reported and with minor exceptions services were unaffected. Conditions are expected to worsen this evening as the temperature falls below freezing with the risk of significant ice. The Met Office has issued an early warning for further snow in much of Wales and central England for Monday.

CLOSE ENCOUNTER REVEALED

Feb 18 - Previously classified papers released by the Ministry of Defence reveal a Newport funeral director had an otherworldly experience whilst driving towards Ebbw Vale. We can all identify with that, I hear you say. But the driver claimed his car was surrounded in a beam of light for five terrifying minutes, during which his radio and mobile phone stopped working. According to the report, the man at first saw what he thought was a "massive star" moving towards his vehicle as he drove in Ebbw Vale. Having stopped the vehicle, he was able to get out and walk about in the light, which was described as being very bright. There was no sound, although the car emerged from the incident covered in "dust and dirt". The driver, who was left feeling frightened and sick, developed a skin condition the next day.

FIRE AT TIMBER WORKS BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL

Feb 17 - Firefighters from seven stations across south Wales have tackled large fire at a Newport timber merchants. The blaze, said to involve a large amount of timber, started at 0320 GMT at the Terry Howell timber and builders merchants on the Maesglas Retail Park, Newport. Firefighters from Duffryn, Maindee, Malpas, Cwmbran, Aberdare, Caerphilly and Barry responded to the call. A spokeswoman said they had the fire surrounded and under control and the operation was being scaled down by 0750 GMT.

COUNCIL LAUDS NEW BUDGET FOR CITY

Feb 16 - Newport City Council's new budget agreed at today's Cabinet has been lauded by its political leadership. Councillor Matthew Evans, leader of the council, said: “Our priority is to deliver services in the best way possible and to protect our most vulnerable residents and frontline services. The proposal to raise council tax, coupled with the ongoing improvements, will help us ensure a robust budget and safeguard the services most important to our residents.Newport will continue to offer one of the lowest council tax rates in the UK as well as driving forward some considerable improvements to services.” A 3.95 per cent increase in the Council Tax was agreed, although inflation-busting the Council states the increase is eight pence per day in an average Band D property. Other highlights from the Budget selected by the Conservative-Liberal coalition.

Extra money for schools

Within the budget, schools were already one of only a few areas to receive a real cash increase. Councillors recognised that this was a very important area and committed a further £500,000 to ensure that education in Newport remains among the best in Wales and that our young people are given the best possible start in life.

Leisure maintenance

An additional £50,000 was committed to the leisure premises maintenance budget. Newport boasts some excellent facilities and this money will ensure that they are well maintained and that residents are encouraged and supported to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

Support for small businesses

An additional £20,000 has been allocated to support small businesses. This will be via a grants scheme.

Supporting the city centre

The Christmas free parking initiative proved very popular and supported city centre businesses. £50,000 has been set aside for similar promotional schemes that will encourage footfall in the city centre throughout the year.

POLICE APPEAL TO ROBBERY WITNESS

Feb 16 - Gwent Police is re-appealing for information to trace a witness to a robbery that occurred on Monday 25th January in Newport. At approximately 5.30pm a female, who was walking from Fields Park Road into Saint Marks Crescent, was approached from behind by a man who tried to grab her bag, off her shoulder. The female tried to keep hold of it and there was a struggle which led to the female being dragged onto Fields Park Road.

The offender ran off towards the Shaftsbury area. A man who witnessed the the incident assisted the victim and chased the offender, recovering the bag which had been discarded when the offender ran off. Officers want to trace this man as he could hold vital information that could assist the investigation. He was driving a large 4x4 which was dark in colour and there was also a teenage boy and another child in the vehicle. The 50 year old female was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital - she suffered cuts and bruises. The offender is described as white, approximately 20 years old, 5'10" tall of a medium build with short blonde hair, wearing a blue top and light blue jeans. The male who witnessed the incident and anyone else with any information about this case is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

FILM PROMOTES CITY IN RYDER CUP YEAR

Feb 15 - Newport's self promotion during Ryder Cup year is the basis for a new film pushing the attributes of the City to residents and to visitors. See the film here.

WORK IS UNDER WAY AT SAINSBURY'S SITE

Feb 15 - Work is under way at the site of Sainsbury's landmark 'Gateway to Wales' in Crindau. The new superstore will be just two minutes from the M4 with its own designated slip road linking the dual carriageway (Heidenheim Drive) with the site. Sainsbury's acquired the former Gas Works site from the National Grid in April 2008. A new bridged road access is being built from the A4042 Heidenhiem Drive to connect with a new roundabout on Albany Street. This new access from the A4042 will serve the Sainsbury’s store and the wider Crindau area. A dedicated access route to the store is formed from this roundabout. An 8 pump petrol filling station (PFS) complete with jet and car wash is located from a mini roundabout on the access road. The access to the customer car park passes through a box culvert bridge to face the main entrance elevation to the store. The store will comprise the following:● A sales area of 7063 sq m incorporating general merchandise and food sales.● Back of house facilities extending the full length of the store with general goods delivery at one end and goods on line (GOL) at the other.● The main entrance lobby facing on to the car park.● Public WC and baby change facilities located near the John Sainsbury's Restaurant (JSR) - A new Goods Online delivery facility to serve the surrounding area is also provided in a dedicated service enclosure. - In total 670 parking bays are provided including 29 disabled bays and 28 parent & child bays all with safe and easy access to the store.

COUNCIL TAX TO RISE BY 3.95 PER CENT

Feb 14 - Newport's Council Taxpayers face a rise in their charges of 3.95 per cent. The Revenues Budget for 2010/11 before the City Council Cabinet on Tuesday proposes the increase, is significantly ahead of the rate of inflation - currently 2.4 per cent. Despite the increase in funding from the central taxpayer Newport continues to be affected by a fall in come from capital receipts and the downturn in the property market. The current administration argues that it is trying to improve the financial position of the Council and is reducing reliance on reserves.

BIG INCREASES IN COUNCIL LEISURE FEES

Feb 13 - The cost of using City Council leisure facilities is set to rise significantly following the decision by the Conservative-Liberal coalition to implement a new charging structure from April 2010.  Most of the increases proposed are way ahead of inflation at a time of rising unemployment in Newport. Some of the worst examples include

• a 20 per cent increase in the cost of adult swimming sessions at the new Active Living Centre from £2.40 to £2.90

• a 15.4 per cent in swim instruction classes for adults up to £45 from £39 (for 10 weeks) on the premise that 'price differential to grow to work towards adults paying 100% more than children'.

• a 63 per cent increase in pitch hire (with changing facilities) for Newport and District Football League clubs

• a 73.64 per cent for the same clubs (without changing facilities)

Charges for wedding receptions at Belle Vue Park will rise from £395 to £445. The Council's Fitness Solutions membership will increase to £32 placing it ahead of Torfaen and Cardiff. The Council argues it must find budget savings towards its £9 million deficit. The decision has been criticised by Councillor Mark Whiticutt (Labour). He said "Charges are being increased when facilities such as those at Lliswerry, which are needed by the community are being closed. In other words ordinary people are being asked to pay more for less at a time when people need to use these facilities more to cope with the stresses and demands of the recession. I  call for a reconsideration of the increase in these charges."

DRUGS GANG JAILED

Feb 11 - The last seven members of a twenty-strong drugs gang who conspired to transport heroin with a street value of £700,000 into the Newport area have been sentenced. The men were charged as a result of an 18-month police operation codenamed Rebus. Between July 2007 and September 2008, Gwent Police recovered 7kg of heroin brought from Birmingham to Newport. Supt Julian Knight of Gwent Police told the BBC it was "an excellent result" for "a complex operation". In last of three trials at Newport Crown Court, Garry Rabjohns, 21, and Benjamin Brown, 26, both of Newport, were given prison sentences of six years and six and a half years respectively. Ofe Ahmed, 31, of Birmingham, was sentenced to five years and Tariq Hussain, 37, of Newport, was given four years. Abdul Mohib, 23, from Birmingham, received 15 months in prison. Shah Hussain, 27, of Birmingham, and Amir Ali, 31, of Newport, were both given nine months suspended sentences and ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid community work.

MANSION HOUSE PLANS APPROVED

Feb 11 - Work could begin this month on converting a historic building into a new Registry Office for Newport. Planning permission was granted for the proposal in the former Mansion House. Originally built as a private home, the building was used for many years as the official residence of the mayor.But a decision was made in 2008 to cease using it for that purpose and a number of different proposals were put forward. After an "in-depth investigation" by the overview and scrutiny forum for resources, which included asking the public for their views, the favoured option was to relocate the present registrar service from Goldtops to the Mansion House. Tory Councillor Peter Davies, cabinet member for resources, said: “I’m delighted that the proposal has been approved and I hope that work might be able to start later this month.”

NIMBY DECISION OVER LANGSTONE PLAN

Feb 11 - The public outcry over a proposed development in Langstone has won opponents a short lived reprieve. The City Council Planning Committee split five votes to four, overturning an officer recommendation for approval of a 60 home development by Bellway Homes on the former Hurrans' garden centre site.

CARPENTERS ARMS RE-OPENS

Feb 11 - Reversing the trend for public houses to close, the Carpenter's Arms in Newport is re-opening its doors after it was bought and fully refurbished by pub chain J.W. Bassett Pubs and Bars.

BE-WISE BUILDING TARGETED FOR CITY CONTACT CENTRE

Feb 10 - The former B-Wise building at the lower end of Commercial Street adjacent to Park Square car park has been identified by the Council as an ideal location for its new face to face contact centre. Although funding barriers have still to be overcome the refurbished building could provide an ideal location for the City Council's customer centre. A Welsh Assembly Government Invest to Save bid has already been approved and a Project Manager has been appointed with effect from February 1. The new centre will act as a 'one stop shop' for most enquiries relating to the City Council and also provide an outlet for other service providers and advice services.

RESIDENT CRITICISES COUNCIL PRIORITIES

Feb 10 - A Ringland resident criticised the Council's priorities at a recent Ringland Neighbourhood Meeting. The resident was extremely upset about the closure of Ladyhill Centre and the proposal to cease delivery of hot meals. It was felt that monies being spent on the Ryder Cup should go to these causes rather than providing banners etc. "People should come before the Ryder Cup."

UNIVERSITY BEGINS TRANSITION TO NEW CAMPUS SITE

Feb 9 - University of Wales, Newport has started to address the transition of several thousand students to the new City Centre campus site. University managers recently met with students affected by the move. Immediately, students have been made aware of severe constraints relating to parking at the new Campus site. Only 18 disabled spaces will be available with the possibility of subsidised parking at the nearby Kingsway Car Park and a park and ride scheme from Newport Stadium. The lack of parking will act as a planning incentive as the University demonstrates its 'green' credentials in order to facilitate the extension of the campus to include a new research facility on adjacent land between the current site and Castle Bingo, subject to negotiations over the land with Newport City Council. Students have been advised that security will be paramount with swipe cards enabling access to lecture theatres and other facilities, but public access to the open main area of the building will also be encouraged. (We are grateful to a first year student for supplying this information).

MAN CHARGED WITH TESCO ROBBERY

Feb 8 - A 29 year old man has been charged in connection with three robberies:

- on 16 October 2009 at Tesco, Harlech Retail Park, Cardiff Road, Newport.
- on 4 November 2009 at B and A Cash and Carry on Hadfield Road, Cardiff
- on 13 November 2009 at Tesco Pengam Green, Cardiff

He appeared at Cardiff Magistrates Court on Saturday 6 February. A man and woman have also been arrested and bailed in connection with the above three robberies.

FIREMAN INJURED BY APPLIANCE

Feb 8 - A firefighter from Malpas on an early morning emergency call was seriously hurt when an appliance accidentally rolled forward and hit him. South Wales Fire Service said he hurt his leg and shoulder in the incident at Henllys, Cwmbran. Ambulance crews and colleagues treated him, before he was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport. An investigation has been carried out by police, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and the fire service. The injured firefighter had been called to help after a car overturned outside the Castell-y-bwch Inn in Henllys at 0345 GMT.

PROSPECTS BLEAK FOR PROPOSED KINGSWAY STORE

Feb 8 - Prospects appear bleak for the proposed Kingsway outlet for Ethel Austin and Au Naturelle as the chain went into administration over the weekend. The retail chain also has a store in Commercial Street.

FIRE-FIGHTERS BRING BLAZE UNDER CONTROL

Feb 7 - South Wales fire crews have tackled a blaze in a large number of wooden pallets in Newport. The fire service were called to the Norbert Dentressangle haulage company in Corporation Road on Saturday night. A total of eight fire engines and four water bowsers were in attendance at the height of the blaze, and they were damping down on Sunday morning. A lorry was also destroyed in the blaze.

POLICE DRUG INTERVENTION PROGRAMME EXTENDED

Feb 6 - In an extension to the ‘Tough Choices’ programme, which aims to reduce offending by drug users by forcing them to choose between drug treatment and assessment or punishment by the courts, Gwent Police is now one of a number of police forces in Wales and England that will be trialing the testing of people arrested for violent crime and public order offences for the presence of Class A drugs. This will focus on the Newport area. Tough Choices, which is an expansion of the Drug Intervention Programme, was introduced in April 2009 and has previously enabled the testing of people suspected of drugs offences or other trigger offences such as acquisitive crime on arrest. Gwent Police was the first Welsh force to carry out the testing last year. Those who fail to take the test are charged with failure/ refusal to provide a sample for a Class A drug and are placed before the court.

During February and March, anyone over 18 years who is arrested for a wide variety of offences related to violence and public order in Newport will be screened whilst in custody. If they have any history of using, or being suspected of using, heroin, cocaine or similar substances they be required to take a test to see if these drugs are present in their systems. Anyone who refuses can be charged with a separate offence and will have to appear in court . Those testing positive will be seen and assessed by a Drugs Referral Worker, either whilst they are still in custody or at an appointment after they are released and offered help and encouragement to address their habit.

COUNCILLORS TO CONSIDER PLAN FOR HURRANS SITE

Feb 6 - City Councillors will be considering an application this week from Bellway Homes to develop the former Hurrans' Garden Centre in Langstone. The decision is a politically sensitive one as the area is represented by two Conservative Councillors. Bellway intend to build 60 houses on the site in a locality with a significant number of executive-style estates. The proposal is recommended for approval by officers but it has attracted a wide range of objections from Langstone residents. They include the following, an insight into the views of locals

"the village of Langstone is being destroyed by the on-going building of new homes;  the area already suffers from electricity supply problems due to overburdening of the system;  primary and Infant schools in Langstone are full with some classes taking place in terrapins; there is no state Nursery in Langstone. It should be linked to the school and established on the application site; Langstone has no facilities for residents such as shops, post office and community centre. The Council think they can put more houses in Langstone without providing any facilities for residents; - there is no dedicated doctors surgery for a community of 2770+ residents. The development is unsustainable in a rural area; the provision of social housing is out of character for the area and will have a negative effect on the resale value of properties."

The Planning Committee report confirms that Langstone is not a village "The site is not considered a Village and lies within the urban settlement boundary of Newport and accordingly Policy H2 states that such development is acceptable in principle." £366k will be sought from the developer towards local play facilities, £206k will be required as a contribution to local schools and 12 homes will be made available for rent to be managed by a registered social landlord.

POLICE CAMPAIGN BRINGS REWARD

Feb 5 - This week the Police has been focussing on a high intensity, high visibility enforcement campaign to locate and apprehend prolific and priority offenders, known offenders and wanted people for offences such as burglary, car crime, assaults and drug offences. There were twenty six arrests in Newport (Burglary x 1, Theft x 5, Drug offences x 5, Assault x 1, Fraud offences x 1, Criminal damage x 3, Drink driving x 2, Actual Bodily Harm x 3. No bail warrants x 5).Detective Chief Inspector Ian Roberts said; “Gwent Police is determined to protect the public from harm by relentlessly pursuing criminals and ensuring that they are brought to justice. This two-day operation focussed specifically on identifying offenders committing the type of crimes that can most affect the everyday lives of people..We maintain our promise to protect and reassure the public and they can be confident that police resources and activity will focus on addressing the issues that matter most to them.”
 

CITY MPs REPAY EXPENSES

Feb 4 - Newport's two Members of Parliament have repaid over-claimed expenses after an audit of all claims made going back to 2004. According to the information released today from the investigation by Sir Thomas Legg across the UK, 389 MPs, more than half the current and past MPs reviewed, were recommended to repay £1.3m.

Paul Flynn Newport West Labour, was overpaid a total of £2,625.61 for mortgage interest (£404.49 for 2004-05, £499.09 for 2005-06, £53.89 for 2006-07, £1,487.99 for 2007-08 and £180.15 for 2008-09). This total includes a duplicate payment for £1,359.52 covering April to June 2007. Total - £2,625.61 - paid. Mr Flynn said there was no financial gain as the amounts under-claimed were far greater than sums overpaid. He said: "The discrepancies are due to accounting anomalies in claiming on existing rules and being judged on new ones. For instance, my claim for a TV licence in 2006 was made in early 2007. No claim in 2006 and two in 2007 was acceptable under the existing rules. My claims on second homes allowance have been modest - last year less than half the permitted allowance, this year less than a quarter. I no longer claim the allowance and I do not expect to claim it in the future." Jessica Morden, Newport East, Labour was paid £380.55 twice for household goods in January 2006. Total repayment made by Ms Morden £380.55.

TRANSPORTER BRIDGE WORKS EXTENDED

Feb 4 - Refurbishment work on Newport's Transporter Bridge has been extended following a decision by the City Council. The bridge's two towers will now be repainted by T.I. Protective Coatings, the company carrying out the refurbishment. The 2009/10 and 2010/2011 Capital Programme includes an allocation of £350,000 which together with an £800,000 Welsh Assembly Government Grant through the City Enhancement Framework and a Grant from CADW of  £75,000 provides the £1.225 million budget estimated to be necessary for the urgent refurbishment works, set to be complete in time for the Ryder Cup.

17 YEAR OLD CHARGED WITH RAPE

Feb 3 - The 17 year old male from Newport who was arrested in connection with a serious sexual assault which occurred on Bailey Street, Newport in the early hours of Saturday morning (January 30th) has been charged with rape and appeared at Cwmbran Magistrates Court this morning.

POLICE WARN OVER BOGUS CALLERS

Feb 3 - Police are urging residents to be vigilant following an incident of a bogus official calling at a household in Newport purporting to be a gas meter reader. The incident, which happened during the morning of Wednesday 27th January occurred at a property on Margaret Avenue, Newport. The homeowner stayed with the caller for the duration of his visit. Nothing was stolen.

It was only later, when she was contacted by her genuine gas supplier and asked them about the previous visit that she realised that he was in fact a bogus official. The man is described as being white, in his mid 30s, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and of slim build. He had short dark hair and was wearing a dark sweatshirt, a reflective jacket and blue jeans. Anyone who may have seen this man or hold information about this incident that could assist enquiries is asked to contact Gwent Police on 101.

DATA CENTRE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

Feb 3 - Next Generation Data Ltd announced today that two large-scale custom built data halls for BT and Logica have been completed in record time at its new NGD Europe tier 3 mega data centre in Newport allowing both anchor tenants to commence managed services operations ahead of schedule. This follows Next Generation Data winning long-term contracts from BT and Logica last autumn worth over £20million for the provision of space and infrastructure at NGD Europe which at 75,000 sq metres is one of the world’s largest data centres.

Build outs for both client organisations were finished in less than 16 weeks compared to the industry average of 24 weeks and in spite of the challenging weather conditions during late December and early January. “Making these halls ready in record time for BT and Logica was largely down to excellent planning and project management by our resident and highly experienced operations team, the calibre and professionalism of our chosen infrastructure partners and sheer hard work by all concerned,” said Simon Taylor, Chairman of Next Generation Data. He added: “Demand for space at NGD Europe is growing fast from corporate, government and cloud computing organisations which are fast realising that our out-of-town facility offers them much more scale, power, resilience, connectivity and security at far less cost compared to the traditional data centre locations in London and the South East. We are already preparing two further custom halls for client occupation very soon.” NGD Europe, sited in the former LG building, is being used by BT to deploy hundreds of server racks to deliver increased capacity for IT and communications services provided to business customers in the UK and globally; Logica is using the facility to help manage the IT requirements of its government clients.

CAERLEON LIBRARY SET TO RELOCATE

Feb 3 - The City Council is seeking grant funding from CyMAL (the advisory body for Museums, Archives and Libraries) within the Welsh Assembly Government in order to relocate Caerleon Library. The Library has been situated in the Comprehensive School for a number of years.

The grant aid would be aimed at delivering modern library facilities in order to attract more people to benefit from the enhanced range of education and learning opportunities now offered by public libraries. The Council would take up grant funding to relocate the library in Caerleon into the Town Hall working with the Youth and Community Service to provide a wider range of community facilities in an existing building within Caerleon. The grant aid up to a maximum of £300k would be used to install lift access to the first floor where the library would be located, create an entrance area for the library, install public access PC’s and equip a small learning space. Local Councillor Gail Giles (Labour) has expressed concern "Whilst I fully support maintaining and improving the library facilities in Caerleon, and accept that the present site is not ideal, I have considerable concerns about the implications that a move to the Caerleon Town Hall would have on access to this facility for other users, both regular and occasional."

ARREST AFTER SEX ATTACK

Feb 2 - A 17-year-old youth has been arrested in connection with a serious sex assault on a woman aged 22 outside a Newport nightclub, say Police. The assault is alleged to have happened outside the city centre Fire and Ice club in the early hours of Saturday. Officers said the woman reported she had been approached by a man, who it is believed later attacked her in Bailey Street, a short distance from the club. The arrested teenager is from the Newport area, officers said. The victim of the attack is receiving continuing support from specialist Gwent Police officers. Det Ch Insp Ian Roberts, who is leading the investigation. said this kind of incident was rare in Newport.

"We have strong links with licensees and retailers who work very closely with our officers to ensure people have as safe a night as they possibly can," he said. "However, we are investigating a serious incident and we need information from the public to assist us in solving this case. "We are appealing for anyone who might have seen any suspicious activity in the area of Bailey Street between 3am and 5am on Saturday morning to come forward as they might hold vital information that could assist our investigation. Mr Roberts said anyone with information can approach officers patrolling the area and speak to them, call police on 101, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

NEW LIBRARY OPENS AT TREDEGAR HOUSE

Feb 1 - A library and learning centre is now available for the Duffryn area. Situated at the entrance to Tredegar House, it is part of the newly-refurbished library and visitor.Funding of £223,000 was secured from CyMAL to carry out the renovation work.Visitors to the library will be able to access the extensive stock. They can borrow up to 20 items including books, audio books and large print items as well as using the PCs. Opening hours are as follows: Winter / Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-4pm - Summer / Tuesday 10am-12.30pm; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am-5.30pm.

SEXUAL ASSAULT IN CITY CENTRE - POLICE APPEAL

Jan 30 - Police are hunting a man in his 20s after a woman was seriously sexually assaulted outside a nightclub. Gwent Police said the 22-year-old woman was assaulted outside Fire and Ice in Newport between 0200 and 0500 GMT on Saturday.The male attacker is described as of Asian appearance and approximately 5ft 8in (1.7m) tall. He was of slim build with short black hair brushed forward and he was wearing jeans and white trainers.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Roberts, who is leading the investigation said: "The victim is currently being supported by specialist officers and we are appealing for anyone who might have seen any suspicious activity in the area between 0200 and 0500 GMT, to come forward as they might hold vital information that could assist our investigation. "I would like to reassure visitors to Newport city centre and local residents that we have set up a dedicated team to investigate this incident, and whilst serious sexual assaults remain a rare occurrence in Gwent police patrols in the area have been increased." Anyone with any information is asked to approach officers that are patrolling the area, call Gwent Police on 101, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

NEWPORT ROBBERIES - MAN CHARGED

Jan 29 - A 26 year old man from the Newport area who was arrested in connection with robberies in Newport has been charged with two offences of robbery. It relates to two incidents - one on Saturday 23rd January on Ledbury Drive, near to its junction with Glastonbury Close and the other on 11th December in Pugsley Street. He has been bailed in connection with a number of other robberies in the Newport area and is due to appear before Newport Magistrates tomorrow morning.

CAERLEON PUB BREACHES LICENCE

Jan 29 - The proprietors of the Goldcroft Inn in Caerleon pleaded guilty to breaching their licensing conditions at Cwmbran Magistrates’ Court on 22 January. In a prosecution brought by Newport City Council, Goldcroft Inn Ltd and Company Director/Premises Supervisor Samantha Jane Starbuck were each fined £1000 for three offences under the Licensing Act, with council costs of £375 awarded against each defendant. On two separate occasions, in November and December 2008, licensing officers found fire exits in the pub bolted shut or otherwise obstructed, in breach of licensing conditions. In August 2009, noise levels from the pub had been so loud that officers considered another licensing condition – causing unreasonable disturbance to the neighbourhood – had been breached. The Council will now review the pub’s licence, on the basis of preventing public nuisance and ensuring public safety. This hearing will take place on 25 February in front of a licensing sub-committee.

STUDENT BUS LEFT UNATTENDED

Jan 29 - Newport Students Union is reporting that drivers of the bus service for students to travel to and from Newport to the University are leaving the buses unattended with passengers on board in order that they purchase snacks and drinks. The Students Union website reports that in one instance "The driver pulled up on Caerleon High Street, outside Piper's Newsagents, leaving the bus engine running and the doors fully open as he got off without explanation leaving the students on board puzzled. The driver then entered the store and returned a short while later with several cans of drink, he joked with a passenger that he wished the soft drinks "were lager", before continuing the journey as normal."

COUNCIL SLAMMED OVER DETERIORATING CITY CENTRE

Jan 28 - Opposition Labour councillors have criticised the Council's policy towards the City Centre at this week's full Council meeting. Councillor Ray Truman was concerned that action needed to be taken fast to improve the position as to shopping in the city centre. He was concerned that there were few new shops and that some businesses were moving out. Out of town shopping was faring better. He said it was important for the Council to act quickly to address the situation. Matthew Evans, the Leader of the Council, referred to previous decisions that had impacted on the position, such as the provision of out of town shopping and previous unsuccessful attempts to develop the city centre. City and town centres across the UK were struggling and the current administration was trying initiatives for the city centre such as the city enhancement programme and the decision to provide free parking at Christmas.

Councillor Richards was concerned that if Iceland Foods were to pursue the Judicial Review they had threatened, that it would impact on the Council’s ability to complete the Compulsory Purchase Order process in the timescale. The Leader stated that the General Vesting Declaration had been served on all interested parties. There had been no further action from Iceland Foods to date and work was being done to secure alternative premises for the company. Negotiations were continuing with all interested parties and work was being done to achieve the transfer of all interests to the City Council on 8 March 2010.

LIB-TORY CITY COUNCIL FACING MASSIVE CUTBACKS AND JOB LOSSES

Jan 27 - Newport City Council's Liberal - Conservative coalition has announced cutbacks in service and the potential for a significant reduction in its staffing. The Council has been proudly boasting of its expenditure of roads (funding out of prudential borrowing) at the same time as giving consideration to service cuts in key service areas. Among the targets are meals on wheels for the elderly and the Ladyhill Day Centre in Labour held Alway. At yesterday's full Council meeting local councillor Ray Truman asked the Lib-Tory coalition to think again, he stated "You will be dammed by the vulnerable people of Newport.”

DOG CONTROL ORDERS GET COUNCIL BACKING

Jan 27 - Newport City Council has voted in favour of a Dog Control Orders proposal in three of the city’s cemeteries: St Woolos, Caerleon and Christchurch. This means when they are within the cemeteries’ grounds, dog walkers must keep their dog on a lead (with a maximum length of 1.5 metres) and must remove their dog’s faeces. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £1000. Cabinet Member for the Environment and Community Safety, Councillor David Fouweather said: “There was a unanimous vote in favour of this and I believe it was a good, sensible decision. The orders are necessary because some irresponsible dog owners allow their dogs to foul on graves or throw a ball, resulting in the dog trampling over graves. It is a pity the council has had to resort to this kind of enforcement because of the actions of a minority of people.”

FLYTIPPER PROSECUTED BY COUNCIL

Jan 26 - Newport City Council’s waste enforcement officers, working in partnership with Gwent Police, have successfully prosecuted a Cardiff businessman for depositing waste within the Newport Authority. The businessman, a Mr Khan, was witnessed on the 31 May 2009 depositing a quantity of waste at a well known local fly tipping hot spot in Newport. Two police officers from Newport’s neighbourhood policing team approached a commercial vehicle at Pencarn Lane Newport after witnessing the driver depositing waste onto a public highway. Following an investigation by the authority, the defendant attended Cwmbran magistrate’s court on Monday 18 January 2010. Magistrates determined that it was Mr Khan intention to deposit the waste unlawfully. Upon conviction Mr.Khan was issued a fine of £1000 and ordered to pay an additional £800 in court costs. Cabinet member for the Environment and Community Safety, Councillor David Fouweather said: “The council and Gwent Police both work hard to keep the environment of Newport as clean and green as possible for residents. Therefore we are delighted that Mr.Khan was brought to justice as we want to show the residents of Newport that we will not put up with flytipping.”

WOMAN ROBBED IN FIELDS PARK ROAD

Jan 26 - Gwent Police is appealing for information to a robbery that occurred on Monday 25th January in Newport. At approximately 5.30pm a female, who was walking from Fields Park Road into St. Marks Crescent, was approached from behind by a man who tried to grab her bag, off her shoulder. The female tried to keep hold of it and there was a struggle which led to the female being dragged onto Fields Park Road. The offender ran off towards the Shaftesbury area.

A witness to the incident assisted the victim and chased the offender, recovering the bag which had been discarded when the offender ran off. The 50 year old female was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital - she suffered cuts and bruises. The offender is described as white, approximately 20 years old, 5'10" tall of a medium build with short blonde hair, wearing a blue top and light blue jeans. Officers want to trace the witness who helped the female as he could hold vital information that could assist the investigation. He is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 and anyone else with any information about the incident is also asked to call the police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

RECORD YEAR FOR CELTIC MANOR

Jan 26 - Venue of the 2010 Ryder Cup, the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport has announced a record year for leisure visitors. The five-star, 400 bedroom resort sold 20,000 more room nights to leisure visitors in 2009 than it did in 2008. There was also a 58% increase in green fee income, a 26% rise in bar and restaurant revenue and an 18% increase in spa business. However, corporate business was down by 29% on the previous year and 60 staff were made redundant at the beginning of 2009. The boost in leisure business resulted from a combination of Celtic Manor’s increased international profile as home of this year’s Ryder Cup, which resulted in a 45% rise in the number of overseas visitors, and the introduction of competitive packages for leisure travellers.

POLICE APPEAL OVER SHAFTESBURY INCIDENT

Jan 26 - Gwent Police is appealing for information following a robbery which occurred at approximately 3pm on Saturday 23rd January.
A 70 year old lady was walking down Ledbury Drive, near to its junction with Glastonbury Close in the Shaftesbury area of Newport, when she was approached from behind. The offender grabbed her shopping bag and by doing so pulled the lady to the floor. As a result of the fall the lady sustained head and arm injuries as well as cuts, swelling and bruising to her face. She was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital and released later that day. The offender made off from the scene in the direction of Glastonbury Close with the shopping bag containing a purse and a mobile phone.
The offender is described as male, thought to be in his late twenties/early thirties. He was approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, of medium build. He had dark wavy hair and facial stubble. He was wearing a three quarter length light-weight jacket that had dark coloured shoulder panels and a red lower half, mid-blue jeans that appeared slightly worn and a grey woollen hat (possibly with tassels on the side). Gwent Police is appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who thinks that they may be able to help identify the offender to contact Dc 1368 Benton at Newport Central Police Station on 01633 244999. Alternatively please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

NEW HEAD TAKES REINS AT HARTRIDGE

Jan 25 - Peter Jenkins is relishing the exciting challenges he faces in his new role as head teacher of Hartridge High School, according to Newport City Council. Working alongside him is new deputy head teacher Rob King. Both have taken over the top posts as Hartridge prepares for future changes, including a much-needed replacement school building. The 51-year-old has joined the school after nine years as head at Ferndale community school where official inspectors described his leadership as dynamic and of high quality. Mr Jenkins said the opportunity to be part of a new team taking the school forward was one he could not ignore.“Schools are going through transition to a skills-based curriculum which offers a lot of opportunities in terms of developing our youngsters.”Mr Jenkins was also enthusiastic about the new school building with work due to start this summer. “It will give the children the very best facilities in Wales.”

NEWPORT STILL ATTRACTIVE TO BUSINESS - FIRST MINISTER

Jan 25 - Newport West AM Rosemary Butler was given assurances by First Minister Carwyn Jones today that Newport is still a place where investment is taking place, despite a report from a firm of leading economic analysts which suggested that Newport is one of the worst affected cities in the UK during the current recession. The Centre for Cities think tank said recently that Newport was near the bottom of the league table when it came to new business start ups and lost private sector jobs. Mrs Butler raised the findings of the report during questions to the First Minister Carwyn Jones.

Rosemary Butler, Newport West: Will the First Minister comment on yesterday's report from the independent think tank "Centre for Cities" which suggests that Newport is one of the UK's biggest victims in the current recession. It's clear that more new businesses and more  private sector jobs are needed, as well as a higher level of skills for the local workforce. Will the Welsh Assembly Government make a special effort to make sure that Newport doesn't get left behind once the recession ends?

First Minister: Newport is in quite a favourable position in terms of its geography - its proximity to the M4 and of course the main railway line. Even when we have gone through difficult times, there have been significant investment projects that have been secured in Newport - Admiral Insurance for example, the HSBC  insurance services sector, the new power station, the new railway station, the new university campus of course, the city centre and of course Bettws School. So roughly 2,000 jobs have been created across the city between April 2008 and  September 2009.It shows that Newport is still very much a place where investment is taking place and very much a place which is attractive for business.

LIGHT RAIL NEEDED IN NEWPORT - ASSEMBLY REPORT

Jan 25 - Newport and Wales needs massive investment in its rail infrastructure with new tram lines in it major cities, direct connections between the north and south of the country and a high-speed line between South Wales and London, a report has said. The Welsh Assembly Government’s Enterprise and Learning Committee’s raft of recommendations includes light railway systems for Cardiff, Newport and Swansea and improved services between North and South Wales. New trains on the Valley Lines, a Severn Tunnel upgrade and the electrification of key diversionary routes is also needed, according to the report published today.

DISTRACTION BURGLARY APPEAL Jan 25 - Gwent Police is appealing for information and issuing advice following a distraction burglary in the Gaer on Sunday 24th January. At approximately 12 noon a man, purporting to be a window cleaner, called at a house on Drinkwater Close offering to clean inside and outside windows. When the man had left the resident discovered their purse had been stolen. The male is described as white, approximately 30-40 years old, with dark hair. He was wearing dark bottoms and a dark jacket. Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

NEW UNI BUILDING WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL 2011

Jan 24 - The new Newport University City Centre Campus will not start receiving students until January 2011. The detail is tucked away in a set of frequently asked questions on the University's website. It states "The target for completion of the build is November 2010. The building will then be fitted out with equipment and furniture throughout December 2010 and the first students will be moving in in January 2011." This is slightly later than was previously revealed as it had been anticipated that the campus would open on site in October 2010. 2,700 students will study at the site.

TORY CANDIDATE'S TWITTER BLUNDER

Jan 23 - Newport East's Conservative candidate has criticised the policy of allowing working class the opportunity to go to University. Dawn Parry stated on twitter.com that "It's Labour's fault for dropping exam standards so every Tom, Dick and Harry goes to university." Parry, a councillor in Weston-super-Mare was a surprise selection for the seat, having failed selection contests in St Ives, Bristol South and Plymouth. Jessica Morden, the Labour Newport East MP who will fight Ms Parry for the seat at the general election, said: "This shows the Tory Party is still as elitist as ever. Dawn Parry wants to make university a closed shop. Thousands of students across Wales from less advantaged backgrounds have been able to attend college and university and gone on to have successful careers because of Labour’s investment in further education.It’s ridiculous to suggest Labour has ‘dropped exam standards’. What we have done is driven up educational standards and made university more accessible." Ms Parry, who did not go to university, runs a guest house in Banwell, North Somerset. She told Wales Online "“I’m not elitist at all. I’m a Valleys girl through and through.....When I was growing up in the Rhondda, we only had an outside toilet." Ms. Parry's bed and breakfast has a website here. It states "Although being in the countryside, The Elms is just 8 miles from Bristol International Airport and only 7 miles from Weston-Super-Mare mainline train station. We can collect guests by seperate (sic) negociation (sic) from the airport or train station if required."

NEWPORT FESTIVAL 2010 LAUNCHED

Jan 22 - Newport’s Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre played host yesterday to VIP guests, celebrities, press, city councillors and 50 five foot tall dragons, as the plans for the Newport Festival 2010 were launched. Leader of Newport City Council, Cllr Matthew Evans, welcomed guests including award-winning actress Virginia McKenna and golf journalist and children’s author Lauren St.John.

Councillor Matthew Evans, leader of Newport City Council, said: “2010 will be one of the most exciting years Newport has ever seen. It is a year which promises to unveil a new era for Newport, with a legacy the city and its residents can enjoy for many years to come. There is an action-packed calendar of events from September’s Big Splash event – with a circus and a funfair staged on the banks of the River Usk to the Fire Spectacular in October when the city’s skies will be illuminated by some impressive fireworks. And of course, hunting down the SuperDragons in the city will be a major pursuit for Newport residents and tourists throughout the summer months. Every community will have its own individual legacy from an event or project that is launched in 2010. Young people will have a chance to take part in some of our most memorable events, leaving lasting memories that will stay with them forever, and plenty of vivid tales to tell to future generations.”

At the launch, the festival plans were outlined and residents can look forward to parades, circus acts, water sports, bands, fairgrounds and aerial artistes who will perform above the suspension bridge. One of the highlights is set to be the SuperDragons who will take over Newport in the summer. The statues gathered at the Riverfront for the launch and businesses are being asked to sponsor a dragon which a local artist will paint and decorate. The dragons will then form a trail across the city and residents and tourists will be encouraged to follow the trial and visit where the dragons are situated. The dragons will be auctioned after the trial with proceeds going to charity. Born Free is one charity that will benefit from the auction and actress Virginia McKenna was a special guest at the launch.

SOMERTON'S TARDIS GAINS £10K GRANT

Jan 22 - A former police box, called the Tardis by locals, has been awarded £10,500 towards its repair. The community had been trying to raise money to preserve the old box in Somerton. It is one of a dozen conservation projects to share £410,000 in Welsh assembly government funding via Cadw.

CITY HAULAGE FIRM FORCED TO CLOSE

Jan 21 - Two haulage firms have been left reeling by the closure of packaging firm Western Corrugated while a third has had to close. Western, with plants in Cwmbran and Wolverhampton, went into administration on 4 January with KPMG appointed to handle its closure. Long standing Rogerstone haulier Ellis Morgan has been forced to close as a result of the bad debt, believed to be a six-figure sum, caused by Western's failure. Another City haulier JP Bull has been badly affected. A spokesman for JP Bull told roadtransport.com the company had been working for Western since April 2009 and is now owed approximately £165,000, "which the administrator said we are unlikely to see a penny of". As a result of the failure, JP Bull is winding down its Cwmbran operation and has made 12 redundancies.

Ellis Morgan's website states "Founded in 1820 with just one horse & cart by the great-great-grandfather of the present day proprietors, the company is now in its 6th generation of the Morgan family. "

KINGSWAY DWP OFFICE TO BECOME CALL CENTRE

Jan 21 - Massive changes are taking place at Newport's Benefit Delivery Centre in Kingsway. The Department for Work and Pensions made a major announcement prior to Christmas indicating that instead of processing claims staff in Newport would be re-trained as call centre operators. Work has now begun to move the processing of Income Support and other benefits away from the Centre where currently over 400 civil servants are employed. The Newport telephony centre will deal with callers and enquiries from all over Wales as of April 1.

END FOR CITY CENTRE RANGER SERVICE

Jan 21 - The City Council will be bringing an end to its City Centre ranger service following the redeployment of the rangers to its CCTV service monitoring the main areas of central Newport. A Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Environment Report of 18 March 2009 and a Leader’s Report of 29 March 2009 approved the temporary suspension of the City Centre Ranger Service and the transfer of the two Rangers in post to "meet some of the staffing needs of the City Centre CCTV Section". The first report of 21 October 2009 concluded that there were significant benefits to enhancing the CCTV Section that outweigh the penalties of maintaining the City Centre Ranger Service and supported the suspension of the Ranger Service. That report recommended a further review to confirm the findings. This report has reviewed the situation and confirms that the suspension is still more beneficial to the CCTV Section. A review of the Community Safety Warden Service has also been completed and resulted in two Wardens working in the City Centre in the afternoon undertaking environmental enforcement.

FLYNN SLATES CITIES REPORT

Jan 20 - Newport West MP Paul Flynn has slated yesterday's report doubting Newport's ability to pull out of recession. Flynn describes the group as 'unknown' and claims the City has huge advantages "They claim Newport will be hit hard by the recession because our business base is not as strong as other cities. True, but our public sector base is far stronger that almost every other city of our population. Yes Newport is way down on the set of criteria adopted. But if the city had been judged on the most successful in attracting public sector jobs, we would have been on the top of the table. Newport is home for the Intellectual Property Office (formerly the Patent Office), the shared services of all UK Prisons, the Office for National Statistics and a main Passport Office. These are permanent offices of high repute that required highly skilled staff. It is hoped that other public sector jobs will be attracted to the city."

NEWPORT'S RECOVERY FROM DOWNTURN WILL TAKE LONGER - STUDY

Jan 19 - A study by the Centre for Cities in to the UK's 64 leading cities has classed Newport as vulnerable and likely to take longer than other cities to recover from the recession. The report states "Cities such as Stoke, Burnley, Barnsley, Newport and Doncaster, with their weaker business base, have a much tougher outlook.  These cities all lost private sector jobs over the pre-recession decade.  Their rate of business start ups is low and many of their residents have no qualifications." By contrast it states "Brighton, Milton Keynes, Reading, Cambridge and Edinburgh have the right ingredients to succeed after the recession has passed.  They have strong private sectors, high levels of entrepreneurship, highly educated workforces and large shares of knowledge-intensive jobs. " Between 1998 and 2008 Newport has lost 13.3 per cent of its private sector workforce amounting to 6700 jobs. Despite the intervention of Newport Unlimited set up following the partial closure of the Llanwern Steelworks economic change in the city has been slow.

APPEAL OVER MAINDEE CASHPOINT THEFT

Jan 19 - Police is appealing for information following a theft which occurred in Lloyds TSB Bank on Chepstow Road in Maindee. The theft occurred on Wednesday 30th December 2009 between 3.35pm and 3.45pm. The victim, a 77 year old man, was withdrawing cash from an ATM inside the Lloyds TSB branch. As the money was being dispensed a man, who was behind him in the queue, reached in front of the victim and took the money from the machine. He then ran out of the branch in the direction of Glebe Street and the Godfrey Morgan Wetherspoons public house. The offender was described as a white male, aged between 25 and 30 years old and approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall. He was of thin build with short fair hair and a pale complexion. He was wearing black tracksuit bottoms with an orange stripe, a black nylon tracksuit top and black woollen gloves. Gwent Police is appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident or anyone who knows the identity of the offender to contact them on 101 or to call Crimestoppers

ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY FOR RYDER CUP

Jan 17 - Ryder Cup Europe has selected IFM Sports Marketing Surveys to undertake Economic Impact Studies on The Ryder Cup contests between Europe and the United States at The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport in 2010 and at The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland, in 2014. 

The survey, undertaken on behalf of Ryder Cup Europe, Ryder Cup Wales, Event Scotland and UK Sport, will include investigating actual expenditure on the event by spectators, sponsors, organisers, facility providers, local businesses, media providers and international visitors to measure the impact on the venues and the regions and the overall economies of Wales and Scotland. It has been determined that hosting major sporting events delivers benefits to a venue and the region in a multitude of ways. This includes increasing awareness, generating local and national pride and enhancing the possibility of a venue or nation to be considered for other sporting events in the future.

 

The biennial Ryder Cup contest is recognised as one of the top ten global sporting events which is followed by hundreds of millions of people around the world. Richard Hills, the European Ryder Cup Director, said: “The next two home matches will superbly showcase Wales and Scotland as significant sporting destinations. To monitor every aspect of the next two contests we wanted a company recognised for being well versed in economic impact evaluations and with genuine knowledge of the golf industry in terms of research and insight, which is why we have appointed IFM Sports Marketing Surveys.”

WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANT SET FOR NEWPORT

Jan 14 - Waste management firm Waste Recycling Group has revealed its proposal to build an energy from waste plant. Currently in procurement, the project will eventually decide on a preferred bidder to provide five local authorities with a solution to deal with their waste over a 25-year period. The local authorities include Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Caerphilly, Newport and Monmouthshire. WRG hopes to build the plant at chemical company Solutia UK’s headquarters in Newport. The waste management firm has entered into an exclusivity deal to use the land to generate electricity from residents’ waste. The EfW facility also has the potential to support a district heating scheme using the steam created when burning the waste. Additionally, the plant may supply Solutia with electricity and steam once it is built. A Solutia spokesman said: “Anything which helps reduce our operating costs in this difficult economic climate will also clearly contribute to the security of employment on the site. So, while it is still very early days, there are many good reasons for being excited about the potential of this project.” WRG aims to submit a planning application in summer 2010 for the facility, which is expected to begin operating in 2014. Solutia and WRG intend to carry out a full public consultation with local residents and stakeholders. Solutia, which has already installed two 2.5 MW wind turbines on the Corporation Road site, welcomed the WRG proposal.

NEW BRIDGE FOR NEWPORT STATION

Jan 14 - Contractor Galliford Try Rail erected a new footbridge at the site of the new £13M Newport station for Network Rail over Christmas as part of the redevelopment of the station. The 45m long, 180t bridge was hoisted in by a 600t crawler crane during a 56 hour possession from 10.30pm on Christmas Eve. Three main bridge sections and five precast sections that formed the stairs and landings were lifted.Designed to link buildings on either side of the track, the steel bridge is clad in a steel facade and glass panels while its roof is steel and ETFE plastic. Lifts had to be coordinated with the work of 12 engineering trains which were laying track and installing new signalling.

SCHOOL CLOSURE

Jan 14 - St Patrick’s RC Primary will be closed tomorrow because of a heating failure.

DISRUPTION CAUSED BY HEAVY SNOWFALL

Jan 13 - Another eight to ten centimetres of snow fell in Newport overnight and this morning disrupting some services, leading to the closure of most schools in the City. In addition,  a number of libraries, all day centres and some leisure facilities were closed. Newport Bus maintained a service on all main roads but some side roads were hazardous. The Civic Amenity Site was closed this morning. The City Council's emergency planning was again at full stretch "Gritting and snow clearance continues to operate at 100%. All primary routes are clear and some resources are now being applied to the clearance access routes into secondary schools and side roads and footpaths." Gwent Police is continuing to advise people to drive with extreme care over the next few days and to also look out for friends and neighbours, particularly those who are vulnerable or elderly. Motorists should only travel if absolutely necessary, and to use their common sense. The conditions mean that any snow, or water, on the roads will freeze over and even if roads have been gritted they can still be very hazardous.

MORE SNOW HEADS IN

Jan 12 (7pm) - A band of heavy and persistent snow is moving in to south east Wales tonight. With very cold surfaces and temperatures  just above freezing it is expected to produce a moderate fall of snow in Newport. The band of snow is part of push from the Atlantic to break the mass of cold air sitting over northern Europe. The front is expected to lose its strength as it slowly moves north in to the Midlands. The snow is expected to clear by the end of the rush hour tomorrow. School closures on January 13 will be listed here.

CIVIC MEETINGS CANCELLED

Jan 12 - A number of public meetings due to be held this week have been postponed or cancelled because of the adverse weather forecast. A meeting of the Alway Neighbourhood Committee, which was due to be held today (Tuesday) at 6.30pm in Somerton Primary School, has been cancelled. The planning committee scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday) will now take place at 2pm on January 19 in the council chamber. In addition, Malpas Neighbourhood Committee, due to take place on Thursday at 6.30pm in Malpas Church in Wales School, has also been cancelled.

CITY MAN FOUND SAFE AND WELL

Jan 12 - 38 year old Timothy Weekes who had been reported missing from his Newport home has now been found safe and well.

DUFFRYN HIGH SCHOOL OFF THE CRITICAL LIST

Jan 11 - Duffryn High School is off the critical list of schools requiring significant improvement by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales. A report received by the City Council details the outcome of the re-inspection of Duffryn High School which took place 19 -21 May 2009.

The report shows the progress made by Duffryn High School in response to the judgements made following the initial inspection. At that time following a section 28 inspection the school was judged as requiring significant improvement. The new report shows the school to have made good progress in relation to the recommendations for improvement made in February 2008. As a result of this Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales is removing the school from the list of schools requiring significant improvement. Comments within the report against each recommendation were:

Recommendation 1 Satisfy statutory requirements for the daily act of worship - “The school has addressed this recommendation”.

Recommendation 2 Continue to raise standards in all subjects - “The school has implemented a good range of appropriate strategies that are helping to improve standards and examination results in key stages 3 and 4”.

Recommendation 3 Continue to raise standards of teaching and learning - “The school is making good progress in improving the quality of teaching”.

Recommendation 4 Continue to seek ways of reducing students’ high level of absenteeism - “The school has introduced new strategies to improve pupils’ attendance”.

Recommendation 5 Continue to seek ways of improving pupils’ behaviour - "The school’s procedures to improve pupils’ behaviour are very good."

Recommendation 6 Improve students’ key skills - The school has made good progress in improving pupil’s key skills.

The verbal feedback to the school by HMI was very positive. They indicated that they considered the school to be “good and improving.” It is a mark of how well the school has moved forward that HMI did not use all of the time allotted for inspection, feeling able to make their judgements on the evidence collected on the first two days of the inspection.

ALL SCHOOLS TO OPEN ON TUESDAY - COUNCIL

Jan 11 - All schools in Newport are expected to be fully open on Tuesday 12 January apart from Bassaleg School which will only be open for years 10, 11, 12 and 13, according to the City Council. It is expected that Bassaleg School will be fully open to all pupils on Wednesday 13 January.

POLICE APPEAL OVER MISSING CITY MAN / TEENAGERS SAFE AND WELL Jan 11 - Gwent Police is appealing for information to find a Newport man who has gone missing. 38 year old Timothy Weekes was last seen at his Newport home at 8.10am on Friday 8th January. He is described as white, approximately 6'1" tall, of a stocky build, with short receding light brown hair. He's clean shaven with blue eyes and a Newport accent. When he was last seen he was wearing a dark blue tracksuit with white trainers. He has a tattoo of a star on on his right upper arm. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call Gwent Police on 101. 17 year old Talia Nicholas and 14 year old Tyler Williams who had gone missing from their home in the Rogerstone area of Newport have now been found safe and well.

SCHOOL CLOSURES

Jan 10 - School closures in Newport tomorrow will be listed here.

CAMERON DESCENDS ON NEWPORT

Jan 8 - Conservative leader David Cameron descended on Newport to cast doubt on the Government's approach to the cold weather. Cameron was at Newport gritting depot as part of a strategy by the Tories to capitalise on unease created by the media about local authority resources, in particular the grit available to keep roads clear. 1500 tonnes of salt have been used by the City Council since the start of the winter. Cameron stated "I think there are questions to ask and there are obviously lessons to learn. To be fair this is a very long and a very deep cold snap, so I think we have to be fair about that. But we are going to see more extreme weather events and we have to prepare for them better and we probably do need to have larger stocks to make sure councils, not just in Wales but up and down the country, have larger stocks so they can cope with longer sessions.It tends to be the case councils are told to have six days of supplies. This snap is going to be lasting for maybe 10 days or more. "We have to reassess and learn lessons from this." Newport City Council had done a great job, "but it's very testing times for them".

Light periods or showers of snow are heading for Newport this evening. The snow may give a further dusting.

APPEAL OVER MISSING NEWPORT TEENAGERS

Jan 8 - Gwent Police is appealing for information to locate two teenage girls who have gone missing from their home in the Rogerstone area of Newport. The two girls, who are friends, haven't been seen since 5.15pm on 3rd January 2010. 17 year old, Talia Nicholas (left in the picture) is described as white, with straight shoulder length dark brown hair, of a slim build, and is approximately 5'4" tall. When she was last seen she was wearing a purple t-shirt, dark blue jeans, boots and could be wearing either a black or white coat. 14 year old Tyler Williams (right in the picture) is described as white, with straight shoulder length blonde hair, of a slim build and is approximately 5'5" tall. When she was last seen she was wearing a white t-shirt, light blue jeans, possibly wearing a grey cardigan and black boots. They both have contacts in the Newport area and are known to frequent the city centre area - anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is asked to call Gwent Police on 101. There was a possible sighting of the two girls in Bristol at about 5.30pm yesterday, Thursday 7th January, getting off a bus in the Doncaster Road area, by Southmead Hospital. The two girls, who are friends, haven't been seen since 5.15pm on 3rd January 2010.

EXTERNAL EXAMS SET TO GO AHEAD

Jan 8 - Newport’s eight secondary schools are making arrangements for students due to take external examinations on Monday, January 11. Students who are sitting external exams should make every effort to make their own way to school on Monday even if there is a general notification that the school is closed. The City Council states "It should not be assumed there will be regular home to school transport is available." Bassaleg, Caerleon Comprehensive, Duffryn High, Hartridge High, Lliswerry High, Newport High, St Julians, St Joseph’s RC High will be open for external examinations irrespective of the weather.

CITY BATTLES AGAINST ADVERSE CONDITIONS

Jan 7 - Temperatures remained below freezing throughout the day in Newport today as people battled to get in to work in icy conditions. Tonight it is expected that temperatures will be up to eight degrees centigrade below freezing. Newport City Council states "Front line services e.g. road gritting and snow clearance have and will continue to operate at 100 per cent. All primary routes are clear and greater resources are now being applied to the clearance of side roads and footpaths which should yield improvements over the next few days."

Most schools were closed today and will remain closed tomorrow. The full list of closures is here. Closures include Caerleon Comprehensive School (not currently listed). The City Council states refuse collection will continue today and Friday, although, due to difficult working conditions, at a slightly reduced level. Saturday working is now planned in order to catch up on delayed collections. Main council civic buildings operating with only slightly reduced opening hours. All leisure facilities are subject to ongoing health and safety reviews. A number of facilities are currently closed or are operating reduced hours. Tonight’s performance of “Men Who Stare at Goats” at The Riverfront is cancelled because of the adverse weather conditions. Full refunds will be given.

Newport Transport state "We are trying to maintain a full service on main roads avoiding hilly areas and estates in the interests of the safety of our customers".

CHANGES TO RINGLAND BUS SERVICES

Jan 7 - Newport Bus is introducing "improvements" to service frequencies in the Ringland area from January 11 onwards.

The current flagship 8A / 8C service will change. The new service 8 will run along Chepstow Road, Llanwern Road and part of Hendre Farm Drive. Buses will take the roundabout of the SDR and complete the route in reverse back to Newport Bus Station. The new service will run at 10 minute intervals from 0650 to 1800 weekdays and at fifteen intervals on a Saturday in the peak. Unfortunately, long intervals remain in the evening and Sunday services with gaps of twenty minutes normally and forty minutes on a Sunday morning! Last bus services still run from Newport at 11 o'clock. The current 6/19 service to Alway has been changed to number 6 and 7 with the same frequency as the previous service. A new service has been introduced between the City Centre and Langstone Business Park running along Chepstow Road, Ringwood Avenue, Hendre Farm Drive and on to Langstone Business Park. The new service runs half hourly from 0605 to 2005 Monday to Saturday.

4PM - FORECASTERS WARN OF DROP IN SIGNIFICANT TEMPERATURES

Jan 6 - Weather forecasters are warning of a significant drop in temperatures tonight following the heavy snowfall experienced overnight and during today. Temperatures are expected to drop six degrees below freezing in Newport with the figure likely to be even lower in rural areas. The temperature is not expected to get above freezing tomorrow. The Met Office issued a warning this afternoon "Following recent snow with further snow showers expected in western parts overnight, widespread ice is expected on roads and pavements. The public are advised to take extra care and refer to Traffic Wales for further advice on road conditions."

11AM - SNOW STOPS AND LIMITED SERVICES RESUME

Jan 6 - The snow has stopped for the time being allowing some services in Newport to resume. However, most schools are closed. The full list is here. All refuse and waste collections are suspended. The Council's civic amenity site is currently closed. Limited bus services are running in Newport provided by Newport Transport. The Stagecoach X24 operating between Newport, Cwmbran and Pontypool is running but not via Sebastopol and Griffithstown. A further period of snow is expected early this afternoon as a small front moves across the West Midlands and south east Wales (this has just reached Gloucester). The main area of prolonged snowfall has transferred to central southern England.

The snowfall radar at 7.30 last night showing cloud moving towards south east Wales around a developing low pressure area centred south of Swindon

7AM - DISRUPTIVE SNOWFALL HITS NEWPORT Jan 6 - Heavy and prolonged overnight snow has caused the expected disruption to public services and transport in Newport this morning. At present most if not all City schools are likely to be closed, the fully up to date list will be on the Newport City Council website. Newport Bus services are not running as yet. The City Council will be ploughing priority routes and will then clear some bus routes. Arterial routes such as Chepstow Road and Malpas Road are passable with care. Main routes such as the M4 are also passable with care. There are a number of cancellations to rail services including services to London Paddington (see our link on the front page to Newport railway station). The snowfall of between 10 and 15 centimetres started at approximately 9.30 last night and is still continuing. It is expected to gradually die out from the north by mid-day although there could be a further 5 centimetres of snow in the interim. The lying snow is blowing in the increasing north easterly wind.

CITY PREPARES FOR NEW SNOWFALL

Jan 5 - Newport was preparing for fresh snowfall tonight after a couple of hours of snow earlier in the day led to widespread school closures. Snow fell between 11 and 2 leading to the closure of the following -

Queens Hill Education Centre, Marshfield Primary, Llanmartin School, Maes Ebbw School, Millbrook Primary School, Hartridge High School, Ysgol Gymraeg Ifor Hael, Langstone Primary School, Monnow Primary School, Don Close Nursery, Bassaleg School, Caerleon Comprehensive School, Gaer Infants School, Kimberley Nursery School.

Gritting lorries are out in force tonight with snowfall predicted for south east Wales. Disruption is expected to transport and council services. Brian Kemp, the City Council Director responsible for highways stated on BBC Wales that Newport has plentiful supplies of grit and that provision would be made to prioritise services for the vulnerable and elderly during the cold spell.

SIGNAL WORKERS STRIKE AGAIN

Jan 5 - Signalling staff in Wales and the Marches area including from Newport are striking for six days this week against the imposition of rosters at the South Wales Control Centre. Network Rail wants to impose an eight-hour roster over the existing 12-hour one. Newport RMT branch secretary Steve Richards said, “We want other signal workers around the country to see the strike and think ‘we can do this too’.” But Network Rail hit back at the claims saying the new shifts would benefit passengers. A spokeswoman said it had invited the union for talks after a first round of strikes last month but they walked away from them and launched another strike. She added: “They are holding the passengers hostage but we have worked hard to ensure no services have been affected.”

MET OFFICE ISSUE SNOW ALERT

Jan 4 - The Met Office has issued a severe weather advisory warning for south east Wales ahead of a developing weather situation tomorrow. Weather forecasters are warning that a small low pressure system in the south of the UK will pivot around the Bristol area creating the potential for heavy snow tomorrow night and into Wednesday morning. The Met Office warning issued at 4pm today states "There is a moderate risk of severe weather affecting parts of southern England and east Wales. There is a potential for a period of heavy snow during Wednesday morning with locally large accumulations. The location of the heavy snow is uncertain and will be kept under review." In addition, a period of light snow is expected to arrive in Newport by the morning rush hour tomorrow giving light accumulations of snow. Temperatures are expected to dip significantly tonight before the cloud arrives and are not expected to rise above one or two degrees centigrade tomorrow.

APPEAL OVER MAN FOUND INJURED IN CITY CENTRE

Jan 4 - Gwent Police is appealing for information following an incident which occurred outside a nightclub in Newport in the early hours of Thursday December 17th 2009. A 22 year old male from Cwmbran was found with serious head injuries between 1am and 1.30am outside Reflex nightclub on Cambrian Road in Newport. He was taken to hospital and has since been released. Police are investigating what happened leading up to the male sustaining these injuries and are particularly keen to trace two men who were in the area at the time who may be potential witnesses. Anyone with information about the incident that they think could assist officers with their inquiries is asked to contact Gwent Police on 101.

HOUSE PRICES EDGE UPWARDS

House prices in Newport continue to increase but still have some way to go to recover the position they were at twelve months ago according to the Land Registry. The latest figures as at end of November     (illustrated by the table opposite) show prices slightly up by 0.6 per cent in November following an increase of 2.7 per cent in October. However, the average value of properties sold is at £119,499 some way short of the average price in November 2008 (£125,943). Average prices for England and Wales as a whole are just below values twelve months ago, the market in Newport is under-performing despite the availability of new property. Wider economic factors are having a major impact. The main constraining factor is undoubtedly the higher than average level of unemployment. The claimant count, the numbers of economically active people claiming Jobseekers Allowance has risen from 3.6 per cent of Newportonians to 5.6 per cent, up from 3,035 to 4,713, in the period between November 2008 and November 2009.

FURTHER SNOWFALL IN CITY

Dec 29 - Snow has been falling in Newport for several hours despite the fact that the Met Office has not forecast it for the City. The snow started falling at lunchtime and has been heavy and persistent for nearly three hours. However, the Met Office severe weather warning has excluded Newport from the wider snowfall forecast for Wales for today and tomorrow. As the latest rain band from the south west met cold air it has started to turn readily to snow but temperatures are still just above freezing. At present the snowfall is not expected to be disruptive and may die out later this evening.

SCHOOLGIRL WINS ANTI BULLYING POSTER COMPETITION A Newport schoolgirl will see her winning anti-bullying poster displayed around the Shaftesbury area of the city. Year Five Brynglas Junior School pupil Shayma Webb won a competition organised by Newport City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team to improve the relationship between the police and local children. Head teacher Linda Facey was pleased to support the competition designed to ensure pupils feel comfortable talking to police and to highlight Anti-Bullying Week.

POLICE APPEAL OVER INCIDENT IN BAR

Dec 26 - Police are seeking witnesses to an assault in a bar in Newport city centre in which a 36-year-old woman suffered serious leg injuries. Officers say she became involved in a dispute with a man in his late teens who tripped her and pushed her over. The incident took place about 2330 GMT in Lloyds Bar on Bridge Street on 16 December. Police say the man was white, of skinny build, about 6ft tall, with short brown hair which was scruffy and gelled. He had jeans and a blue and white large checked shirt with long sleeves. He was clean shaven and spoke with a Newport accent. Anyone with information is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

RAIL ENGINEERING WORKS REMINDER

Dec 24 - Rail users are reminded that they will face disruption after Christmas from a number of planned engineering works in a £100m programme organised by Network Rail. There will be no services between Bristol and Newport from December 27 to January 3.

MARSHFIELD SMALLHOLDER FINED FOR MISTREATING PIGS

Dec 23 - On 22 December 2009 Abergavenny magistrates court found Anthony George Hayes guilty of three charges of leaving three pigs inside a disused lorry container with insufficient drinking water, at his small holding in Marshfield. Unemployed Hayes, 59, represented himself at court and denied the charges. But the evidence given by three Newport City Council Animal Health Inspectors from the Council’s Trading Standards Section was accepted by the court and Hayes was convicted.

On 7 May 2009 Animal Health Inspectors visited Hayes’ small holding and found that two heavy porcelain sinks which were inside the pen and should have contained water, were empty with dry mud and faeces inside. Hayes claimed the pigs had turned the sinks over; spilling the water, though the sinks were upright when the inspectors visited. Hayes had received previous advice regarding a similar incident in March 2009. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 a person commits an offence if he does not take such steps as are reasonable in all the circumstances to ensure that the needs of an animal for which he is responsible are met to the extent required by good practice. Hayes was fined £300, ordered to pay a contribution towards costs of £300 and a £15 victim surcharge. He escaped a banning order on keeping animals as and the magistrates considered the matter to be a low level animal welfare issue. Hayes has since sold the pigs.

SWIMMING POOL CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE

Dec 23 - The swimming pool at the Newport Centre is closed between Saturday 19 December 2009 and Sunday 10 January 2010, due to essential maintenance.

CITY COUNCIL FAILS IN LEGAL CHALLENGE OVER RECYCLING

Dec 22 - Newport City Council has failed in its legal challenge over a Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) decision to revise landfill allowances downwards. Newport claims this could cost it thousands of pounds in fines. According to letsrecycle.com the legal ruling means that, from 2010/11, Newport will have to reduce the amount of biodegradable municipal waste it sends to landfill by around 1,600 tonnes a year more than it has in previous years. Newport claimed that it is being "penalised" for being one of three councils in Wales to have "genuinely" reduced its waste arisings, and stressed that it had focused its recycling and reduction efforts on reaching the initially calculated figures.

FALLING ICE CLOSES SEVERN CROSSING

Dec 22 - The second Severn crossing between south Wales and south west England has been closed because of falling ice. The old Severn Bridge has also been closed eastbound for the same reason although it is still open westbound. Both motorway crossings were also shut during wintry weather last February, when car windscreens were smashed. The latest closure is causing traffic problems, with queues forming eastbound around Newport as vehicles are diverted off the M4 at the Coldra roundabout. Update - 3pm - the bridge and all lanes of the M4 and M48 are now open.

SCHOOL CLOSURES (DEC 22)

Dec 22 - Schools closed in Newport today due to the weather conditions are as follows - Duffryn High School, Duffryn Infants and Juniors, Hartridge High School, Lliswerry Primary School, Maesglas Primary School, Pillgwenlly Primary School, St Andrew’s Infants, St Andrew’s Juniors, St Gabriels RC, St. Mary's RC, Ysgol Gymraeg Casnewydd.

TRUANTS CAUGHT SHOPPING WITH PARENTS

Dec 21 - A Safer Newport initiative has caught out eight children skipping school to go Christmas shopping with their parents in the city centre.
This month school liaison officers from Gwent Police and education welfare officers from Newport City Council joined forces to apprehend the pupils and tell them to return to school. During three days of patrols in the city centre 46 children were stopped in Newport City Centre, 43 of whom were with their parents. Most had valid excuses for being out of school, but eight were found to be truanting and they were sent back to school with the promise of a warning letter to their parents.

PC Richard Thomas, a school liaison officer in Newport, said: “At this time of year, parents are sometimes tempted to let their children miss school to go Christmas shopping. But this should not be happening as it is illegal to take your children out of school unnecessarily. We caught a good number of pupils who should have been in school. The truanting pupils were advised to return to their schools and letters will be sent to their parents reminding them of their responsibilities.” Research shows that children who attend school regularly are likely to be more successful than those who frequently miss school. A pupil who misses a day of school each week misses the equivalent of two years in their school life, leading to huge gaps in their knowledge base that become difficult to fill. Recent surveys have indicated that 70% of children who do not attend school regularly admit to committing at least one criminal offence.

SCHOOL CLOSURES

Dec 21 - The following schools were closed due to ice and snow -

Duffryn High School, Hartridge High School, Lliswerry Primary School, Maesglas Primary School, Milton Infants School, Pillgwenlly Primary School, Ringland Primary, Rogerstone Nursery School, St Andrew’s Infants, St Andrew’s Juniors, St Joseph’s RC High, Ysgol Gymraeg Casnewydd.

The City Council also state "Residents are reminded to place their refuse and recycling boxes out for collection as usual during the snow and ice. Collection crews are working hard to collect refuse and recycling as normal, however some collections may occur later than usual. Missed collection may occur in some rural areas due to dangerous driving conditions; however these areas will have collections as soon as possible".

FIRST SNOW OF WINTER

Dec 21 - The first snow of winter gave Newport a light covering overnight. A series of showers blew in across the Bristol Channel bringing snow towards the end of yesterday evening. The showers from this source would normally fall as rain but met the very cold air sitting over the mainland and turned readily to snow. The Met Office states that motorists could face difficult conditions this morning as the showers have now cleared and were followed by freezing conditions. The cold spell has been marked by low temperatures day and night with the lowest minimum recorded minus four degrees centigrade on Saturday night. The cold weather is expected to last until Christmas Eve in the Newport area and after a brief milder interlude it is expected to return by the end of December.

DEAL BOOST CITY COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SECTOR

Dec 20 - The commercial property sector in Newport has been given a boost by one of the biggest industrial deals in the city this year, according to Wales Online. Advised by Hutchings & Thomas, Collingbourne Properties has acquired a 90,175 sq ft industrial unit premises from Inductotherm Group Europe in a deal brokered with Cooke & Arkwright. The property in Church Street is situated in a prominent location on Usk Way with high visibility and excellent access from the M4. Jonathan Collingbourne of Collingbourne Properties told the website: “The purchase of this site is an important acquisition for us as it is adjacent to other sites within our ownership in this area. It also offers excellent potential for lets and office space given its size and location, and we are currently in the process of dividing this large area into a number of smaller, more versatile units. We have already secured four new tenancies during our short period of ownership and haven’t even advertised the letting space available yet.”

Robert Carew-Chaston of Hutchings & Thomas said: “The proximity of the premises to the River Usk and its location within the scope of Newport Unlimited’s 2020 Master Plan makes this a strategic addition to our client’s portfolio. While the current climate hasn’t helped in the shorter term, there is no doubt that this is an up-and-coming area of the city which will offer a host of opportunities for redevelopment in the medium to longer term. In the interim period we will be letting the property on behalf of our client.”

KINGSWAY UPDATE

Dec 19 - Two new retailers are confirmed for the Kingsway Shopping Centre in Newport. Contrary, to reports locally Poundland will not occupy the former Woolworths store. In fact they will occupy two units immediately adjacent to the Wilkinsons store in the mall. The Woolworths site will be occupied as reported here by a new store combining the Ethel Austin and Au Naturelle chains.

WEATHER DISRUPTS SPORTING FIXTURES

Dec 18 - Freezing temperatures has led to the disruption of sporting fixtures this weekend. Newport has escaped the fifteen centimetre snowfalls in the south east of England but temperatures plummeted yesterday evening and are expected to fall well below freezing tonight. Newport Gwent Dragons' fixture against Biarritz at Rodney Parade has been postponed. Following a pitch inspection by match referee Alain Rolland (Ireland) and officials of both teams, the game was called off due to a partially frozen pitch. It will take place at 13.35 tomorrow in Llanelli. The match will still be broadcast live on Sky Sports interactive from Parc y Scarlets. Newport's home fixture against Swansea also scheduled for live television coverage at 6.30 tomorrow night is in serious doubt. A pitch inspection will take place tomorrow morning at 9. Newport County's match against Staines Town at Spytty will also face a pitch inspection during the mid-morning.

TRADER FOUND GUILTY OF SELLING COUNTERFEIT GOODS

Dec 18 - A City Centre trader has been found guilty of trading in counterfeit goods. On 15 December 2009 at Abergavenny Magistrates Court, Stephen Pumford pleaded guilty to selling counterfeit floor cushions, duvet sets, curtains, beanbags and lampshades, as well as selling unsafe furniture and displaying a sign that restricted consumers’ statutory rights. All of the dangerous and fake items subject to the charges displayed the logos of top premiership football teams including Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC.

Pumford was fined £1,040, and ordered to pay costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £15. Trading Standards Officers at Newport City Council had been investigating this case since May 2009 and had bought a number of items, including a cushion and a duvet set, from Pumford’s shop in John Frost Square, Newport, South Wales. The items were confirmed as counterfeit by the brand owner, Manchester United. Later in the month a raid was carried out at Pumford’s shop where in total 80 Liverpool FC and 51 Manchester United FC products were seized using powers under the Trade Marks Act 1994.

EMERGENCY SERVICES READY FOR 'BLACK FRIDAY'

Dec 17 - Safer Newport is urging people to be responsible while out celebrating on the last Friday before Christmas. Dubbed “Black Friday”, it is traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year. Gwent Police have increased officer numbers to reduce alcohol-fuelled disorder in Newport throughout the run-up to Christmas and New Year. Inspector Bob Thompson, of Newport Local Policing Unit, said: “Our officers will be out in force on busy nights to help keep everyone safe, but we also want people to take responsibility for the amount they drink and their own actions.” Councillor David Fouweather, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for environment and community safety, said: “Together, with our partners we have a range of initiatives aimed at reducing crime and disorder this Friday, and other nights, and to try and ensure everyone has an enjoyable, but safe, time.”

 - The police will be in constant communication with door staff, CCTV operators, street pastors and taxi marshals to target their resources effectively.
 - Street pastors: local church member volunteers who help the emergency services by providing a friendly, non-threatening presence to prevent people under the influence of alcohol causing trouble or hurting themselves.
- City Centre CCTV suite with 46 cameras, operational 24 hours a day
365 days a year, helps to detect and prevent crime
- Cab Safe: Anyone in need of a taxi can text CAB to 83222 to receive a text back with the numbers of three randomly-picked and regulated private hire/hackney carriages closest to their location

NEWPORT TRANSPORT OFFERS FREE HOLIDAY SERVICES

Dec 17 - Newport Transport is running free services on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve for all travellers to assist city centre trade and to encourage people out of their cars in the busy holiday period. Director Chris Blyth stated  "A record 7.5 million customers have chosen Newport Bus to get them to their chosen destinations in comfortand on time this year. And to say thank you we are making all of our buses – including the X30 Cardiff service – free to travel on during Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. We’ll also be extending the times buses run on both days until 9pm meaning you can enjoy all of this year’s festivities while leaving your car at home. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all our customers from everyone at Newport Transport."

Holiday services are as follows - Sunday 20 December Normal Sunday service / Monday 21 December Normal service / Tuesday 22 December Normal service / Wednesday 23 December Normal service /Thursday 24 December Extended Saturday service with last departures from Newport Bus Station at 21.00 hours, all buses free to travel on./ Friday 25 December and Saturday December 26 No service / Sunday 27 December Normal Sunday service / Monday 28 December Normal Saturday service / Tuesday 29 December Normal Saturday service / Wednesday 30 December Normal Saturday service / Thursday 31 December Extended Saturday service with last departures from Newport Bus Station at 21.00 hours, all buses free to travel on / Friday 1 January No service / Saturday 2 January Normal Saturday service / Sunday 3 January Normal Sunday service

POLICE ARREST FIVE ON DRUG OFFENCES

Dec 16 - Police in Alway have arrested five people for possession of drugs with intent to supply. On Friday (11th December) at around 6pm officers simultaneously raided five houses in Alway after receiving intelligence from members of the local community. Two of the addresses were in Elgar Circle, one in Vaughan Williams Drive, one in Sims Square, and another in Byrde Close.

Drugs found in the raids included bags of amphetamine and wraps of cannabis - and one kilo of amphetamine was found in the boot of a car belonging to one of the occupants. Large amounts of cash, scales and other drug dealing paraphernalia were also seized from some of the houses. At one address amphetamine was discovered in a kitchen sink after the occupant tried to flush away the drugs as police entered. Five people were arrested and police have issued a warrant for the arrest of another. The five arrested individuals are on police bail pending forensic analysis of the drugs seized. In addition, one person was given a caution for possession of cannabis for personal use.

POET'S CLOCK TO BE RETURNED TO CITY

Dec 16 - A Grandmother clock given to poet WH Davies by the residents of Newport- the city of his birth - is to be returned there from his old house in Nailsworth according to the Stroud News and Journal. A ceremony is planned in which Cllr Steve Robinson, deputy mayor of Nailsworth, will give the clock back to Cllr Glyn Jarvis, mayor of Newport. The clock was given as a tribute to WH Davies by Newport residents in 1930. Nailsworth resident Norman Phillips is the present owner of the clock and is the great nephew of the poet and his only remaining descendent in the UK.

CAMERAS TO PATROL ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY WARDS

Dec 15 - A £300,000 CCTV pilot to tackle violent and aggressive behaviour towards NHS workers is being launched today (15 December) by the Welsh Assembly Government. The one-year scheme will see CCTV cameras installed in four accident and emergency departments across Wales including the Royal Gwent in Newport and five ambulances in Cardiff. Images from the cameras will be used to help prosecute people who are violent and aggressive towards NHS staff. This pilot is one of 54 measures contained in a report commissioned by the Welsh Assembly Government earlier in the year to crack down on violence and aggression against health-care workers.

The Assembly Government’s health minister, Edwina Hart, said: “It is unacceptable that NHS staff face wilful violence and aggression while going about their day-to-day duties caring for patients. The introduction of CCTV cameras will help provide more evidence to support prosecutions and act as a deterrent, making people think twice before abusing staff.”

TRAINS RUNNING NORMALLY DESPITE STRIKE

Dec 15 - Trains are running virtually to normal normal despite this week's signal workers strike. 95 per cent of trains ran normally yesterday according to Network Rail. The company has drafted in signal workers from across the country until the strike is due to officially end on Saturday.

DOG CONTROL ORDERS FOR CITY CEMETERIES

Dec 15 - Following problems in the three Newport Cemeteries at St.Woolos, Christchurch and Caerleon the City Council is introducing Dog Control Orders as irresponsible owners have allowed their dogs to foul areas of the cemeteries and to run without the restriction of a lead. The Orders being introduced by the Council after public consultation will regulate this. Breaching a Dog Control Order is a crime. The penalty for which is a maximum fine of Level 3 on the Standard Scale – currently £1,000. Alternatively, the opportunity to pay a Fixed Penalty may be offered in place of prosecution.

DIABETES EVENT COMING TO NEWPORT

Dec 14 - People in Newport can check if they are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes as the Diabetes UK Measure Up Roadshow arrives in the City this week. The Diabetes UK Measure Up Roadshow will be in John Frost Square, Newport, between 9am and 5pm on Thursday 17 and Friday 18 December. It will be welcomed to the city by South Wales East AM Mohammad Asghar at 10.30am on 17 December. People who visit the roadshow, which is travelling across Wales, can have a free Type 2 diabetes risk assessment. The roadshow also encourages people to measure their waistline to see if they are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Having a larger waist means you are up to 12 times more likely to get the condition. At risk waist measurements are 37 inches or more for men, or 35 for South Asian men, and 31.5 inches or more for women. Diabetes UK staff will also be on hand to give more information about diabetes and advice about other risk factors for developing the condition.

AM WELCOMES SUPPORT FOR CITY POST OFFICE

Dec 13 - Rosemary Butler, the Assembly Member for Newport West, says that the inclusion of Bridge Street Post Office in the latest round of Assembly grants to help Welsh sub-post offices develop their businesses, is a welcome shot in the arm for the local community.  The Post Office is one of 75 across Wales to be awarded part of approved grants of £1.55m over two financial years to help sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses diversify and improve their facility.

The fund aims to help with business and marketing advice, advertising, training and some set-up costs for new services. Funding can also be applied for improvements such as creating better access to buildings, upgrading computer equipment, improving security or providing better signs for the outside of premises. Rosemary Butler said: "I am delighted that Bridge Street is to benefit from this fund. Post Offices are often a lifeline for vulnerable people. It's a real shot in the arm for the local community. This money will help us to keep Post Offices open by ensuring that sub postmasters and sub postmistresses have sustainable and viable businesses.

CHRISTMAS RAIL DISRUPTION CONFIRMED

Dec 11 - Some major sections of the rail network including the area around Newport will be shut down over the Christmas and new year period because of engineering work, Network Rail (NR) has said. There will be 28 separate pieces of engineering work on Sunday December 27 while there will be 21 on December 28, then 16 on December 29 and 15 on December 30. But NR said that 8,000 more trains will run over the festive period than in the Christmas/new year 2008/09 period and that there will be 33% fewer replacement buses.Rail customer watchdog Passenger Focus welcomed the promise of less disruption this Christmas but said it was "regrettable" that the work affecting travel to and from South Wales was taking place over the festive period.

The Network Rail press release states "Bristol to Newport - 27/12 to 03/01 - the first phase of the £150m Newport area improvement scheme, which will deliver more reliable services for passengers throughout the region, will be completed over the Christmas break.  The job entails modernising signal equipment, extensive rebuilding of tracks around Severn Tunnel Junction station and the building of a new platform.  Preparatory work for the redevelopment of Newport Station ready for the Ryder Cup is also taking place. As a result the rail route into South Wales from Bristol and Gloucester will be closed over the Christmas / New Year period although four other routes into Wales from England remain open".

MOTHER OF TWO DIED FROM UNDIAGNOSED MENINGITIS

Dec 10 - A mother-of-two died of meningitis after she was diagnosed with an ear infection, an inquest heard today. Gwent Coroner’s Court heard how Sarah Stitt, 36, of Magor visited numerous doctors over the course of a month complaining of severe earache. Mrs Stitt was admitted to the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, on February 8, 2009, after she and her husband Sean insisted that she be kept in because the pain was so bad, but she died within hours.A post-mortem examination revealed that she died of meningitis as a complication of infections in her inner ear and the bone behind her ear. Gwent Coroner David Bowen recorded a narrative verdict, describing the events that led to Mrs Stitt’s death. He said the treatment which partially resolved the inner ear infection had masked the fact there was an underlying infection of the bone behind her ear which, if diagnosed, would have raised the suspicion of meningitis.Meningitis, he said, was not diagnosed until after her death and so the opportunity to treat it was missed. She died after being in constant pain for a month, he said.

CITY COUNCIL IN DISPUTE WITH ICELAND FOODS

Dec 10 - Newport City Council could be faced with a difficult and costly dispute following a decision by Iceland Foods to challenge (via judicial review) the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) of two of its stores in the Austin Friars area of the city centre. The CPO was originally served in 2007.

The Cabinet of the City Council stated it was very concerned about the basis of the challenge by Iceland Foods who appeared to be putting self interest before the opportunity to develop the city centre to the benefit of their own business and of all other businesses in the city centre. The Deputy Leader Ed Townsend stated that he hoped that Iceland would come to the table and work with Council officers who could facilitate the identification of a suitable alternative site near the original premises. It was confirmed that under the terms of the CPO, Iceland Foods would be subject to compensation for losses.

Iceland Foods contend that the decision to proceed with the implementation of the CPO at the present time is “unlawful” because

• The Council is effectively acting ultra vires by using the CPO powers for a different purpose to that originally intended

• The Council has failed to reconsider the alternative proposals that they put forward at the original CPO Inquiry and has failed to have regard to their “Human Rights”.

RAIL PASSENGERS DELAYED BY CARDIFF RAM RAID TRAGEDY

Dec 9 - Rail passengers in Newport and Cardiff were delayed following a robbery in the Rumney area of Cardiff this morning. Two men were killed when a quad bike were hit by a train fleeing the scene of a shop burglary. Two hundred men's specialist outdoor jackets worth £40,000 were stolen from Go Outdoors in Newport Road, Cardiff. Police officers were called to the store just after 0400 GMT - around the time the men, both in their 20s, were hit on tracks in Rumney nearby.

British Transport Police said the quad bikes had been travelling east towards Newport when they were struck from behind. The passenger train involved was not carrying members of the public at the time, and had been making its way from the Canton depot in Cardiff to Cheltenham for servicing. The crash led to four rail lines being closed for some hours, disrupting morning commuters. Three have since been reopened but continuing delays are likely. A spokesperson for Network Rail said: "There was some damage to the track in the area of the collision".

A spokesman for South Wales Police said: "The line runs directly behind the store and is normally very quiet at night. It seems somebody came up with the idea of using quad bikes for the raid and to get away. Two people have paid with their lives and two others will have it on their conscience." The store backs onto the railway line which is used by quad bikers as an unofficial race track.

FLYNN NAMED WELSH MP OF THE YEAR

Dec 9 - Paul Flynn Newport West Labour MP has been named MP of the Year in the Welsh Yearbook Welsh Politician of the Year Awards. The award was given to Flynn “for being unafraid of speaking his mind on issues like the war in Afghanistan”.

FARMER PROSECUTED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY

Dec 9 - Farmer Darren Matthews has been found guilty of six different charges relating to bovines on his farm at Caerphilly Magistrates Court.On 30 November 2009, Matthews pleaded guilty to the charges, brought under the Cattle Identification (Wales) Regulations 2007 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Matthews was investigated and prosecuted by Newport City Council Trading Standards for causing a bovine unnecessary suffering, and failing to adhere to procedures regarding the identification of cattle.In April 2008, the farmer was investigated for an alleged animal welfare issue on a farm in Llanwern, Newport, this led to the discovery of six bovines in an adjacent field, and one bovine carcass. Owners of livestock have to keep records of all animals, and for bovines, passports. The investigation by Trading Standards found he failed to keep up-to-date records on livestock movement and retain passports. He also failed to notify the authorities of the death of a bovine. Matthews pleaded guilty and was ordered to carry out 270 hours of unpaid work, and pay costs of £3,000. In addition, he was disqualified from keeping cattle for 10 years.

NEWPORT BASED AM JOINS CONSERVATIVES

Dec 8 - In a bizarre political twist Newport based AM Mohammed Ashgar has left Plaid Cymru and joined the Conservatives. Mr Asghar, the assembly's only ethnic minority AM, said he felt "out of tune" with Plaid policies, in particular its desire for an independent Wales. "I very much look forward to playing an important role in the shadow team in the national assembly and to helping to shape the policies for the Assembly elections in 2011," said Mr Asghar. Asked why he had stood for Plaid Cymru when he was opposed to independence for Wales, he said his voice had been that of "a little parrot in a jungle", with little chance of changing Plaid's stance on the issue. In January 2008 in an interview with Socialist Unity Ashgar stated "Central to our vision is the creation of a proper Parliament with the ability to pass its own laws and with the power to achieve the aspirations of the people of Wales. More powers would mean that we could follow a distinct path with the best policies for Wales, decided in Wales and unhindered by any interference from the UK Government ."

Ashgar was a Newport City Councillor for Plaid in the traditional Labour Victoria Ward between 2004 and 2008. He was elected via the South Wales East party list to the Welsh Assembly in 2009. Standing in the constituency of Newport East in the 2003 Assembly elections he polled 9.1 per cent of the vote. In the 2005 General Election he polled just 3.8 per cent.

BETTWS MAN ON HUNTING CHARGE

Dec 8 - Wiltshire Police have charged a Bettws man following an investigation into hunting and hare coursing in the area. Michael Poyner, 27, from Lambourne Walk, Newport, was charged with daytime trespass in pursuit of game. The crack down on crimes associated with hare coursing led to 14 arrests in less than two months.

CORPA HOTEL RESIDENTIAL PLAN

Dec 8 - Newport City Council planners are considering an application from the owner of the Corporation Hotel, Mr Mahmood Ali, to change the use of the building. He proposes to change use from a public house to a residential development comprising 19 units including a two storey side and rear extension. The building on Corporation Road was recently deliberately damaged by a fire (October 29) and has been boarded up since the end of September.

MORE HOMES PLANNED FOR ALWAY

Dec 7 - A total of 64 new homes could be built in an area of Alway as part of plans to regenerate the area. Bellway Homes Wales wants to build 46 two, three and four bedroom houses and 18 one and two bedroom flats north of Aberthaw Road. The plan, submitted to Newport Council, covers the lower Alway Regeneration Site which was set up in 2006.

GOOD INSPECTIONS FOR CITY SCHOOLS

Dec 7 - Two Newport schools received impressive reports following recent inspections by Welsh Education Inspectorate, Estyn. In the inspection summary, the inspectors described St David’s RC Primary School as, “A good school where standards are generally good with some outstanding features.” Teaching was described as “Highly effective” and the curriculum as having “Significant and innovative aspects.” The inspection team considered that Rockfield (Glan Usk) Nursery‘is a good school with many outstanding features. It is a happy, stimulating and well managed learning environment for all its children.

STUDENTS WARNED OF DANGERS OF TEXTING WHILST DRIVING

Dec 7 - A graphic film highlighting the dangers of texting whilst driving has been shown to students at Coleg Gwent's City of Newport Campus. PCSO Deke Williams of Newport East Neighbourhood Policing Team, who is based at the campus in Nash, decided to screen the Cow film to the students during their Road Safety Week. Hundreds of students aged between 15 and 60 turned up to watch the widely acclaimed film, which has received millions of viewers on YouTube and was shown on BBC Two Wales last month. Cow, which stars young actors from south Wales, shows a teenager killing four people in a collision when she uses her mobile phone to send a text.

BATTLE AGAINST RAIL CRIME

See Feature Here.

NEW WELSH LABOUR LEADER PLOTS ELECTION PLAN

Dec 5 - New Welsh Labour leader Carwyn Jones was in Newport today to plot the party's plan for next year's general election campaign.Welsh Secretary Peter Hain and First Minister Rhodri Morgan also took part in the Welsh Labour election planning event in Newport. It aimed to help Labour activists from across Wales prepare for an expected general election in spring next year. The theme of the day was what Wales would be like under the Conservatives. Carwyn Jones AM was announced as the winner of the election for the new Leader of Welsh Labour earlier this week. The Bridgend AM polled 51.9751% of the votes in the first round of counting in Welsh Labour's electoral college.

RAIL SIGNALMEN VOTE TO STRIKE

Dec 4 - Hundreds of railway signalling workers are to take six days of strike action in a row over rosters, threatening "massive disruption" to services, it has been announced. Members of the Rail Maritime and Transport union based in South Wales and the Marches will walk out from Monday December 14 until December 19 in protest at the "imposition" of rosters at a new control centre. The workers, who voted 2-1 in favour of strikes in a ballot, are based in areas including Cardiff, Newport, Port Talbot, Vale of Glamorgan and the Rhymney Valley.

SUPPORT FOR CITY CREDIT UNION

Dec 4 - Newport Credit Union has been given £36,000 by the Welsh Assembly to help with internal renovations and the purchase of IT and office equipment as part of a £40,000 refurbishment project. The new funding has been welcomed by Newport West AM Rosemary Butler. She said: "Many people are still finding it difficult to borrow money from High Street banks, and anything which the Welsh Assembly can do to ease the situation is very welcome. I'm urging residents of Newport West to join their local credit union and take advantage of the facilities which are on offer."

TORIES SELECT CANDIDATE FOR NEWPORT EAST Dawn Parry has been selected by the Conservatives to fight Newport East at next year's general election. She won a four-cornered final (against three men) to win the nomination for the seat held at the last election for Labour by Jessica Morden with a majority of 6,838 over the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives (who were separated by less than 100 votes in second and third place). She said "“It is an honour to have been selected to be the PPC for Newport East at the next General Election. I am very proud indeed to represent this constituency for the Conservatives. I grew up in South Wales and we have been so badly neglected here by Labour. The electorate are ready for change. I will work very hard to ensure they entrust me with their vote for that change so badly needed here." 2005 General Election result - Jessica Morden (Labour) 14,389, Ed Townsend (Lib Dem) 7,551, Matthew Collings (Conservative) 7,459, Mohammad Ashgar (Plaid) 1,221, Roger Thomas (UKIP) 945, Liz Screen (Socialist Labour) 260

RESIDENTS TO LOSE BUS SERVICES

Dec 2 - Residents of Ringwood Avenue will see a significant deterioration in bus services in changes proposed in the new year. Currently, this area has an eight minute frequency service in the peak Monday to Friday and ten minute frequency on a Saturday. In the off peak services including those on a Sunday are generally every twenty minutes. Newport Transport will offer a half hourly Monday to Friday service covering the area as part of a new service 9 between the City Centre and Langstone Business Park. Following a review by the City Council they have agreed to support a half hourly peak time service on a Saturday. The City Council states "Many of the residents in Ringwood Avenue and neighbouring Bishpool Lane are elderly and would find it difficult to walk to bus stops on Chepstow Road and Ringland Circle." However, the area will no longer be served on a Sunday.

Newport Transport will be extending services this year until 9pm (instead of 7pm) on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve.

POLICE APPEAL OVER FATAL COLLISION Dec 2  - Gwent Police is appealing for witnesses following a single vehicle road traffic collision which occurred at approximately 11.20am on Wednesday 25th November. The collision took place in Newport on the A4042 between Grove Park roundabout and the Caerleon Road M4 intersection. It involved a silver Mazda Xedos with one male and one female occupant. As a result of the collision the passenger, 84 year old Sheila Howells from Newport, was conveyed to the Royal Gwent Hospital. She later died on Sunday 29th November. The family would like to thank the staff at the Royal Gwent Hospital and said that Sheila will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. Officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact the Gwent Police Collision Investigation Unit on 01633 642 404.

BT  HEADS FOR NEWPORT DATA CENTRE

Dec 1 - BT, one of the world’s leading telecommunications companies, has become the first announced customer of one of Europe’s newest, largest and most technically advanced data centre NGD Europe at Coedkernew in Newport. Under a seven-year contract, BT will occupy 380 racks at NGD Europe, Next Generation Data Limited’s 800,000-square-foot centre. BT will begin operations there in February. This secure facility will allow customers of BT Business, BT Engage IT and BT Global Services to increase their computing, network, and electrical capacity on demand. With the agreement, BT Global Services now has 38 customer-facing data centres worldwide. NGD Europe opened earlier this year. The owners are investing more than $320 million over five years. The site offers a highly secure environment including triple-skinned walls, bomb-proof glass, prison grade perimeter fencing, infrared detection, biometric recognition and ex-special forces security guards. It is an excellent disaster recovery site for companies with critical data applications. The site has a direct connection to an electrical sub station, assuring uninterrupted power.

MARINERS QUAY ON SHOW

Dec 1 - A public presentation of a new Newport housing development drew a positive reaction yesterday.  Mariners Quay is part of the Old Town Dock, working started on the site on East Dock Road in July. It will be one of the largest schemes in Wales to achieve Level 5 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, with energy costs to residents of less than £3.00 per week. Mariners Quay is a high profile development for Charter Housing, in partnership with Newport City Council, Newport Unlimited and Leadbitter, and will provide 101 homes along Newport’s riverfront. Properties will include a mix of rented and affordable homes. Completion is due June 2011.

CORONER EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER HOME HOIST SYSTEM

Dec 1 - A severely disabled man died after he became trapped and suffocated in a hoist system designed to help him move around his home, a Newport coroner's inquest heard yesterday.  Coroner David Bowen said he would be writing to the City Council that installed the hoist urging it to issue emergency call buttons to disabled people using such systems without carers. The inquest heard that Michael Powell, 55, of Pontfaen Road, Newport, lost the use of his legs in a speedway accident in the 70s. His brother, Nicholas, told the court that Mr Powell was fiercely independent and the hoists were installed in the bedroom and bathroom of his home by Newport City Council in 2000. He said he found him hanging in the hoist in his bedroom on January 21 last year.

FREE PARKING INITIATIVE EXTENDED

Nov 30 - Free weekend and late night Thursday Christmas parking is to be extended until 2 January 2010. Newport City Council is offering free parking in all council-owned car parks across the city every Saturday, Sunday and late night Thursdays until 2 January 2010.  Leader of Newport City Council, Councillor Matthew Evans said: “Car parking fees can certainly add up for shoppers over the festive season, so Newport City Council has introduced this initiative to ease the financial pressures for shoppers and encourage them to use the facilities we have on offer in our city centre. This is a win-win situation to boost footfall and assist traders.” Participating council car parks include Cambrian Multi-storey, Park Square, Emlyn Street, Faulkner Road, Hill Street, Riverfront, Market, Maindee and Stow Hill. Privately owned car parks including Kingsway and Queensway are excluded.

PROCUREMENT FOR RECYCLING CONTRACT BEGINS

Nov 30 - A group of five South Wales councils has formally begun the procurement process for one of Wales' largest ever waste treatment deals, with a projected value of £1.1 billion over 25 years. The 'Prosiect Gwyrdd' partnership issued a notice on the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) last week (November 24), inviting anyone interested in bidding for the public private partnership (PPP) deal to contact them and complete a pre-qualification questionnaire. The partnership - which is being led by Cardiff Council but also involves Caerphilly County Borough Council, Monmouthshire County Council, Newport City Council and Vale of Glamorgan council - is looking to procure facilities to treat the 30% to 35% of its waste that it believes will be left after recycling and composting in the future.

COUNCIL PROVIDES EMERGENCY FUNDING TO PILL MILLENNIUM CENTRE

Nov 27 - Newport City Council has stepped in to provide sufficient funding to run the Pill Millennium Centre for three months to allow the centre to stave off financial problems. At its meeting held on 17 November 2009, the Cabinet was informed of difficulties being faced by the Pillgwenlly Millennium Centre which is operated by a Trust as a company separate to the Council. The Council had provided three years revenue assistance with the proviso that the Trust should stand alone financially at the end of three years, as stipulated in the Service Level Agreement between the Trust and Newport City Council. The three year support was to cease at the end of November. The Cabinet was also informed of difficulties which meant that the Trust may not be in a position to run as a stand - alone organisation effective from 1 December 2009. Cabinet expressed concern about the matters raised which had led to the position but wanted to explore ways in which it could assist the Trust to safeguard this community facility if at all possible and within financial constraints.

TAXI DRIVERS WIN COURT BATTLE WITH COUNCIL

Nov 27 - Justice Beatson, a Cardiff High Court judge has ruled in the favour of taxi drivers in Newport, who challenged a council decision to impose age limits on vehicles. A new rule had said Hackney cabs must be less than 12 years old, and private hire cars less than eight from 2010. The judge said Newport Council failed to consult properly, a ruling which drivers said would save jobs. The authority said it was "obviously disappointed" and would reconsider the issue "as quickly as possible". In a statement, the council said it would "amend our proposals taking into consideration the comments of the judge". "Our priority has always been the safety of people using taxis in the city and we will continue to tackle this matter," the statement added. The taxi driver's association claimed 59 of the current 135 Hackney drivers in the city would be put out of business by the rule change. Back in March a demonstration was staged in the city centre over the planned changes.

RAIL PASSENGERS STRANDED BY SIGNAL FAULT

Nov 27 - Rail passengers were left stranded for over an hour this evening due to a signalling failure on the South Wales main line. Trains between Cardiff Central and Newport were stopped after a vital cable was reportedly struck by lightning. Network Rail said it was made aware of the problem shortly before 4pm and halted engines between the two cities for around an hour.

BONUS PAYOUT FOR NEWPORT TRANSPORT STAFF

Nov 27 - Staff at municipal bus operator Newport Transport will each receive a windfall of more than £150 in December after bosses announced details of another strong year for the business. Turnover at the company grew by more than £1m in the last financial year (08/09) to £10.15m, while pre-tax profits broke £180,000 thanks to passenger numbers of more than 7.5m. As part of its Performance Related Pay Scheme staff will share 10% of the company’s overall profits.

CITY CENTRE ROAD CLOSURE

Nov 27 - Following a collapsed sewer on Charles Street in Newport city centre, the road has been closed to vehicular traffic between its junctions with School Lane, Talbot Lane and Commercial Street. Work to repair the sewer will start on Monday 30 November 2009.

MISSING TEEN SAFE AND WELL

Nov 26 - Sixteen year old Victoria Cox who was reported missing on Monday November 23rd has been located safe and well.

POLICE SEEK NEWS OF MISSING TEENAGER

Nov 25 - Gwent Police is appealing for information to locate 16 year old Victoria Cox from the Llanmartin area. Victoria was reported missing to police on Monday 23rd November and was last seen that day in the Ringland area. Victoria is described as white, approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall, of slim build with long black hair. She is thought to be wearing a dark coloured hooded jumper. Anyone having seen Victoria or know of her whereabouts is asked to contact Gwent Police on 101.

MP CONCERN OVER POLICE STATION CLOSURE RUMOURS

Nov 25 - Jessica Morden MP for Newport East has expressed concern about the possible closure of Llanmartin police station as part of a rationalisation by the police. She said "“I will be seeking clarification from the Chief Constable of Gwent Police on the proposals to close down Caldicot and Llanmartin police stations. We must ensure that the public feel secure in their homes, meaning we must maintain a visible police presence in their local communities.”

CITY RESIDENTS WARNED OF COUNCIL TAX SCAM

Nov 24 - Although Newport City Council has warned that some council tax payers in Wales have been contacted by bogus callers claiming to represent their local council. The caller explains to the person who has been contacted that they have overpaid their council tax and then asks for their bank details to arrange the refund. Council staff will never contact taxpayers by phone in these circumstances. Written proof of an overpayment will always be sent, along with a refund claim form. Taxpayers are advised not to give out their bank details and to contact either the council or the police if they believe that they have received one of these bogus calls.If you have any concerns or would like more advice, please contact Newport City Council on 01633 656656.

BOUNDARY CHANGES CRITICISED

Nov 24 - The Welsh Local Government Association has criticised proposed boundary changes to Newport's electoral wards. A Welsh Local Government Association spokesperson said: “Councillors have expressed concerns about the Boundary Commission’s first three reviews covering Denbighshire, Neath Port Talbot and Newport. In particular, there is concern that the proposals combine a number of existing wards creating artificial communities which are not recognised locally, a number of which are large rural wards or a merger of existing rural wards with urban wards.”

CARDIFF CENTRE HITTING NEWPORT - TRADE CHIEF

Nov 23 - Ken Ellis, president of Newport Chamber of Trade, claimed the new Cardiff development, St. David's 2, was drawing shoppers away from stores in his city. Newport’s new £222m Friars Walk shopping development was put on hold in June after developers Modus Corovest pulled out. Mr Ellis said: “The situation here is very difficult. Friars Walk would have been a tremendous boost, but the developer pulled out due to the economic climate.

“Things have been tough enough in Newport in the past 12 to 18 months anyway, but the opening of St David’s in Cardiff obviously hasn’t helped the situation. Some stores are doing reasonably well. Traditionally, in the last couple of weeks before Christmas, people can’t be bothered to travel and tend to shop locally. We have benefited from that in past.”

UNIVERSITY HELP FOR NEW BUSINESS IDEAS

Nov 23 - The University of Wales, Newport has launched a new initiative which will see entrepreneurial students and recent graduates given the opportunity to pitch for money to develop their business skills and ideas and turn them into a reality. The Bright Ideas Den (BID) uses the popularity of the ‘Dragons Den’ concept to move away from the traditional business plan competition, encouraging more students to come forward with their ideas to start up and support new businesses.
 
One such example of a successful ‘bid’ is Paper Giant Studios, whose submission impressed the Den panel. Set up by recent Computer Games Design graduates Codey Dyer and Jamie Evans, Paper Giant Studios was founded with a unique vision; to offer a compelling alternative to the challenge and goal-based game play that dominates the casual games market, by developing innovative, high quality games that emphasise creation, exploration and player choice.

The success of ideas such as the Bright Ideas Den has attracted the backing of entrepreneurs such as Dr Alf Gooding, who has pledged support for the Den to the sum of £10,000. Dr Peter Noyes, Vice Chancellor of the University of Wales, Newport said, “this innovative initiative is attracting attention from business people who have been there and done that, which proves that the Bright Ideas Den stands out in the spirit of entrepreneurship".

MAINDEE POOL BUILDING UP FOR AUCTION AGAIN

Nov 21 - Another sad testimony to Newport's handling of its historic past the former Maindee Swimming Pool building is up for auction on December 3. The Grade II listed art deco building has a reserve price of £52,000 and is described as having "multiple re-development opportunities (subject to necessary planning permissions)". The pools, between Victoria Avenue and Albert Avenue, opened in 1938, and finally closed in December 2005, being replaced by the new pool at Spytty. Listed status means the building’s front facade and internal foyer cannot be changed. Now boarded up to prevent more vandalism, Maindee Baths were bought at auction from the City Council last May with an attached three-bedroomed house for £76,000. The house is no longer included in the property for sale. The building has suffered from vandalism and fire damage from some of the bright people who live in the vicinity.

The description in the catalogue from Paul Fosh Auctions is as follows - Ground Floor: Main entrance hall, reception area, various inner halls (with access to all other floors), Main pool room with two swimming baths and full circle gallery above, third pool to rear room, pump room, office’s, w.c.’s, changing rooms. Lower GF: Various rooms for sun beds, main changing rooms, w.c.’s and offices, machine rooms. First Floor: Landing, and various gym rooms. Tenancies: To be sold with vacant possession. Tenure: Advised Freehold. If you are interested in buying it, go to the Park Inn Hotel in Cardiff at 5pm on 3rd December. And if you do buy it, do something tidy with it, preferably something for all the people of Newport.

NEW APPEAL OVER SDR COLLISION

Nov 21 - Police have renewed an appeal for information about a road crash involving a 12-year-girl in Newport. The girl is in a critical condition at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff after being hurt while she was walking near the transporter bridge. She was involved in an incident with a black VW Bora car on the A48 Usk Way on Wednesday night and was initially taken to hospital in Bristol. The car was travelling toward Spytty Road at 2012 GMT on 18 November. Anyone with information should call 101 or 01633 642404.

CITY FIGHTS BACK WITH FREE PARKING INITIATIVE

Nov 20 - In a drastic step to avert a further decline in Newport City Centre the City Council is offering free car parking to shoppers from now until Saturday December 19. Participating City Council car parks include Cambrian Multi-storey, Park Square, Emlyn Street, Faulkner Road, Hill Street, Maindee and Stow Hill. Leader of Newport City Council, Councillor Matthew Evans said: “Car parking fees can certainly add up for shoppers over the festive season, so Newport City Council has introduced this initiative to ease the financial pressures for shoppers and encourage them to use the facilities we have on offer in our city centre. This is a win-win situation to boost footfall and assist traders.” The initiative will be welcomed by retailers struggling to compete with new shopping developments in Cardiff and Bristol and the free parking offered at retail parks in Newport, at Cwmbran Shopping and Cribbs Causeway.

In better news for the Kingsway Centre it is reported that Poundland, the cut price retailer will be taking up a 9000 square foot store in the mall and a number of other deals are likely to be closed out with new retailers prior to Christmas.

GIRL 12, SERIOUSLY INJURED IN ROAD COLLISION

Nov 19 - A 12-year-old girl has been seriously injured in a road collision near the Transporter Bridge in Newport. Police said the incident, involving a black VW Bora car, happened on Wednesday evening at the A48 Usk Way. The girl, a pedestrian who is from Newport, is in a critical condition at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Gwent Police on 01633 838111 or the collision investigation unit on 01633 642404. Officers said the car was travelling toward Spytty Road when the collision took place at around 2012 GMT.

LANDFILL CREDIT TO FUND CANAL AND CATHEDRAL RESTORATION

Nov 19 - The credit accrued from the landfill - the landfill tax - will once again be spent by the Council on major projects in Newport. For active waste such as that, collected by the Council, the tax is currently set at £40 a tonne. The Council, as Landfill Tax Operator, is allowed to give a small proportion of this tax to organisations – Environmental Bodies, registered with ENTRUST, the Landfill Tax Regulator, for projects that ENTRUST has confirmed meet the objectives of the scheme. Whilst landfill tax can be used for awards, the tax is only 90% of the award, the Council making up the 10% balance. At the end of the year, any money that could be used for the scheme, but which has not been expended, is returned to the Government. The City Council will be donated £50,000 to aid the restoration of the Fourteen Locks and £10,000 towards work to clear source of the debris in the Canal between the Caerphilly Boundary and Fourteen Locks to better improve water flow. In addition, £50,000 will be contributed towards the renovation of Newport (St. Woolos) Cathedral subject to matched receipts from the Cathedral renewal fund by the end of the financial year.

NEWPORT CITY HOMES SUPPORTS JOBLESS YOUNGSTERS

Nov 19 - Newport City Homes (NCH) will shortly be welcoming seven new members of staff for six-month positions in its building trade and community involvement teams, as part of the Future Jobs Fund Project. In partnership with Newport City Council, NCH has created a total of 30 placements for 18-24 year olds who have been claiming Job Seekers Allowance for between 39 and 51 weeks. The positions, which will take place over the next 18 months, will allow the young person to gain work experience that delivers community benefit, to enhance their CV. At the end of the six-month placement, extra support will be offered to help the employees find permanent work. In Newport, the Future Jobs Fund was launched in October and a total of 472 placements will be delivered across the city over the next 18 months. The first phase of recruitment for the positions with NCH involved both staff and residents taking part in the interview and decision-making process.

WASTE SITE TO CLOSE ON BOXING DAY

Nov 19 - The Civic Amenity Site in Maesglas will close for the first time on Boxing Day this year. The only other days it is closed are Christmas Day and New Years Day. The Council report approved yesterday states "Over the past five years many neighbouring Authorities have reduced the opening hours of their facilities and now close Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year. Due to the close proximity of major retail outlets anecdotal evidence shows that many of the Users of the site on Boxing Day are from outside the Newport area. As refuse and recycling do not operate on Boxing Day most residents do not expect the site to be open. Staffing the site over Boxing Day means less resources are available on the ramp for the remainder of the holiday period when the site is far busier between 27 December and 31 December between 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m."

The City bus station public convenience will open on a Sunday from 12.45pm to 5.45pm from January 2010 onwards. The automated toilet facility will no longer be available from this date.

BUTLER CONDEMNS SCHOOL VANDALISM

Nov 18 - Two incidents of vandalism occur every day at Newport schools, new statistics have revealed. A school-by school log obtained by Labour Assembly Members John Griffiths and Rosemary Butler show nearly 1,500 incidents of vandalism at Newport schools have occurred over the past two financial years. In total 1,485 acts of vandalism took place at Newport Schools costing the taxpayer £263,089.

Rosemary Butler AM branded thugs who committed vandalism as "mindless" while John Griffiths said the attacks were destroying a crucial learning environment for children. Duffryn High School is the school most frequently vandalised with 183 attacks since 2007 costing £21,189. Bettws High School cost the most to repair from vandalism with more than £24,000 of damage. Earlier this year, the South Wales Argus reported that former Newport School, Westfield, had been targeted by vandals and even set on fire.

Rosemary Butler said:  "What our research shows is that thousands of pounds are being spent on repairing damage caused by criminals. I am gobsmacked by these figures. I have every sympathy with Gwent Police and the school authorities on this matter and I offer my complete support. Labour has invested millions of pounds into schools in Wales so our children can enjoy a first class education system. Earlier this year, the Welsh Assembly Government announced an investment of £15 million to help improve the condition of school buildings in Newport through refurbishment or reconstruction. I don't want that ruined by mindless thugs."

NEWPORT TRANSPORT STEPS IN TO RUN THREATENED SERVICES

Nov 18 - Newport Transport has stepped in to run two services affected by the withdrawal of Francis Drake bus company. Service 51 from Rhiwderin and the 5 to Foxgloves were back into action yesterday. 

APPEAL REGARDING MISSING MAN Nov 17 - Police in Newport are appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of 37 year old Jason Kerr, who lives at an address in the City Centre. Jason was last seen in the Cwmbrân area on Monday November 9th. Jason is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, of medium build with short dark hair and hazel eyes. When he was last seen he was wearing a black hooded top with gold writing on it, light blue denim jeans and a Manchester United top. It's believed he could be in the Maindee area of Newport where he has connections but he also has connections in the Senghenydd area. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Gwent Police on 101.

TANKER DRIVER IN COLLISION

Nov 17 - A tanker driver from Newport was involved a collision last week that ended with the death of a Dorset woman. The woman who died when her car was involved in a collision with a petrol tanker in East Dorset has been named as 70-year-old teacher Wendy Rumbold of Bournemouth. The collision between a silver coloured Vauxhall Corsa and a white Scania petrol tanker happened at Mill Street, at the junction of the A31 near the Coventry Arms pub and the B3074 at 7.50pm on Thursday. The woman died of multiple injuries. The tanker driver, a 44-year-old man from Newport, was shocked but uninjured. Police are appealing for witnesses.

113 ARRESTED IN PILL DRUGS CRACKDOWN

Nov 16 - Story here.

MAJOR RAILWAY UPGRADE MAKING PROGRESS

Nov 14 - The first phase of an upgrade in our local railways is nearing completion. The £150 million Newport area re-signalling scheme will mark a brand new start for thousands of passengers at Severn Tunnel Junction. For the first time in 25 years, passengers will be able to embark on their rail journey from the restored Platform 4, which was abandoned during a cutback in the 80s. In addition, the revamped railway, complete with new track, new layout and modernised signalling technology, is set to improve performance, significantly cutting delays. The revamp should allow for the development of new stations utilising the new track capacity. New stations are proposed for Llanwern (to serve the new eastern suburb), Caerleon, Coedkernew and at Newport West Central (to serve the new development proposed for Whiteheads / Mon Sidings). In addition, the upgrade will allow for Ebbw Vale services to be linked directly to Newport.

Chris Rayner, Western route director, Network Rail said: “The Newport area re-signalling scheme is set to deliver a 21st century railway to South Wales and will also reverse the history of Severn Tunnel Junction. The railway around Severn Tunnel Junction suffered years of decline after it was bombed in World War II. While this work will significantly boost performance, it will also provide the potential for more trains to travel through in the future.”

Signalling equipment between Severn Tunnel Junction and East Usk Junction in Newport will also be completely modernised with new technology, which will be controlled – for the first time in Wales – from the new signalling centre in Cardiff. This move has created 11 new jobs for the region and six additional signallers are set to join in the later part of next year.

This pattern of work will carry on over the next two months and engineers will also make use of the quiet period during the Christmas period to continue the improvement work into New Year’s Eve, in time for time-table change on 4 January.
Rail services between Newport and Bristol and Newport and Gloucester will be replaced by coach services on 27 December 2009 – 3 January 2010.
Replacement bus services are:

• Hourly through services between Bristol Parkway and Newport,
• Hourly service calling at Bristol Parkway, Patchway and Severn Tunnel Junction
• Two hourly services calling at Newport, Severn Tunnel Junction, Caldicot, Chepstow, Lydney and Gloucester
• Hourly through services between Gloucester and Newport

SAINSBURY'S PLAN APPROVED

Nov 12 - Plans for the present Sainsbury's Supermarket at Wyndham Street, Shaftesbury have been approved by City planners. The supermarket is set to relocate to Crindau. The outline plans approved yesterday are in relation to access to a mixed redevelopment including a five storey hotel and a mix of residential properties including 120 one and two bedroom flats.

LANDSLIP CLOSES RAIL LINE

Nov 12 - Commuters have been among those affected as heavy rain has brought disruption. Up to two tonnes of rock fell on the railway line near Chepstow, leading to the closure of the line between Newport and Gloucester. An Arriva Trains Wales spokesperson said the rockslide near Chepstow, including large boulders, was due to heavy rainfall.

The site was considered too dangerous to be assessed by engineers. The line is closed until further notice, expected to be for at least the next 24 hours. Arriva Trains Wales has organised replacement buses between Newport and Gloucester and advised passengers to allow more time for their journeys. Those travelling to and from Caldicot are advised to use the Severn Tunnel Junction as an alternative.

NO COLD CALLING ZONE IN BISHPOOL AND TREBERTH

Nov 12 - The Safer Newport Partnership has launched a ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ in an area of Ringland to put a stop to bogus callers.
Residents of the Treberth and Bishpool area will soon see an end to unwanted callers at their front doors after a ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ was authorised by the Safer Newport partnership with input from Gwent Police, Newport Housing Trust and Newport City Council. Action was taken after Newport East Neighbourhood Policing Team listened to concerns from residents on the estate complaining about suspected rogue traders and distraction burglars.

Every resident of Treberth and Bishpool will now be given an information pack on the ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ and a window sticker to deter unwanted callers. Signs marking the zone will also be displayed on lampposts around the estate. A Neighbourhood Watch group has recently been set up in the area and PCSOs have spoken to residents who are predominantly elderly and vulnerable to make them aware of how to deal with bogus callers on their doorsteps.

Pc Leanne Pole, of Newport East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Many of the residents in the area are elderly and vulnerable and this ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ gives them a clear authority to turn people away from their doorsteps. It’s not designed to stop legitimate callers such as the milkman or gas board representative - it’s to stop bogus callers. People should always check the identity of people who call at their home and if that means shutting the door on them while you call the company they work for, so be it. The zone is a result of residents calling us, reporting suspicious behaviour and expressing their concerns.”

CITY UNEMPLOYMENT UP

Nov 11 - Newport's unemployment picture continues to worsen. The claimant count, those claiming Jobseekers Allowance has risen to 5.5 per cent of the working population, well above the Welsh average of 4.3 per cent. The total number of claimants is up to 4,685, an increase of 1,951 in the past year. Claimant count unemployment is 5.6 per cent in Caerphilly, 5 per cent in Torfaen, 4.4 per cent in Cardiff and only 2.9 per cent in Monmouthshire.

LOTTERY WINNERS REVEALED

Nov 10 - A couple from Newport have been revealed as winners of £45.5m on the Euromillions lottery. Les Scadding, 58, and Samantha Peachey-Scadding, 38, from Caerleon shared the £91m jackpot with a syndicate of IT workers from Liverpool. They celebrated with lunch washed down with champagne at the Priory restaurant on Sunday. When he bought his ticket, Mr Scadding, who survived cancer five years ago, was £68 overdrawn at the bank. A grandfather of six, has been out of work as a mechanic and haulage driver since Christmas. He bought the winning ticket - one of two lucky dip lines - at the Tesco store in Spytty Road, Newport, while doing his grocery shopping last Friday.

CITY COUPLE HIT EUROMILLIONS JACKPOT!

Nov 9 - A group of IT workers and a couple from Newport have become the UK's biggest ever Lottery winners, after scooping £91m between them. The married couple from Newport and a syndicate of seven or eight people from Liverpool each won £45.5m after matching the numbers in Friday's Euromillions draw. The Newport couple will be presented to the public in St David's Hotel and Spa in Cardiff tomorrow morning at 10am.

HIGH DEFINITION FREEVIEW BY MARCH

Nov 9 - Newport residents will have the option of high definition television via their rooftop aerial from March. The service is already available via satellite and cable but the intention is to get 20 terrestrial transmitters beaming out high-definition free-to-air pictures in time for the 2010 World Cup. The local transmitter (Wenvoe) is one of those selected.

NEW AMERICAN LOCOMOTIVES ARRIVE IN NEWPORT

Nov 9 - The first American GE PowerHaul locomotives for rail freight carrier Freightliner have arrived at Newport Docks. The two are the first of an eventual fleet of 30 of Class 70s. Four more should leave the US within the next month, but further deliveries are not due until later in 2010.

OFFENDERS PLACED IN NEWPORT BY VALE OF GLAMORGAN COUNCIL

Nov 8 - A report by Vale of Glamorgan Borough Council has revealed that the authority places hardened offenders in bed and breakfast accommodation in Newport. The information was part of a report by the Council into the way hardened criminals are housed when they are released from prison. The review of the Prolific and Priority Offender (PPO) Scheme in the Vale of Glamorgan comes amid growing concern that nationally about 10% of such offenders are responsible for committing 50% of all crime. The idea is that by providing housing and support for such offenders the likelihood that they will re-offend is reduced. The main area of bed and breakfast for homeless families is on Chepstow Road between the Cenotaph and Maindee railway bridge.

NEW STORE IN KINGSWAY

Nov 7 - The first of a number of new stores set to add to the line up in the Kingsway Shopping Centre opened its doors today. Calendar Club is adjacent to the former Woolworths store, the latter set to be occupied by a new Ethel Austin / Au Naturelle store. Another new unit opposite is also being fitted and will open soon.

Calendar Club was formed in 1993 in the US and has since opened in many other countries in the world, including New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. Calendar Club UK was started in 1998 (with 12 stores) and has proven a huge success. Last year they traded from 257 prime sites across the UK and this year they are planning to expand further. Currently they have sites locally at the St David's Shopping Mall in Cardiff and Cabot's Circus in Bristol.

POLICE APPEAL AGAIN OVER TESCO ROBBERY

Nov 6 - Gwent Police is reappealing for information following a cash in transit robbery which occurred outside the Tesco store on Harlech Retail Park, Cardiff Road, Newport on Friday 16th October at around 7.45pm. Officers are specifically looking for information in relation to the vehicle thought to have been used to make off from the scene. A dark blue, five door, Mazda 3 was found abandoned on Clodien Avenue, off Whitchurch Road in Cardiff on October 17th. Officers believe this may be the same vehicle that was used by the offenders on the night of the robbery. Gwent Police is appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the Clodien Avenue area around this time or anyone who may hold information relating to this vehicle or who abandoned it, to contact them on 01633 838 111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

PLANS FOR CITY'S LARGEST REGENERATION SITE DRAWN UP

Nov 6 - Plans for the largest regeneration site in Newport have been drawn up by the City Council and Newport Unlimited. The 90 acre site covering the former Whiteheads steelworks and the Monmouthshire Sidings was identified previously as an area to be developed for a new regional hospital. However, the City has now produced a Draft Planning Framework stipulating that a large portion on the site should be reserved for health care use adjacent to the existing hospital and Cardiff Road. The report states "The City Council is anxious to retain the full range of healthcare functions within Newport; these are currently provided through the nearby Royal Gwent/St Woolos Hospitals. Newport City Council has called for work on the business case for a new critical care unit for the area to include a reappraisal of the clinical implications of building the unit at the two available sites in public ownership - the former Whiteheads steelworks site in Newport and at Llanfrechfa Grange in Torfaen".

The report proposes a mix of land uses and specifically identifies an allocation for up to 850 residential units based on 450 units on Monmouthshire Bank and 400 units on Whiteheads site.

The draft framework promotes the comprehensive regeneration of the site to ensure that the benefits of remediation, sustainable infrastructure and highway/pedestrian/cycling connections through the site to important destinations such as the City Centre, Royal Gwent Hospital, Belle Vue Park, adjoining Retail Parks and the potential Newport West Centre Rail Station at Maesglas are fully delivered. It sets aside 5.1 acres for open spaces and space for a health centre and primary school.

DECEASED IDENTIFIED - FATAL ROAD TRAFFIC COLLISION ON THE M4

Nov 5 - Gwent Police has now confirmed the identity of the deceased female who was involved in the fatal road traffic collision which occurred on Saturday 31st October on the M4. The collision occurred at approximately 10pm on the westbound carriageway at the Caerleon road intersection when a Heavy Goods Vehicle struck the female pedestrian - who was from the Newport area.

CITY FIRM PROSPERS FROM MAIL STRIKE

Nov 4 - Major companies such as TNT and UK Mail say they have received 20,000 extra calls from potential customers in the wake of the Royal Mail strikes, resulting in a 10% rise in business. The business boost isn't confined to the big companies either; Chris Watts, owner of CWS Courier Services in Newport, he has seen a 25% rise in business.

NEW 'CHARTIST CHARTER' LAUNCHED

Nov 3 - Welsh Assembly cabinet minister John Griffiths will lead the launch of the People's Charter in Wales tomorrow - exactly 170 years after the Chartist uprising in Newport. The Newport Labour AM will be joined by Plaid Cymru AM Leanne Wood and union representatives for a rally at the Pen and Wig public house on Stow Hill at noon, followed by a march on the Westgate where the original Chartists were shot at by troops and over 20 of them killed. The modern-day charter has been endorsed by individual unions, this year's TUC conference and high-profile public figures such as Stephen Lawrence's mother Doreen Lawrence, film director Ken Loach and veteran socialist Tony Benn. The six-point document calls for a fairer tax system, investment in council homes and sustainable jobs, an end to privatisation and for the banking system to be brought under state control, as well as an increase in benefits and cultural facilities for all.

CITY DIRECTOR APPOINTED

Nov 3 - Newport City Council has announced the appointment of Mr Alasdair Bovaird as Corporate Director (Young People and Performance). Mr Bovaird replaces Ms Tracey Lee following her appointment as Managing Director. Ms Tracey Lee, Managing Director, stated: “Newport has an exciting future ahead, but we are not without our challenges. We were looking for, and have found a strong candidate who can support us in making changes that will benefit the people of Newport.” Mr Bovaird currently lives in Essex and will be relocating to the area. He is expected to take up post with Newport City Council in mid November. Boivard was Chief Executive of Uttlesford District Council between 2004 and 2008 and was a Corporate Policy Officer for Argyll and Bute.

POLE DANCING GYM ASKED TO REMOVE FROSTED GLASS

Nov 3 -  A gym owner has claimed that a City Council order to remove frosted glass from her property 'could cause traffic accidents as male drivers peer through the windows'. Charlene Elliott, 27, installed the windows at the front of her shop in Clarence Place to protect the privacy of her pupils from passers-by on the busy street in Newport. She told the Daily Telegraph "I really feel like I am doing something good in Newport for a lot of women. My dancers include police ladies, social workers, and they all think this is not right. Pole dancing is great exercise for the upper body and the lower body and a lot of my pupils get confidence from doing it. I am afraid that if we lose the glass people will be too worried to come to classes, the point is that they can enjoy themselves and get fit in private in a safe atmosphere."

TRAFFIC ORDER TO CURB ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN WENTWOOD Nov 3 - A new traffic order has been approved by the City Council aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour in Wentwood Forest. A report commissioned by the Forestry Commission and Woodland Trust states "The Wentwood area has, unfortunately, suffered from anti-social behaviour in various forms including fly-tipping, abandoned burnt-out cars, vandalism and illegal vehicle use. This behaviour both severely detracts from the amenity value of the area and dissuades other people from making use and enjoying all forms of quiet recreation within the forest. The City Council order will restrict motor vehicle access on two routes within Wentwood. A letter from Police Inspector Smith states "the person who contravenes a traffic Order, such as the one being proposed, commits an offence and the duty to prosecute rests with the Police. In conjunction with the physical barriers – which can only be provided with the associated Order – the local Inspector believes that the metal barriers to be provided will significantly reduce the instances and levels of anti-social behaviour, thereby reducing the Police’s need to attend such instances".

M4 PEDESTRIAN DEATH - POLICE APPEAL

November 2 - Following a fatal road traffic collision which occurred on Saturday 31st October, Gwent Police is appealing for assistance because so far they have been unable to establish the identity of the deceased. The collision occurred at approximately 10pm on the westbound carriageway of the M4 at the Caerleon road intersection when a Heavy Goods Vehicle struck a female pedestrian.

The ambulance service attended and pronounced the female dead at the scene. The woman is described as being in her thirties, white, approximately 5 feet 6 to 5 feet 8 inches tall and of heavy build (size 18-20). She has hazel eyes and shoulder length brown hair and a mole on her forehead above her right eye. She was wearing a green "Berghaus" waist length waterproof jacket, a black cotton long sleeved top with sequins around the neckline and blue Marks and Spencer denim jeans. She had on grey socks and size 6 and a half black trainers. She has pierced ears but was not wearing any earrings and wore a "Lorus" silver bracelet watch on her right wrist. She also wore a yellow gold ring with three clear gemstones in a line on her right ring finger.

Police officers are asking members of the public who are concerned about a friend or member of their family matching this description and haven't seen them since Saturday or are unable to contact them to call Gwent Police on 01633 838 111.

BOUNDARY CHANGES WARNING

November 2 - Rosemary Butler AM has warned that the latest proposals for local government boundary changes in Newport could threaten democracy. The Local Boundary Commission have published draft recommendations which, if implemented, would reduce the number of council wards in Newport from 20 to 12, and the number of councillors from 50 to 45. Responses to the recommendations have to be in by December 22.

The Newport West AM says: "It was quite clear from my discussions with constituents before these latest proposals came out, that they would be extremely unhappy with a wholesale merging of wards. I'm disappointed that that prospect is now in danger of becoming a reality and I think there are many communities who would feel a serious loss of identity. Democratic representation will suffer, and I believe that citizens of Newport may feel less inclined to vote. It's ironic that this is coming out on the eve of the 170th anniversary of the Chartist march to Newport, when men laid down their lives for the sake of democracy."

NOVEMBER ANTI-CRIME INITIATIVE UNDER WAY

November 1 - Newport Police will be kicking off November with a city-wide clamp down on crime and anti-social behaviour. Not in My Neighbourhood Week, runs from 2-6 November and is a national week of action aiming to encourage local communities to work with the police to combat crime and anti-social behaviour.

On Monday 2 November Newport residents can see the film COW before it’s screened on BBC Wales later that night. The hard-hitting story, which shows the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving will be shown in front of the Tesco Superstore on Leeway Industrial Estate at 6pm.

The Safer Newport partnership will be working together, directing offenders to clean up litter and graffiti as part of Community Payback, and throughout the week the police will be targeting drug suppliers and burglars based on hot intelligence from the people of Newport. Gwent Police Assistant Chief Constable Jeff Farrar said: “Anyone concerned about criminal and anti-social behaviour should call us on our new non-emergency number 101 and in an emergency they should dial 999.”

POLICE TARGET HALLOWEEN AND BONFIRE NIGHT CRIME

Story here

PROTEST BUILDING WINS ASSEMBLY GRANT

October 30 - The building at the centre of a recent controversy has won a substantial grant from the Welsh Assembly Government. The United Reformed Church will be updated using a £135,000 grant from the historic buildings fund. The nineteenth century chapel will be developed by the Islamic Society. The move has been criticised by right wing activists from the English and Welsh Defence League, they pulled out of a threatened demonstration last Saturday.

Fida Hussain Shah, of the Islamic Society for Gwent, said they had bought the old United Reformed church in Newport's Victoria Road more than a year ago, and were looking to create a community hall for use by young and old in the area, as well as a prayer room, which could be used by different religious denominations. "There's a lot of work to be done and alterations inside - there's a big crack in the wall that needs to be repaired, " said Mr Shah. "But the old look of the building is being conserved and there won't be any external changes at all."

KILLING COULD HAVE BEEN AVERTED

October 29 - The killing of a 44-year-old man may have been averted if his mentally ill attacker had received proper care and treatment, a report says. Kevin Price, 45, stabbed former school friend James Fortey five times in Newport in August 2007. A Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) report expressed concern over the care provided to Mr Price. The Aneurin Bevan Health Board and Newport City Council both said lessons had been learnt. They said systems had been improved to do everything possible to ensure such an incident did not happen again. Nobody has been disciplined. HIW said there were "important lessons" to be learned from the case.

Price, 45, of Stockton Close, Newport, is now indefinitely detained in a secure unit, where he was diagnosed with schizophrenia after the stabbing on Caerleon Road, Newport on August 4, 2007. He was four when he was first referred to Welsh mental health services and was living at home with his parents before the killing. But, said the report, the parents "were not provided with appropriate support", despite the fact they were his primary carers.

Stewart Greenwell, corporate director for care and customers for Newport City Council, said: "This was a tragic case which has obviously had a profound effect on all those involved. "We would like to reassure all those who require mental health services, and the wider public, that many changes have already been made to mental health provision in the Gwent area and we will continue to review our services."

FOOD WASTE COLLECTIONS TO BE EXTENDED

October 29 - Newport City Council recycling services are set for expansion, as we extend our weekly food waste collection scheme to another 7,000 homes. Councillor David Fouweather, cabinet member for community safety and environment, has approved the extension of the scheme, which is a key part of the drive to boost recycling rates across the city. Newport is currently recycling about 40 percent of our waste, but we still have to work to do if we are to meet strict recycling targets. With the support of our residents, we are confident we can reach our goal. All the streets involved will be formally notified later in the year and will receive caddies, liners and a detailed guide on how to use the new service. Food waste is collected weekly from the kerbside using a specially designed Wastesavers lorry.Households already involved in the scheme are recycling 60 tonnes of food waste a month. If every house in Newport was doing the same, the City could collect over 7,000 tonnes of left over food a year – reducing out it’s carbon footprint by a staggering 2,940,000 kilogrammes.

FIRE AT CORPA HOTEL BUILDING

October 29 - An unoccupied hotel is on fire in Newport, say South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Three fire engines, two water bowsers and an aerial appliance were sent to the Corporation Hotel in Corporation Road in the city at 1416 GMT. A fire service spokesperson said the fire is on the first floor of the building. A fire officer is also at the scene. Some appliances have now left the scene but the fire has not been put out. The western end of Corporation Road between George Street and Cromwell Road was closed to traffic.

SIGNS OF LIFE IN KINGSWAY

October 27 - Five stores in the Kingsway Shopping Centre look set to be let as interest in the new mall increases. Footfall has increased in recent weeks due to the opening of the new Boswells cafe and a free car parking campaign during October. The former Woolworths store is now under offer (we believe it set to become a combined Ethel Austin / Au Naturale store). The four other potential lets are two units adjacent to Wilkinsons, one next to the former Jessops store, the other is next door to Claire's Accessories.

CRACKDOWN ON ROGUE TRADERS

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COUNCIL TO SUE WELSH ASSEMBLY OVER LANDFILL

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The scene in John Frost Square this morning

PEACEFUL PROTEST PASSES OFF WITHOUT INCIDENT Oct 24 - A planned counter protest against the Welsh Defence League went ahead in Newport today overseen by a massive and no doubt costly police presence in the City. Gwent Police issued a statement this afternoon thanking organisers for the peaceful atmosphere at the demonstration and for the carnival atmosphere created in John Frost Square. Assistant Chief Constable Jeff Farrar of Gwent Police confirmed there had been no opposition from the Defence League. See his statement via the following link. Three hundred protestors attended, as well as 50 members of Newport's neighbourhood policing team. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Hu4nptrop8

NO MARCH BUT VIGIL GOES AHEAD

Oct 23 - A vigil is due to take place in Newport on Friday organised by people opposed to the Welsh Defence League (WDL). The WDL had planned to protest in the city on Saturday but has told Police the event has been cancelled. Supported by the Muslim Council of Wales and Cytun (Churches Together), protesters will gather to sing songs and listen to speakers. A WDL demonstration against Islamic extremism in Swansea last weekend was met with a larger counter protest. David Phillips, chief executive of the South East Wales Racial Equality Council, said the aim of the vigil at 1900 BST at Westgate Square was to show the WDL was not welcome in Newport. "It's an opportunity for people who would not normally dream of going to a demonstration to come along and show their solidarity," he said.

The WDL made the following statement on their social network site ""Newport demo is now OFF spoken to the police and they expect a lot of violence from local blacks, who it seems are convinced we are the klan or whatever, as we dont want to be responsible for a riot, by people we would expect to support what we are doing, we are cancelling until we are able to get message out there that we are not a racist group. "

CITY LIBRARIES PRAISED

Oct 23 - Newport’s library services are one of the best performing library services in Wales, according to results from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Welsh Public Library Standards. Along with public libraries across Wales, the city’s libraries were measured for quality of service delivered. Standards measured included levels of stock purchased, opening hours, accessibility and customer satisfaction.

Newport City Council and its library service achieved outstanding performances in the majority of assessment frameworks and the council made the decision to include performance against the Welsh Public Library Standards as one of the key elements within the Performance Improvement Grants. Performance against the Standards has also been designated as a key performance indicator for Newport City Council. Although libraries in Newport are high-achieving the service continues to seek opportunities for development and to strive for improvement. 2010 will see the launch of a new service within the Tredegar Park area of the City.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH VERDICT IN STUDENT CASE

Oct 21 - A 19-year-old student hanged himself with a tie after a night out socialising with friends in Hampshire an inquest in Portsmouth heard today. David Harris, of Newport had just completed a set of exams for his business degree at the University of Portsmouth when he was found dead in his bedroom in Southsea, on January 24. The inquest held at Portsmouth heard that Mr Harris, described as a ''larger than life character'' had been out to a pub with friends the previous evening and they had continued drinking at home until the early hours. A verdict of accidental death was recorded.

EBBW VALE LINK STILL ON A PROMISE

Oct 21 - The Ebbw Vale - Cardiff line carried its millionth passenger today but a new service linking the Western Valley and Newport still seems some way off. Local Conservative AM William Graham has urged that it is running by the time golf's Ryder Cup is held in Newport in 2010. Last year the assembly government announced a £2.6m investment for improvements at Gaer Junction, as an "essential prerequisite to any future regular passenger rail service between Ebbw Vale and Newport". Ieuan Wyn Jones, Assembly Transport Minister claims that the Gaer Junction work will be complete during 2010 and infrastructure work at Newport station will allow the line to become a reality by 2011.

HOUSE SIEGE - MAN ARRESTED

Oct 20 - Police arrested a man this evening after a lengthy siege at a house on Chepstow Road adjacent to Harrow Road in Maindee. A section of Chepstow Road was sealed off late this afternoon while a large number of police including armed assistance sought to remove the man from the house. The siege started at approximately 11am this morning.

ATTEMPTED BURGLARY IN ROGERSTONE - POLICE APPEAL

Oct 20 - Police are appealing for information following an attempt burglary in the Rogerstone area of Newport. The incident occurred sometime between 5.45pm and 6pm on 5th October 2009 at an address on Cefn Road. The owner of the property arrived home and disturbed a man attempting to gain entry into the rear of the property. The man then ran off along Cefn Road in the direction of Risca. The offender is described as being a white male, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and of slim build. He was wearing a dark beanie and a navy sports jacket. Police are interested in speaking to anyone who may have witnessed the incident particularly a man who stopped and spoke to the homeowner immediately after the offender made off. This man was driving a white car, believed to be a Ford Fiesta with a blue/green company logo on the side. Anyone with information is asked to contact Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

NEW SCHOOL TO BE HANDED OVER TO COUNCIL

Oct 20 - The keys to Newport High School and Active Living Centre will be handed to the leader of Newport City Council Councillor Matthew Evans at 4pm on Friday 23 October. The handover will take place in the school’s reception by director of construction company the Leadbitter Group, Steve Burgess. The landmark new development, which will replace Bettws High School and leisure centre, will open its doors to pupils on 9 November to offer advanced teaching facilities, including 34 general classrooms, eight science labs, eight ICT suites, a fully-equipped design technology wing, six SEN areas and a vocational training learning and resource centre. The new Active Living Centre with its state-of-the-art leisure facilities, including a new 25m swimming pool, fitness suite, full size artificial turf pitch, multi-use games areas and sports pitches will be open for community use outside of school hours for residents from all over the city from 9 November.

Councillor Evans said: “We are committed to providing high quality, modern education facilities for Newport, and I believe this school will offer many generations of children the best education environment to ensure they reach their full potential. I’d like to thank everyone who has worked so hard on this project to ensure it has been a success.”

FLYNN BLASTS DAVIES FOR INCITING CITY DEMO

Oct 19 - Newport West MP Paul Flynn has launched a vociferous attack on Newport City Councillor Peter Davies for inciting a demonstration in the City this weekend. The English and Welsh Defence League still state that they have plans to carry out a demonstration against a recent Newport City Council planning decision to allow the United Reformed Church in Victoria Street to become a Mosque and "multi-faith community centre". Flynn states on his website "Responsibility for this ugly conflict rests firmly on the shoulders of one Tory councillor. Peter Davies made a mischievous and inflammatory statement on the change of use of a closed church. After seeking maximum attention for his untrue claim of 'desecration' he did not attend the meeting where his allegations were exposed as falsehoods. I have seen no apology from him for his 'error. Remarkably he has put out an e-mail on the Council web-site which could be seen as an incitement to the marchers to parade near the mosque. This is not responsible behaviour. Newport is run by a Conservative- LibDem coalition. Does Peter Davies reflect the coalition's views in his rabble rousing?  Do they  support his e-mail which fails to apologise and suggest a  a long route for the racists' march ending with a 'last Hurrah' for the marchers near the mosque?" Flynn calls on Newportonians to support "our city in building a harmonious community of many faiths and ethnic groups".

PROPOSAL TO REDUCE NUMBER OF CITY COUNCILLORS

Oct 19 - The Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales has published draft proposals to reduce the number of councillors in Newport from 50 to 45. The reduction involves the creation of a number of new multi-member constituencies as follows (numbers of councillors in brackets) - Allt-yr-yn and Shaftesbury (5), Alway and Ringland (5), Beechwood and St.Juilan's (5), Bettws and Malpas (5), Gaer and Tredegar Park (4), Graig and Marshfield (4), Langstone and Llanwern (3), Pillgwenlly and Stow Hill (3). The number of Lliswerry members reduces to three under the proposals, Caerleon retain three and Victoria two. The final date for the submission of representations regarding the proposals is 22 December2009.

APPEAL OVER TESCO ROBBERY

Oct 19 - Police are appealing for witnesses following a cash in transit robbery outside the Tesco store on Harlech Retail Park, Cardiff Road, Newport on Friday 16th October at around 7:45pm. Officers specifically want to trace three people who were in the area when a security guard delivering money to the store was approached by a man, wearing dark clothing and white trainers, pushed to the ground and a box containing money was taken. It is believed that the robber had two or possibly three accomplices and they left the scene in a dark (possibly blue) 4 door car. On leaving the Harlech Retail Park they drove towards the Tredegar Park roundabout.

Officers want to trace the following people who were in the area at the time of the incident;

- A lady who told a security guard she saw the offenders run off and throw the cash box at the side of the Tesco store which they then recovered. She is described as white, with dark hair, aged 25 - 30 years old, possibly wearing a white top.

- A man who may have been using the ATM at the store and got into a maroon coloured Ford Escort. He is described as aged between 60 - 70 years old, of a slight build, 5'7"-5'8" tall, balding with grey hair at the side.

- A man, reported to be of chinese appearance, who was sat on a box full of store catalogues near the entrance to the store. He had silver rimmed glasses and it's believed he may have had a child with him. Anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident or has any information that could assist officers with their enquiries is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ANTI-FUNDAMENTALIST DEMO UNCERTAINTY

Oct 17 - A BBC report states that the proposed demonstration against Islamic fundamentalism in Newport by the Welsh Defence League has been postponed. It was scheduled to take place next Saturday in John Frost Square. Update This has been denied by organisers who say it will go ahead. Further update (Oct 20) - Police state the march is off.

DATA CENTRE READY TO ROLL

Oct 17 - One of Europe's largest and most technologically advanced data centres is now open for business following completion of the essential phases of a £200 million project to convert and upgrade the former LG semiconductor plant in Coedkernew, Newport. Next Generation Data Ltd., the owner and operator of the new data centre, is making available a wide range of large scale wholesale space solutions and has already agreed long term contracts with several major blue chip organisations. These will begin moving in their data centre operations from early next year.

NGD Europe is described as tier 3 data centre facility and is one of the biggest and best equipped of its kind. Among NGD Europe's many unique features is a high capacity power supply direct from the super grid as well as on-site high-speed, low latency fibre connections from the major telecoms carriers. Inside the massive three-floor 75,000 sq metre building there are a number of separate data halls of varying sizes available all with independent services, resilient power supply and cooling systems. Capable of housing up to 19,000 server racks, NGD Europe has been purpose built to support the high level technology infrastructure.

POLICE CALL HALT TO ILLEGAL USE OF BUS LANES

Oct 16 - Five people were arrested and 188 drivers given fixed penalty tickets during a two-day police operation to stop the illegal use of bus lanes. A team of four PCSOs sponsored by bus company Newport Transport launched Operation Freeflow last month to deal with an increasing number of drivers using bus lanes illegally to skip traffic queues. Police are now warning drivers in Newport that similar operations will take place across the city in the future. Operation Freeflow ran between September 16 and 20. Police officers from Newport Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, as well as those from traffic and response teams, assisted the PCSOs in dealing with vehicles committing a range of driving offences, primarily in the Stow Hill area.

The results of the operation saw 188 drivers given £30 fixed penalty notices for breaching traffic orders. In addition, five cars were seized for having no insurance and four people were given £60 fixed penalty notices for not wearing their seatbelt. One man was arrested for drink driving, two men were arrested for obstructing police, and another two men were arrested for possession of cannabis. PCSO Chris Burge, who helped coordinate the operation, said: “Bus drivers have reported that other road users have obstructed them by driving in designated bus lanes, particularly in Stow Hill and Skinner Street. Vehicles can legally use this route into the city centre for the purposes of loading and unloading, but many drivers are illegally using the roads as a shortcut and this is what we are trying to stop.

CITY TO BRING IN NEW PARKING ORDERS

Oct 16 - The City Council's Cabinet has agreed a new system of parking orders as the current orders are regarded as unenforceable by the Police. The Cabinet approved the revocation of existing Residents Parking Orders and confirm the making and implementation of new Orders with effect from 1st December 2009. Agreement has now been reached with the Police regarding the legality and enforcement of the Residents Parking Orders. It is proposed that all the existing Orders are repealed and replaced with new Orders under Section 45 of the Road Traffic Act. The Orders will contain specific exemptions for disabled drivers (to ensure that they comply with the Disabled Drivers Regulations) and also an exemption for visitor parking in accordance with the Council’s approved voucher scheme.

BACKING FOR NEWPORT SHIP MUSEUM

Oct 14 - Newport City Council Cabinet has backed the proposal for a museum to host the Newport Ship and other artefacts of the City's maritime past. That Cabinet agreed in principle that the Ship should be displayed in a new Museum and that this new museum should be a key feature of the City, provided substantial external funding be secured. The Cabinet authorised the Cabinet Member to actively seek external funding for the project to enable the Ship to "be protected and displayed for the best advantage of the people of Wales."

FUND HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE TO FIND JOBS

Oct 14 - The Newport Future Jobs Fund was launched yesterday at Malpas Court in Newport. The government-funded scheme, which has been led by Newport City Council’s Community Development team and its partners, has been a great success – creating 472 six-month contract jobs in Newport, in a period of just 18 months. A number of the scheme’s first employees and employers were present at the launch, along with Cabinet Members from Newport City Council.

Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Services, Cllr Richard White, said: “It is very encouraging that the Council has been able, together with our partner organisations, to create these opportunities for employment. I hope this will lead to permanent long-term employment for those involved. I wish all the participants success in achieving this aim”. The Future Jobs Fund was announced in the 2009 Budget and is run by the Department for Work and Pensions in partnership with the Department for Communities and Local Government, collaborating with Jobcentre Plus, Regional Government Offices and the Welsh Assembly. The £1 billion programme aims to provide employment for at least six months to young people aged between 18-24 who live in unemployment ‘hotspots’ and haven’t worked in the previous 12 months.

CITY WINS BIG INCREASE IN FUNDING

Oct 13 - Newport City Council looks like being granted a big increase of funding from Welsh Assembly Government following publication of the draft local government funding settlement. The Council will receive an increase in funding from the taxpayer of 3.1 per cent, well ahead of the rate of inflation, for 2010/11.

CANAL SIDE ROBBERY - POLICE APPEAL

Oct 13 - Gwent Police is appealing for information following a robbery which occurred in Newport yesterday, Monday 12th October. A 34 year old man was riding his push bike along Bettws Lane, the path that runs alongside the canal near Kimberley Park, at approximately 10pm last night when he was approached by two men. The two men engaged the victim in conversation and then punched him to the face causing him to fall into the canal. They made off from the scene in the direction of Malpas having stolen his push bike and mobile phone. The victim was able to get him self out of the canal and to safety and did not sustain any serious injuries. The offenders were both white males. The first is described as being of stocky build, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and in his 30s. He was wearing a grey coloured beanie hat and an unzipped jacket. The second offender is described as slightly shorter than the first, with black hair and was wearing a white top. Any witnesses or anyone holding information about this incident that could assist police with inquiries is asked to contact DC Andy Dabinette on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

MOBILITY SCOOTER RECHARGE POINT IN CITY CENTRE

Oct 13 - City disability activists have welcomed the installation of a charging point for electric wheelchairs and scooters in the City Centre. The charging point is the first to be installed by a council in the UK and was donated by Rookwood Hospital in Cardiff, thanks to campaigning from Newport group Disabled Open Opportunity Ringland Social (D.O.O.R.S.), The new charger point will allow users of mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs to recharge the battery while they are out in the city centre. Founder of DOORS Bernard Allen said: “We would like to say thank you to Councillors John Fortey, Richard White and Hugh Clark, who have all helped to push this forward. This is a wonderful thing for disabled people in Newport – it will allow them much more freedom.”

AIRPORT STYLE SNIFFER DOGS USED IN PILL

Oct 12 - Specially-trained drug dogs led 28 police officers through the streets of Pill on Saturday (October 10) between 12.30pm and 6pm. A large-scale drugs crackdown was carried out as part of Operation Prudent, which aims to address concerns raised by members of the Pill community and to restore pride in the area. Local people have voted to make drug supply and use a policing priority in Pill at PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meetings.

Two passive drug dogs - a Labrador and Spaniel - and their trainers were loaned from South Wales Police to be used for the first time in Newport. Passive drug dogs, like those usually seen in airports, are trained to sniff out drug aromas on people as they walk past. The two dogs were alternated every 20 minutes to rest their sensitive noses, which become tired after concentrated periods of work. When the dogs indicated they could smell drugs on a person by sitting in front of them, officers stopped and searched them. A large van followed the police group to provide somewhere for people to be searched in private.

Of the 13 people stopped and searched, two were arrested and cautioned for possession of small quantities of cannabis. Another person was given an £80 fixed penalty notice for possession of cannabis. As well as enforcing the law, officers gathered a number of intelligence logs for Operation Prudent. Sergeant Sarah Davies, who coordinated Saturday's operation, said: “We are aiming to stop the supply and use of drugs in Commercial Road and surrounding streets. I would like to thank South Wales Police for lending us the passive drugs dogs and for helping us to use this tactic during Operation Prudent".

BUS SERVICE CONTRACTS AWARDED

Oct 12 - New bus service contracts have been awarded for the following bus services - service 61 Magor to Newport (via Redwick and Llanwern), service 73 Chepstow to Newport (via Penhow and Langstone), service 74 the evening service from Chepstow to Newport (via Caldicot and Magor). All contracts have been awarded to Veolia Cymru (owned by Bebb Travel). The subsidy for service 61 will be £43,000 per annum for the cross boundary service running in to Monmouthshire the City Council will be contributing just over £14,000. The new services will take effect from 15 November 2009.

JOBS SECURED BY SALE OF FIRM

Oct 11 - Forty six jobs have been secured by the sale of a firm manufacturing aluminium castings, administrators say. Precision Cast-Components, of Usk Way, Newport, went into administration in September 2008. The company has been acquired by a new business created by former management and supported by private investment. Alistair Wardell of Grant Thornton said the firm was "a leading business of its kind" with strong relationships with a number of blue chip rail customers. The company has been involved in major refurbishments of the Circle and Metropolitan lines of the London Underground. Mr Wardell said administrators had worked "extremely hard to secure a sale and secure the future of a considerable number of the workforce".

M4 RELIEF ROAD DECISION CRITICISED BY BUSINESS

Oct 11 - A survey of three hundred Welsh businesses undertaken by Deloitte and the Western Mail reveals a large number of those questioned feel the decision to ditch the M4 Relief Road will not help the local economy. 32.1 per cent of those surveyed said it will have “large implications” for their businesses.

ASSEMBLY AGREES ADDITIONAL NEWPORT FUNDING

Oct 10 - The Welsh Assembly Government has agreed funding of £1 million towards Newport's City Enhancement Framework. The Framework will enable a range of additional projects to be undertaken and complement the existing programme of work that includes a range of physical and environmental improvements to the city’s gateways, landmark structures and key buildings. £2 million of taxpayers money has been committed by Newport Unlimited and £800,000 has already been received from the Assembly towards getting the Transporter Bridge up and running by the time of the Ryder Cup.

In addition to these works, Newport City Council is committing £1m towards a programme of additional projects during the year. Leighton Andrews, Deputy Minister for Regeneration, said the city enhancement programme supported the on-going regeneration of the city and would help create a positive image and bring benefits to residents. “Newport will be in the media spotlight in the run-up to and during the Ryder Cup and it’s important that we are able to present a positive image of the city which is why I am pleased to announce this additional funding. A considerable amount of investment and work has already been made in the regeneration of Newport and we hope to capitalise on and benefit from the high profile associated with the Ryder Cup."

NEW MUSEUM PROPOSED FOR THE NEWPORT SHIP

Oct 8 - Newport City Council's Cabinet will next week discuss a report proposing that the City develops a new museum to host the discovery of the Newport Ship. The Newport Ship was found during excavation work for the Riverfront Theatre on the west bank of the Usk in 2002.

In 2006/7 a steering group was set up at the request of the Welsh Assembly’s Minister for Culture Media Welsh Language and Sport to examine the future of the Ship Project. The working group comprised representatives of the Welsh Assembly Administration, Cadw, the National Museum of Wales, Cymal, the Friends of the Newport Ship and Newport City Council. This group examined a range of options for the ship and concluded that the greatest benefit would be gained if the ship was fully conserved and reassembled in a new museum that interpreted the find within a wide local history context. The working group also recommended that the display of the ship should be used as a catalyst for renaissance of the Newport’s Museums Service and that this new museum should be at the centre of Newport’s regeneration aspirations in the next decade. The Medieval Ship project has provided Newport with considerable positive publicity since its discovery in 2002. Bringing the project to a successful conclusion will provide lasting benefit for the City, and provides a unique asset to support the future ongoing regeneration of the city.

The report states "A dedicated museum for the ship is an important aspiration and would enable the internationally important find to be showcased in an appropriate setting. Much debate has focussed on the type of Museum that should be created to tell the story of the Newport Ship. This was particularly so in the months following the Ship’s discovery when supporters of the ship called for a new Maritime Museum. There are also other significant maritime and estuarine archaeological finds including the Barland’s Farm Boat and the Magor Pill Boat which are available to be displayed."

TESCO WIND TURBINE CONTROVERSY

October 7 - Newport City planners will consider a planning application from Tesco next week to place a 100 metre high wind turbine adjacent to its distribution centre near Llandevenny. The plan has attracted widespread criticism from the communities in the area. Neighbouring Monmouthshire County Council object stating "the tall turbines would comprise obtrusive vertical features in an otherwise extensive flat landscape. The existing and approved buildings at Gwent Europark, although large, have a horizontal emphasis. The pylons are much smaller and have a horizontal element in the alignment of the pylons and the overhead transmission lines which link them; the site adjoins a registered landscape of historic interest and the turbines would dominate and/or punctuate views of the Levels over a considerable distance, causing harm to the character and appearance of the flat historic landscape, contrary to conservation interests." Thirty one letters of objection have been received from local residents "the proposal is a PR stunt with Tesco trying to be ‘green’." The Community Councils at Magor, Redwick, Goldcliff and Bishton all object to the development as does Upfield Farm Aerodrome and the Wildlife Trust. However, Newport City Council planning officers recommend approval "By the nature of their scale and height it is accepted that all wind energy developments will have some degree of visual effect. However, the setting and visual impact is considered acceptable. It is the role of the Authority to weigh up the visual effect and ecological impact of the turbines against the need for and benefits of clean energy. The Government and Welsh Assembly Government have recognised that such development make an important contribution to meeting renewable energy targets. It is considered that the impact of the turbines can be suitable mitigated and on this basis it is recommended that planning permission is granted."

NEW STORE TO OPEN

October 7 - A store combining discount clothes Ethel Austin and home-ware supplier Au Naturale is set to open in Newport. A number of managerial job opportunities are being placed on retail employment websites for the new store. Although the location of the new store is not specified Ethel Austin and Au Naturale have recently taken over a number of former Woolworth stores in Scotland, Kent and the East Midlands.

POLICE SEARCHING FOR ABSCONDER

October 6 - Police are appealing for information to locate 26 year old Paul Samuel Morrisey who failed to appear at Cwmbran Magistrates on September 4th. Paul Morrisey from Newport was convicted and sentenced (in his absence) for an assault which occurred on Chepstow Road, Newport in June this year. He received a six month sentence and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He is described as slim, of wiry build, five feet nine, short fair hair and is known to spend time in the Spytty and Lliswerry areas of Newport. Police are asking that if any members of the public see Morrisey they should call 999 or for anyone who has seen or has knowledge of his whereabouts to call 01633 838 111 or 101.

ASDA OPENS NEW STORE

Oct 6 - Asda has opened their new store in Pill claiming it is creating 350 new jobs for the area. Together with food, a customer cafe, the store has George clothing and an electronics section and is within walking distance of Newport's struggling city centre. Mandy Womack, community champion, was a special guest at the opening, with around 300 people queueing to see the new store. Mandy helped raise £850,000 for the Leukaemia Research Fund, and together with Newport Mayor, Glyn Jarvis, opened the store, with Eveswell Primary School Choir providing music. Mrs Womack said she was 'thrilled' to be the first person to have a tour around the store before the opening at 10am to the general public. The supermarket is situated on the former cattle market site.

CITY STATION PROJECT GATHERS PACE

October 5 - Here.

THREE ARRESTS FOLLOWING BETTWS RAIDS

October 5 - Police have arrested three people for drugs offences after simultaneously raiding four homes in Bettws. On Friday (October 2) 28 Gwent Police officers forced their way into four houses in Crouch Close, Bettws. After finding small amounts of cannabis and amphetamines, officers arrested one 23-year-old man and two women, aged 38 and 43, for drug possession. Another woman, aged 45, was arrested for cruelty to an animal and a malnourished dog was taken away by the RSPCA.

The raids came after a Safer Newport antisocial behaviour investigation carried out by Newport West Neighbourhood Policing Team, Charter Housing, and a victim support officer from Newport City Council. A total of 31 incidents of antisocial behaviour in Crouch Close were reported between August 1st and October 1st 2009. These included three incidents of serious disorder. Sergeant John Davies, of Newport West Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This action was planned to show the minority of problem residents in the Crouch Close area that antisocial behaviour and the victimising of people is not acceptable."

POLICE APPEAL AFTER CAERLEON BURGLARY

October 5 - Gwent Police is appealing for information following a burglary that occurred in Newport on Thursday 1 October. Forced entry was made to a property on Parkwood Close, Caerleon between 12.45pm and 6pm.A number of items were stolen from the address including a silver Panasonic Lumix digital camera, a charcoal grey Sony PM55 camcorder, a Nintendo Wii and two 3ft tall mahogany wood Castle speakers. The camera and camcorder are of particular value to the victim because they hold sentimental photographs and footage.Police are investigating this incident and appealing for anyone who may have been offered any of the items listed or holding any information that could assist with inquiries to contact them on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

BUS SERVICE IMPROVEMENT TO BUSINESS PARK

October 5 - Newport Transport has announced an improved frequency to bus service 36 between the City Centre and Celtic Springs Business Park. The service runs along Emlyn Street and Cardiff Road before taking in Pont Ebbw Roundabout and Duffryn Drive. Running from Monday to Saturday the service will run at a 12 minute frequency throughout. Monday to Friday the first bus leaves Newport leaves Newport Bus Station at 0630, with the last bus from the Business Park at 1952. On Saturdays the start of the 12 minute frequency kicks in slightly later with the first bus at 0650 and the last bus returning to the City at 1952. Adult single fares are £1.20, with day tickets set at £2.50 (including services to Cardiff and Cwmbran). Elsewhere, the contracted service 61 to Bishton and Redwick could be under threat. The heavily subsidised service has had a number of operators over the last three years since the contract was taken away from Country Bus Services. Local councillor Martyn Kellaway (Conservative) presented a 300 name petition to the recent full Council meeting calling for the service to be retained.

PEDESTRIAN HURT IN CRASH

October 4 - A pedestrian is being treated for serious injury after an accident in Duffryn. A woman and a car collided in Lighthouse Road, Duffryn, on Saturday morning at about 0915 BST.

ANTI-FUNDAMENTALIST PROTEST HEADS FOR NEWPORT

October 2 - The English and Welsh Defence League is heading for Newport according to web publicity. The organisation states that it is has two aims - "Remove Islamic Fundamentalists from our streets, and Remove ALL practice of Shari'ah Law in England." It objects to a recent Newport City Council planning decision to allow the United Reformed Church in Victoria Street to become a Mosque and "multi-faith community centre". It's Facebook site is headed for the Newport protest with various badges including the Welsh FA and Newport County with a giant fist over a black and amber flag. On the site they criticise the planning decision stating "SHALL WE SIT BACK WHILE POLITICALLY CORRECT TRAITOR COUNCILLORS HAND OVER OUR CHURCHES AND DESECRATE WORLD WAR ONE MEMORIALS TO APPEASE MILITANT ISLAM?"

The Welsh Defence League plans to demonstrate against the plan at John Frost Square on Saturday October 24 between 1pm and 4pm. At this week's Council Meeting the Leader of the Council Matthew Evans stated he was concerned about the demonstration and that all agencies were working to keep disruption to a minimum. Whilst a peaceful protest could be facilitated any disorder or violent activities would be dealt with. Superintendent Knight of Gwent Police stated that the police would facilitate lawful demonstration but criminal activity would not be tolerated. Police leave had been cancelled and a multi - agency group was looking at policing proposals and the prospect of counter demonstrations. Councillor Truman stated individuals who wanted to stir up unrest have no place ion the city. Newport was a multi -cultural society and any activity to stir racial tension should be condemned.  Pillgwenlly Labour Councillor Ibrahim Hayat stated that the proposed march was the biggest crisis of his lifetime spent in Newport.

A piece about the Church on Newport City Council's website states "The church was built for Congregationalists in 1859 by A.O Watkins of Newport. The original layout of this large church still stands, with galleries on three sides and the pulpit at the further short end. The church itself can hold around 1000 people and features beautiful timber pews, piers and choir stalls. A number of beautiful stained glass windows depict images from the New Testament. Interior redesigned by A Swash with carving by Mageston of Bristol as First World War Memorial."

The building has not been used since 2007. At the Council's site planning meeting on July 16 Councillors considered the issues raised concerning the impact of the proposed alterations on the architectural and historical integrity of the listed building. Lengthy discussion ensued concerning the war memorial plaque and what constituted the memorial. The minute states "It was noted that the War Memorials Trust had been consulted in relation to this matter and that their response was awaited."

CITY HOUSE PRICES SHOW SMALL INCREASE

October 2 - Latest Land Registry figures show another small increase in house prices in Newport. The figures for August just published show average prices increasing to £119,312, an increase of 1 per cent on July. However, when