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HMS SEVERN GRANTED CITY FREEDOM
Oct 13 - A Royal Navy ship due to be decommissioned this month has arrived in Newport. The ship's company is taking a break from fisheries protection duties for a final stop at the ship's affiliated city of Newport where it undertook a freedom period. HMS Severn is also used for escorting foreign vessels like this Russian ship through British waters. The ship was also designed to carry out a number of other tasks including environmental protection, search and rescue and maritime security. While docked, the ship, which is a river class offshore patrol vessel, is only open to schools and not to the public.
DRUG SUPPLIER BEHIND BARS
Oct 12 - A Newport man has been sentenced to fifteen months behind bars after a police arrest. The police report stated "On Tuesday 29th August 2017 PC Gardner and PC Mallett were on patrol in Marshfield Street, Newport, when they saw Gareth Jenkins walking with a large bag of cannabis hanging out of his pocket. PC Gardner quickly exited the police vehicle to speak with Gareth , where he made off before being detained after a short foot chase. Gareth was found to be in possession of 6oz of cannabis and a large quantity of cash. He was arrested for possession with intent to supply cannabis and remanded in custody until his sentencing. PC Gardner said 'This kind of offending will not be tolerated by Gwent Police and we will continue to actively target the areas suffering from drug dealing.' "
COUNCIL LEADER EXPRESSES FRUSTRATION AT FINANCE DEAL
Oct 11 - Today’s draft
budget settlement from Welsh Government has confirmed that Newport City
Council will receive a cash reduction to its year-on-year revenue support
grant. After taking into consideration specific grants which will now be
transferred into the general settlement, Newport will receive a cut of 0.3
per cent for 2018/19, taking it to under £207.7 million.
Leader of Newport City Council, Councillor Debbie Wilcox, said: “This draft
budget puts us in a very difficult position – despite making savings
year-on-year we have even less money to spend when demands on protected
services such as education and social services are growing. Welsh local
authorities will again bear the brunt of the austerity measures on-going in
the UK while still doing their best to maintain and deliver public services.
There are a number of proposals being drawn up as part of Newport’s budget
process and today’s announcement will influence what changes we will need to
take forward. We have the difficult challenge of protecting the services our
most vulnerable rely on, while trying to invest in our city and continuing
to build a better Newport."
CITY FIRM JOINS CYBER SECURITY PROGRAMME
Oct 10 - Newport-based
cyber security business has been selected from more than 500 businesses
worldwide to join an accelerator programme in the Netherlands according to
Insider Media Wales. Westgate Cyber Security has developed technology that
allows organisations that do not share common IT infrastructure to set up
instant secure networks, especially circumstances such as disaster relief or
international mergers and acquisitions.
The company recently attended the Start Up Bootcamp selection week for
fintech and cyber security, a competition that attracted more than 500
applications from businesses worldwide. Westgate was the first business to
be selected among the ten that will go on to the four month accelerator in
Amsterdam. David Notley, chief financial officer at Westgate Cyber Security,
said: "To be number one on the shortlist against over 500 worldwide
applications is real validation for our patent pending technology and its
global market applications.
GLEBELANDS WORK SET TO START
Oct 9 - The Parks
Department at Newport City Council are to undertake improvement works on
some footpaths at the Glebelands Recreation Grounds.
Many of the internal paths in the area are constructed from gravel and are
used by walkers and to provide access for council maintenance vehicles.
Historically the Glebelands was an old civic amenity site and the ground is
prone to sinking slightly due to the ongoing composition of the buried
materials. As a result officers have identified a number of gravel paths
which need to be upgraded as their condition means access is almost
impossible, especially during wet weather. A contractor has been instructed
to supply, distribute and compact stone gravel to improve these paths. The
work is due to start in the week beginning 16 October and every effort will
be made to reduce any disruption to the community.
COUNCIL TRIES TO FEND OFF BIN COLLECTION SPECULATION
Oct 7 - Newport Council
has moved to quell reports that it is moving to a three weekly bin
collection service. The cabinet member for Streetscene, Councillor Roger
Jeavons, said he was very concerned that people might be misled over what is
being considered by the council on improving its waste services.
And he gave his assurance that three weekly collections are not on the
agenda when the council considers its budget for the coming year.
“We have a working party which is looking at ways we can deliver the service
that will result in an increase in recycling. This working group is
considering all aspects of waste management and recycling, and everything
must be on the table. Some suggestions may be progressed, whilst others may
be removed, and at this stage three weekly collections are not part of our
budget considerations. Misleading statements to suggest otherwise is just
scaremongering and upsetting for our residents. We have thousands more
houses being built across the city which have to be added to our routes, so
we are looking at ways to make our collections more efficient. It does not
mean the introduction of three weekly collections. We are well aware our
residents do not want this and it is currently not on our agenda."
“However recycling is a priority for the council and we might have to
consider further measures if people choose not to participate in our
recycling schemes,” said Cllr Jeavons.
In a statement made to the local press today Councillor Chris Evans, a
member of Newport Independent Party, said people “shouldn’t be bounced into
bin collections every three weeks.”
HUGE BOOST FOR NEWPORT AS THEY HOST WALES MARATHON
Oct 5 - The first
ABP Newport Wales Marathon will bring a a huge boost to the city and new
running experience to Wales on 29 April 2018 (a week after the London
Marathon). The much anticipated race will take place in the spring of next
year to satisfy the demand for an annual 26.2 mile mass-participation event
in Wales.
The late April date falls in the ideal window for marathon running in the UK
and provides the perfect opportunity for the 210,000 runners who will miss
out on entry to the London Marathon to run a world-class course.
Associated British Ports have paved the way for another global sporting
event to arrive in Wales after pledging its support as Title Partner.
The UK’s leading port operator has signed-up with the aim of enhancing their
local community engagement through grass-roots sport.
Matthew Kennerley, Director, ABP South Wales said: “We are delighted to be
playing such a pivotal role in what is set to be a major event for Wales,
the city of Newport, and the sporting world. At its core, the ABP Newport
Wales Marathon will work to bring together communities from across Wales in
an exciting way and we are thrilled to be supporting this brand new flagship
event for Wales.”
The ABP Newport Wales Marathon will provide a flagship event for Newport
City Council’s emerging portfolio and will support their city centre
regeneration programme.
The route, drawn up by double Olympic marathon runner Steve Brace, will
start and finish in the Newport Business Improvement District and will
provide a high-profile opportunity for locals and visitors alike to
experience the revamped city centre.
It will also allow competitors to run quicker than ever on a flat, fast
course that will take-in a host of iconic landmarks along the way. Runners
can book their place on the start line when entries open today. Two
thousands runners have already signed up for the event. The tour of Gwent
cycle race originally scheduled for April 29 will now take place on April
15.
NEW STORE SET FOR COMMERCIAL STREET
Oct 4 - Canadian Coffee
shop and Bake House Tim Hortons has put a planning application in for a
large unit at 40-41 on Commercial Street. The shop has been largely
unoccupied following Clark’s departure in 2014. The arrival of the Canadian
outlet is subject to approval but will prove a huge boost for Commercial
Street and the gateway to Friars Walk along Llanarth Street.
Elsewhere on Commercial Street new shop fronts are planned for the Thomson
store near to the Westgate (rebranded as TUI) and the Works store opposite
the former BHS store. Further along the Street Newport City Homes will open
their first customer centre.
£50 MILLION FOR LLANWERN RAILWAY STATION
Oct 4 - The Welsh Government has announced £50 million for a new railway station and park and ride facility at Llanwern near to Glan Llyn and the new CAF train factory. The new station will offer a park and ride facility for Newport and also the nearby Celtic Manor Wales International Convention Centre.
USW COMMITS TO REINVESTING CAERLEON FUNDS IN CITY CAMPUS SITE
Oct 1 - University of South Wales has committed to invest the funds from the sale of Caerleon Campus site into a new site in near their existing city centre campus. On their Caerleon site consultation website they state "The proceeds from the sale of Caerleon will be reinvested in Newport for the development of the Knowledge Quarter. The University of South Wales and Coleg Gwent have formed a task force to develop options for a new Newport Knowledge Quarter, an education and skills hub in the heart of the City. The potentially £60m development will be anchored on the University’s flagship Newport City Campus.
The aim is to expand
from the current campus in developing a major new learning hub along the
riverbank and the surrounding area that would include:
• A major new FE campus development to accommodate a potential long-term
relocation of Coleg Gwent’s Campus at Nash Road into the city centre.
• A shared development by the University and College, linking the HE and FE
campuses with a shared library, learning and social spaces.
Funding for the development is likely to involve a combination of USW money
raised from the sale of the former Caerleon campus, Coleg Gwent investment,
commercial finance, and Welsh Government investment.
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RESIDENTS CONTINUE TO WARN OF OFF-ROAD BIKE MENACE Oct 1-
Residents in Newport suburban are raising continuing concerns
regarding the prevalence of off road and uninsured bikes and
scooters being ridden anti-socially late in the night. Reports of
bikes riding in the Glebesland area and in Alway / Ringland have
been reported to police over the last few nights. |
WORK TO START ON BEECHWOOD PARK PROJECT
Sep 30 - Work to create
an entertainment area in Beechwood Park is due to start on Monday, 2
October. The project will be sited on the area which used to house the
paddling pool on land near Beechwood House. The project can now go ahead
after the Friend of Newport’s Ornamental Parks were successful in applying
for £100,000 from the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF) to pay for the work.
Staff from Landcraft of Cardiff will be on site to carry out the work which
is due to last eight weeks.
Newport City Council is also spending around £30,000 for development work at
the park including new plants and signage.
The council is asking residents to be patient while the work is ongoing as
there will obviously be heavy machinery on site and possible disruption for
park users. Once complete the Beechwood Park Entertainment Project will
provide an undercover area to stage events in the park. Beechwood Park is a
30 acre park with mature trees and play areas with entrances on Chepstow
Road, Christchurch Road and Beechwood Road.
FRIAR'S WALK NEW
OPENING
Sep 30 - Smiggle is to open a new store in Newport’s Friars Walk
replacing the existing Occasions gift card store. Smiggle is an Australian
brand specialising in colourful stationary and gift items. Smiggle will join
KFC as new tenants at the site with more expected shortly.
Premier Retail chief executive Mark McInnes said: “Smiggle has become a
truly unique, highly profitable global brand, and is quickly being
recognised as a new and leading retail concept in all of its new markets.
“We are very excited to have a pipeline of an additionalith 100-120 new
stores in existing markets over the next two years, a rapidly growing
Smiggle online business in both the UK and Australia and the announcement of
the opening of our first stores in continental Europe in 2018. We continue
to investigate new high-value countries of size and scale.”
Canadian coffee and cake store Tim Horton recently stated they were looking
to open a site in Newport. On Commercial Street Newport City Homes plans for
a new customer centre have been approved for a site near to Primark.
Elsewhere on Commercial Street the Works and Three are both revamping their
stores.
TERROR ALERT - CITY MEN RELEASED, SHOP RAIDED
Sep 29 - The three Newport men arrested and questioned following the Parson's Green terror alert have now been released. Earlier this week a Newport barber shop was searched by police. Officers had been at the BBS Barber Shop at Cross Hands on Chepstow Road since just before 7.30am on Monday. The shop re-opened on Thursday.
NEW HOTEL SET FOR APPROVAL
Sep 28 - The Celtic
Manor Resort's plans for a new hotel and drive-thru Starbucks coffee house
near junction 24 of the M4 in Newport are set for approval next week when
Planners meet on Wednesday.
The proposals comprise a new 146-bedroom hotel measuring up to four storeys,
together with a café and separate drive-thru, to be operated by Starbucks. A
total of 157 car parking spaces will be provided. See our newsrant article
on hotel accommodation in Newport.
NEWPORT CITY HOMES EVICT PROBLEM TENANT IN POTTER STREET
Sep 27 - Newport City
Homes has evicted a tenant for serious illegal activity and street
anti-social behaviour connected to the property. In July, Newport
Magistrates granted Gwent Police a Closure Order that resulted in 20A Potter
Street, Pillgwenlly, being temporarily closed for three months.
The order gave Newport City Homes the ability to seek a permanent resolution
by seeking possession on ‘absolute’ grounds, which resulted in today’s
possession order. The eviction follows partnership working with Gwent Police
to tackle illegal and anti-social behaviour in the area.
Crime and disorder reduction officer PC Paula Spence gathered evidence
showing that the property had been allegedly linked to the use of class A
and B drugs, serious crime and disorder, and serious assaults on officers.
Evidence gathered by police alleged that visitors were constantly calling at
the property looking to buy illegal drugs. There was also evidence of
anti-social behaviour, including playing loud music, intimidating people,
fighting, shouting, swearing, and littering.
MAN JAILED FOR MURDER ON CITY STREET
Sep 27 - A man has been jailed for life for murder after kicking a "helpless" man in the face as he lay in the street. Jan Jedrzejewski, 41, was found unconscious in Keene Street, Newport, on 12 January and died in the city's Royal Gwent Hospital the following day. Richard Wallis, 43, of Newport, must serve a minimum of 16 years. Cardiff Crown Court heard Wallis delivered the fatal blow after his victim was knocked down by another, unnamed person. The court heard there was a confrontation between Wallis and Mr Jedrzejewski and they squared up before Wallis ran home.
DEAL SECURES 500 TECHNOLOGY JOBS IN NEWPORT
Sep 24 - The future of
a leading technology operations, the Infineon Technologies-owned
semiconductor foundry in Newport, has been secured in a new ownership deal.
The German technology giant has agreed the sale of the Newport foundry,
which employs 500, to Neptune 6, in what is a buy-in management buy-out
deal. The deal is expected to be finalised at the end of the month.
As part of the acquisition Neptune 6 has entered into a two-year supply
agreement with Infineon to ensure a mutually smooth transition period.
The buyer intends to operate the facility under the name of Newport Wafer
Fab Ltd. The value of deal has not been disclosed, but as well as £13m in
financial support from the Welsh Government it is being backed with a
multi-million pound funding line from HSBC. The fab is the UK's leading
manufacturer of semi-conductors focused on power switching for the
automotive, medical, industrial, consumer and telecoms markets. It produces
8,000 wafers a week.
TRANSPORT DOUBLE WHAMMY AGAIN TODAY
Sep 24 - Traffic in
Newport is expected to be heavy today as part of the M4 will be closed,
while train services will be affected by maintenance. The motorway will be
shut eastbound at the Brynglas tunnels between junctions 26 and 25a from
19:00 BST on Saturday until 06:00 on Monday.
The railway between Newport and Cardiff will be shut on Sunday until 13:00
BST. A bus service will replace trains and there will be a reduced rail
service between Newport and Cardiff right through until 29 October. The
Brynglas tunnels are also closed on weeknights as part of a refurbishment
programme due to go on until March 2018.
FLYNN SAYS BLACK ROUTE IS THE ONLY WAY OF AVOIDING CITY CHAOS
Sep 23 - Paul Flynn Newport West MP has confirmed his support for the M4 relief road black route after the recent traffic chaos that has affected the city. He said on his website "Closure of the Brynglas Tunnels created gridlock hell in Newport last week. Queues were everywhere. Tailbacks jammed car parks and junctions. It’s a warning of our future if the gimcrack blue route bypass ever happens. It would cram all the M4 and SDR traffic on two routes. The Black Route will provide traffic relief and pollution reduction with its three routes. Remember the damage done to Gwent for 70 years by the perception that we are a traffic bottleneck. The Black Route is the only choice."
CALL FOR CLARITY OVER STEEL DEAL
Sep 22 - Following the
merger announcement between steel giants TATA and Thyssenkrupp Jessica
Morden Newport East MP has called for clarity regarding the impact on
Newport "Those working in the steel industry in Newport have been though
very difficult times this last few years not least with the recent changes
to their pensions to help secure their jobs. It’s really important we get
more details from Tata about what this memorandum of understanding means in
practise and assurances about future operations in Newport where we make top
quality steel and I’ll be working with the unions and the Welsh Government,
and talking with the company to do this.”
BRISTOL MAN SENTENCED AFTER
SEX ASSAULT AT STATION
Sep 21 - A Bristol man
has been sentenced after a sexual assault which left a 17-year-old girl
terrified. The student was on a platform at Newport railway station when
Shiblu Baksh sexually assaulted her on March 29. The victim boarded her
train to get away from Baksh and burst into tears.
She later reported the incident to police. Afrer pleading guilty at an
earlier hearing to sexual assault, Baksh, 44, appeared at Newport
Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 29. He was given a four-month
suspended prison sentence and must register with the police in accordance
with the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for five years. He was also ordered to pay
a £115 victim surcharge and £85 court costs and must complete a
rehabilitation activity requirement for up to 10 days.
THREE TERROR ARRESTS IN NEWPORT
Sep 20 - Three men have
been arrested in Newport by police investigating the Parsons Green terrorist
attack. A 25 year old man (believed to be an Iraqi) was arrested in Jeffrey Street in Maindee at
7.08pm yesterday by Met Police officers. A 48-year-old man and a 30-year-old man were
arrested around 5.10am today in West Street, Baneswell. The latter address is
believed to be a halfway house owned by the Home Office and used to house
asylum seekers. Searches at the two addresses in Newport are ongoing.
Sully Ali, 19, a part-time model who lives near Jeffrey Street told the
Press Association: "A big van pulled up and six officers got out and jumped
this guy. There were two armed officers there, they didn't have their guns
pointed at him but they had them on show. The guy was smiling. I didn't hear
him saying anything or the police saying anything to him." Mr Ali said the
arrested man worked as a painter and decorator for some local residents. He
added: "They were Met Police officers - they were wearing hats saying Met
Police and they didn't speak like anyone from round here. He was arrested
and handcuffed by officers wearing suits. They handcuffed him and led him
away, they didn't put him in the van though - they put him in a marked
police car."
A Muslim Community leader in Newport told ITV News that 'a lot of work' is
being done within the community to prevent extremism. Ifthir Ahmed said the
arrests came as 'a shock' and the community work closely with security
services to alert them to extremist behaviour. Newport East MP Jessica
Morden described the news as 'shocking'. Newport is currently home to about
450 asylum seekers and a larger number of refugees.
The latest arrests bring the number of people being held over Friday's bomb attack in southwest London to five. Two other men, aged 18 and 21, are still in custody in connection with the attack after being detained at the weekend. Yahyah Farroukh, 21, is listed as living at an address in Stanwell which was searched by officers on Sunday. The 18-year-old man, who was arrested in Dover, is suspected of planting the device, which exploded on a District line train shortly after it pulled into the station. Magistrates have granted warrants allowing Farroukh to be held until Thursday, and the younger suspect until Saturday.
CITY HOUSING BUILDING SPURT CONTINUES
Sep 18 - More than 950
new homes were completed in Newport in 2016/17 up on last year’s
record-breaking figure. In 2015/16, 908 homes were built which was the
highest number in any local authority area in Wales. Newport is also
expected to be near or at the top of the league again when last year’s
all-Wales numbers are collated.
A number of major developments that are taking shape in the city have
contributed to the totals including Glan Llyn in Llanwern and Jubilee Park
in Rogerstone as well as Mon Bank and Loftus Garden Village. Jubilee Park
was the highest performing house site in Newport in 2016/17 with 223 units
completed. Many of these significant new builds are also creating facilities
for residents. New schools are being created, for example, in Jubilee Park,
where a new primary has just opened and Glan Llyn where work on another new
primary is underway.
Councillor Jane Mudd, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for regeneration
and housing, said: “New homes are being built in Newport to meet a growing
demand and it is important that new facilities are being created as part of
the larger sites thanks to contributions from developers. “I’m also keen to
see that developments include an element of affordable accommodation to give
even more people the opportunity to move into a home of their own. We
welcome innovative approaches to schemes, such as the Pobl Group's Loftus
Garden Village, which offers a shared ownership scheme for those who cannot
afford a traditional mortgage".
GLAN LLYN PRIMARY SCHOOL SET FOR SEPTEMBER 2018
Sep 17 - Construction
is set to start on a new primary school as part of the £1bn Glan Llyn
development in Newport. The school is being developed for Newport City
Council by St Modwen, the land owner and lead developer at Glan Llyn, as
part of a range of community facilities planned for the site.
When it opens in September 2018, the school will accommodate 420 pupils, as
well as providing nursery facilities for younger years.
James Wilson, residential land director for St Modwen, said: "Glan Llyn is a
600-acre, mixed-use site which, when it completes in the next 20 years, will
provide around 4,000 new homes and up to 2,000 new jobs at the site’s Celtic
Business Park, all set within 80 acres of picturesque open parkland.
"This new primary school is the first of several important community
facilities planned for the development alongside a library, surgery, police
station, shops and leisure facilities." Debbie Wilcox, leader of Newport
City Council, added: "Glan Llyn represents a major part of the regeneration
of Newport, but it’s not just about building much needed homes. It is so
important that the area has excellent facilities for all residents and this
new school will sit at its heart."
WARNING ON FENTANYL USE
Sep 17 - Drug agencies
in Newport have warned that heroin batches in the area are potentially being
laced with fentanyl - a drug significantly stronger in its impact than
heroin. Dr Mohan de Silva, clinical lead for Newport-based drugs charity
Kaleidoscope, said "We think people are unknowingly taking this and it can
be lethal," he said "We have come across people who tell us there's more of
it is available on the market, we think from China, particularly through the
dark web. We need to raise awareness among users that this is happening and
it is dangerous, but equally you don't want to make it more sought after."
At least 60 people have died in the UK in the last eight months and there
have been numerous cases in the United States and Canada. The synthetic drug
is often mixed with heroin and quantities the size of a pinhead have been
considered dangerous.
Official figures show there was one death in Wales from fentanyl in 2016,
the victim coming from Gwynedd. Last month, a man from Maindee Parade
Newport pleaded guilty to buying fentanyl from China and selling it on the
dark web, where special software allows users to largely remain untraceable.
WHAT IS FENTANYL?
An extremely strong painkiller, prescribed for severe chronic pain or
breakthrough pain which does not respond to regular painkillers
An opioid painkiller, meaning it works by mimicking the body's natural
painkillers, called endorphins, which block pain messages to the brain
It is often mixed with heroin
The risk of harm is higher if the wrong dose or strength is used
Typical symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include slow and difficult
breathing, nausea and vomiting, dizziness. It can also raise or lower blood
pressure
According to a recent Guardian study
"The drug interacts with the same opioid receptors as morphine and heroin
and is therefore called an opioid, even though it is chemically unrelated to
opiates (drugs derived from opium poppies). Opioid receptors are part of the
body’s reward pathway. Chemicals are released in our body to make us feel
good as a reward for activities that help us survive and procreate, such as
eating, drinking and sex. Increasing the presence of feelgood chemicals in
our body is why opiates and opioids can be so powerfully addictive. The body
responds to repeated doses of opioids by desensitising the receptors. It
means more opioid drugs have to be taken to achieve the same level of pain
relief, when taken for medical reasons, or to reach the same high if taken
recreationally. This is the development of tolerance. Those who have been
taking opioids for a a longer period can cope with quantities that would
kill new users or those who have lost their tolerance through a break in
taking the drug. "
'NEWPORT UNIVERSITY
FACILITIES BEING ASSET-STRIPPED FOR BENEFIT OF CARDIFF' - MP
Sep 15 - Newport West
MP Paul Flynn has criticised University of South Wales for failing to
address his concerns regarding the sale of the Caerleon Campus site. Flynn
used his website on August 25 to state "As a the local MP I was not
consulted in any way on the decision to asset strip a cultural, educational
and business asset in Newport in order to enrich Cardiff."
"I was fully consulted on the relatively far less important matter of the
choice of the university's new title. I disagreed with it strongly as
demeaning with an old fashioned image. But I was NOT consulted on the
decision to merge the universities in the first place. It's only trivial
matters that the new university set-up consults on. But when I protested
about the pilfering of Newport's finest education institution I was told the
decision had already been made. When I insisted on a meeting to discuss
this, I was fobbed off with a minor PR person and denied a chance to speak
to management.
They appear to have done it again and denied me a chance of being consulted.
When I am, I will explain that the university should declare how much money
they will make from selling Newport's family silver. It is likely to be many
£millions. This is all about grasping centralising institutional greed not
educational expansion. That capital receipt from the sale of land must all
be invested in Newport. It's Newport's century-long education tradition that
is being destroyed. It's our local jobs generated by students' presence here
that will be gifted to Cardiff for their aggrandisement. It's the jobs of
our local people that will disappear. As an elected representative of the
people of Caerleon and all of Newport I am angry that the university has
denied me a voice on all these damaging decisions. I will do all in my power
to challenge this planning application. Although I have been denied a voice
by the university, I have other platforms to speak up on behalf of Newport.
"
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT VISIT NEWPORT STEEL PLANT
Sep 14 - An Australian Labor MP and South Australia's Minister for Finance, Resources and Energy Tom Koutsantonis visited Liberty Steel in Newport as part of a fact finding mission. He joined Jess Morden MP on the tour. Liberty House Group along with its sister energy company SIMEC, has just bought Australia’s largest integrated mining and steel business.
Under the umbrella of
the GFG Alliance, Liberty and SIMEC have been delivering their strategy to
revive heavy industry in the UK and other parts of the world by combining
steelmaking with clean energy generation, and integrating this with
high-value engineering.
During the visit, the minister heard how Liberty had reopened the Newport
hot strip mill at the height of the UK steel crisis in 2015 and now runs the
plant on renewable bio-liquid which drives its on-site generators. The
company intends to invest heavily to restore liquid steel production to the
site for the first time in many years by installing an electric arc furnace
to melt UK scrap; creating hundreds of new jobs. He was also briefed on
plans to turn the neighbouring SIMEC power station site in Uskmouth into a
centre of excellence for a wide range of renewable energy technologies
including biomass, waste-to-energy and potentially tidal lagoon power to
drive its metals and engineering businesses across the country.
SEMI CONDUCTOR FOUNDRY PLAN MOVES FORWARD
Sep 14 - The
development of a compound semiconductor industry cluster in the Newport area
has moved closer with the signing of an agreement by the authorities that
makes up the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR). The CCR regional cabinet
previously agreed to contribute £37.9m from the CCR City Deal's Wider
Investment Fund towards the establishment of a facility to anchor in the
region for the production of compound semiconductors.
The Newport facility (on the former LG site) will be owned by the ten
councils in the regional cabinet through special purpose vehicle CSC Foundry
Ltd, or 'LDC Ffowndri Cyn', and the space leased to IQE for compound
semiconductor manufacturing and applications development.
The project has the potential to leverage £375m of private sector investment
and create up to 2,000 high skilled jobs.
It was confirmed in a signing ceremony at IQE's headquarters in Cardiff by
secretary of state for Wales Alun Cairns MP, Welsh Government economy and
infrastructure secretary Ken Skates, CSC Foundry directors councillors Bob
Greenland (Monmouthshire) and Andrew Barry (Merthyr), and IQE chief
executive Drew Nelson. Peter Fox, leader of Monmouthshire County Council,
and deputy chair of the CCR City Deal Regional Cabinet, said: "The
opportunity this investment creates, to help the establishment of the
world's first compound semiconductor cluster in South East Wales, should not
be underestimated."
SPYTTY O2 SHOP RAM-RAIDED
Sep 13 - Thousands of pounds worth of iPhones have been stolen in an early morning ram raid at Newport Retail Park. Police say three people targeted the mobile phone shop in the Tesco building around 3:40am this morning. They gained access by smashing a silver five-door Vauxhall Insignia into the glass front of the store, before making off with the valuable stock. Officers are asking the public to remain vigilant and to please report if any low-priced, brand new iPhones are being offered for sale. Anyone with information is asked to call Gwent Police on the 101 number, quoting log number 35 11/09/17, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
COMMERCIAL STREET SHOPKEEPER ASSAULTED
Sep 13 - Police are appealing for information on two men after a 81-year-old shop worker was hospitalised in a robbery. They state that two men pretended to be customers - showing interest in a particular item - before leaving and returning to the Commercial Street store as the male victim was locking up. A police spokeswoman added that the victim was distracted, "violently assaulted" and left to his with a cut to the eye following the incident on Saturday, September 9. The offenders went on to cause damage to a display case and made off with approximately £7,000 worth of jewellery.
TOLLS TO REDUCE IN JANUARY
Sep 12 - Tolls on the
two Severn Bridges will be cut in January for the first time, as VAT is
removed from the fees. Cars heading for Wales will be charged £5.60 instead
of £6.70, with vans paying £11.20 - down from £13.40 - and coaches £16.70,
currently £20. UK ministers confirmed it was a step towards abolishing tolls
altogether at the end of 2018, as revealed in July. Welsh Secretary Alun
Cairns said tolls had been "an economic and symbolic barrier to Wales'
future prosperity". It will be the first time since the first Severn Bridge
opened in 1966 that the toll has been cut.
The reduction takes effect on 8 January, the date the two crossings return
to public ownership.
COUNCIL POISED TO OFFER BIG GRANT TO COMMERCIAL STREET SCHEME
Sep 10 - Newport
Council is poised to offer a £1m grant to seal a major regeneration of
Commercial Street. The redevelopment of 123-129 Commercial Street is the
flagship project of Newport’s Vibrant and Viable Places programme. Welsh
Government has ring-fenced the remaining £3.097m of Newport’s Vibrant and
Viable Places funding into a fourth year of the programme to allow the
development to proceed. This funding forms part of a package which seeks to
deliver further housing-led regeneration projects within the city alongside
the redevelopment of 123-129 Commercial Street. The Council would need to
make a financial commitment to the scheme in order to secure the development
and bring the £10m investment into Newport City Centre.
The Council's Cabinet is set to approve a finance package of £1,050,700 and
negotiate terms of an on-lending facility necessary to secure the
redevelopment of 123-129 Commercial Street and additional housing led
regeneration projects. The scheme will create 200 construction jobs, improve
Park Square car park and 38 homes for the over 55’s in accommodation
provided by Pobl.
Funded by the Welsh Government’s Vibrant and Viable Places Programme, a
number of key projects have been completed in the immediate vicinity,
including the refurbishment of the National Building, creation of St Paul’s
Walk and improvements to a number of properties along Cardiff Road and
Commercial Road. These projects have provided an uplift to the area but the
proposed scheme is considered to be a key element in reversing the fortunes
of this end of Commercial Street and prevent it being further marginalised
by the opening of Friars Walk.
COUNCIL OFF-LOADS MORE PROPERTY
Sep 10 - Newport Council is set to approve plans to offload more property for development. It plans to dispose of a potential residential site in Somerton, Acacia Avenue is adjacent to the junction of Aberthaw Road and Chepstow Road. It is also set to release the former Hillside Day Centre in the Gaer.
SOMERTON APPEAL PROVES SUCCESSFUL
Sep 10 - An appeal against planning decision to refuse the development of the former Black Horse Inn public house site in Somerton has been granted. The development of 8 houses should now go ahead. It was originally refused due to a lack of parking provision but is now one of two eyesore derelict sites on Somerton Road, the other being the site of the King public house 200 metres away.
COMPULSORY PURCHASE ORDERS PUBLISHED FOR RELIEF ROAD
Sep 10 - Draft orders
to purchase part of Newport docks for the planned M4 relief road have been
issued, according to the BBC. The Welsh Government wants to build a £1.1bn
stretch of motorway between Magor and Castleton to ease congestion at the
Brynglas tunnels in Newport. Ministers have issued draft compulsory purchase
orders for parts of Newport dock - whose owners object to the scheme - as an
ongoing public inquiry continues. The Welsh Government hopes building the 14
mile (23km) road will start in 2018. It has bid to purchase 303 sq m (3,261
sq ft) of the dock's south area, between the Transporter Bridge and landfill
site on the A48 Southern Distributor Road.
The CPO said that the land would be used for building a "special road" in
the Pill area of Newport and the "provision of new means of access" to the
M4 project. The Welsh Government's plan is for the new relief road to be
built across a 25m (82ft) high flyover over the River Usk and the dock, the
UK's second biggest steel-handling port which supports 3,000 jobs.
USW's NEW FOCUS IN NEWPORT EVIDENT IN COURSE MATERIALS
Sep 10 - University of South Wales is entrenching its offer at Newport's City Campus with a range of course many of which may be more inclined to appeal to more mature students. The Campus part of a group including two sites in Cardiff and two in Pontypridd does not offer any creative or legal courses instead it will focus on the following areas of provision in 2017-18 - Business, Counselling and Therapeutic Practice, Cyber Security, Early Years Education, Hospitality Management, Social Work and Youth and Community Work. Details here
The University of South Wales (USW) Newport Campus has announced that it has been recognised as an Apple Regional Training Centre for 2017–2018. Apple Regional Training Centres create a community to share best practice and support teaching staff to attain Apple Teacher status, a professional learning programme designed to support and celebrate educators. Teachers from across the area can attend courses to build knowledge and skills and earn badges to achieve Apple Teacher recognition.
NEW BAKERY PLANT FOR ROGERSTONE
Sep 10 - A new bakery plant on the Wern Estate in Rogerstone, currently home of Brace's Bakery, is hiring large numbers of new staff including machine operatives and drivers. More detail to follow.
FEAR GROUP 'COMMITTED TO NEWPORT'
Sep 9 - Fear Group say
they are committed to Newport and the development of the former Sainsbury
site despite constant delays to demolition work and doubts about the
viability of the project. They state they had been preparing to begin
demolition earlier this year but was informed by the council that further
bat surveys were required. It now requires a government licence to demolish
the building. The group is "hopeful that this will be granted shortly and
that, finally, we can get this eyesore building demolished to make way for
development." Insider Media Wales quotes a company statement: "There have
been many reasons why we have been unable to demolish the supermarket
building, most attributed to legal process which has caused continual delays
at great financial cost to us. All these delays and of course Brexit will
mean some changes to the plans as they exist but we remain committed to
developing this important gateway site into Newport. "With the Severn bridge
tolls due to be abolished next year we expect our original prediction of
Newport and South East Wales becoming an investment hotspot to become
reality and, after the huge financial and personal commitment by us over very
many years, we intend to remain part of its future."
BRISTOL DEMAND FOR NEWPORT PROPERTIES ON THE INCREASE
Sep 7 - Housing developers are continuing to see an increase in demand from west country purchasers as demand outstrips supply in Bristol and purchasers look at lower prices particularly in the Newport area. Glan Llyn has seen a number of Bristol buyers coming in with its convenience for Junction 23 of the M4. Neil Williams, director at Martin & Co and CJ Hole recently stated "We have seen an influx of landlords and investors buying properties [in Newport] as they can still achieve good yields compared to Bristol, and I believe the scrapping of the tolls will increase demand substantially to many Bristol buyers especially younger buyers and those on lower incomes who were put off with the tolls."
CITY POPULATION SET TO ROCKET AS ANOTHER MAJOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT GETS GREEN LIGHT
Sep 6 - Newport's
population is set to rocket as new housing developments continue to fill in
gaps in the city's former industrial past. Plans to build about 530 new
homes, a primary school, a care home, shops and a pub on a former steelworks
site in Newport have been given the go-ahead.
Whiteheads Steelworks in Pill was shut in 2005 and later demolished as part
of the city's regeneration works. Newport council's planning committee
passed outline plans for the 42 acre development off Mendalgief Road on
Wednesday. Nearby Mon Bank, Glan Llyn, Ally yr Yn, Tregwilym Gate and
Jubilee Park and other recently completed developments in Bassaleg,
Lliswerry and Alway are all set to add thousands to Newport's population and
the demand for services, with further major schemes in Caerleon in the
pipeline. According to Insider Media Wales more new homes have been sold in
Newport than in any other Welsh authority in the last two financial years.
The Whiteheads development application has been made by not-for-profit
residential developer Tirion who want to regenerate a section of Pill
"traditionally associated with industry".
NEW SCHOOLS OPEN THEIR DOORS
Sep 5 - Newport’s
newest primary school, Jubilee Park Primary School in Rogerstone,
opened its doors this week. It will serve children on the Jubilee Park
estate which is being built on a former industrial site. The primary will be
a “growing” school over the next three years, which means the pupil numbers
will increase as the estate continues to develop. In its first year, Jubilee
Park has five classes and this is expected to expand to seven classes next
year and eventually reach a capacity of 373 pupils.
Head teacher Catherine Kucia said; “A new school year is always exciting,
especially when children are at the start of their education, but to be the
first pupils in a new school building is even more special. We are very
privileged to be opening our new learning environment and will ensure it is
a welcoming and caring school where children will be nurtured and inspired
to reach their full potential.”
Councillor Gail Giles, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for education
and skills, said: “As a council, we are committed to providing every child
with a first class education in the best possible environment. Jubilee Park
Primary is a fantastic new school and this is a proud moment for everyone –
staff, governors, pupils, parents, carers and, of course, the council. I
would like to thank all those who made this day possible, including the
developers, and I’m sure this will be a very happy and successful school.”
In addition Ysgol Bryn Derw, the first school in the locality
specifically for pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), opened this
week. The school, located on the site of the former Gaer Infant School, will
provide pupils aged between three and 19 with specialist provision and
structured teaching.
It will aim to provide the highest possible standards of education and
support for all its pupils regardless of their level of educational need.
Pupils will also have opportunities to work and learn within the community
to prepare them for their future role as valued members of society.
All the teachers have additional special needs qualifications and there will
be a strong therapeutic approach to the pupils’ learning. There are
specialist rooms with sensory equipment as well as soft play. When full, the
school will have 48 pupils and starts with 24 teachers and teaching
assistants.
Plans for a new school in Caerleon involving demolition and replacement of the existing Lodge Primary School have been approved by the Council's Planning Committee.
FLY TIPPERS CAUGHT AND FINED
Sep 5 - A covert
operation to capture fly tippers has seen seven culprits caught and fined.
Hidden cameras were put up at a problem spot in Tregwillym Road in
Rogerstone following persistent fly tipping in the area. All the people
caught on camera were each given a £75 fixed penalty notice resulting in
total fines of £525. Following the success of this operation the council now
plans to carry on using hidden cameras at a range of locations.
Newport City Council’s Cabinet Member for Streetscene, Councillor Roger
Jeavons, said fly tipping is a scourge on society and the council is
determined to use every means available to capture offenders. “If anyone
witnesses fly tipping we would urge them to call our confidential hotline
where details of any incident can be left and our team will investigate,”
said Cllr Jeavons. The Pride in Newport hotline number is 07973698582.
POLICE DUFFRYN VEHICLE CHECK
Sep 4 - A multi-agency operation led by Police near to Tredegar Park in Newport saw thirty vehicles checked today, two drivers were reported for no insurance, two vehicles were seized and one driver was arrested for disqualified driving.
PREMIER INN PULL OUT OF CITY CENTRE DEVELOPMENT
Sep 3 - Premier Inn has
pulled out of a planned 60-bedroom hotel in Newport city centre but said it
remains interested in sites. According to Insider Media Wales the hotel
chain said the site's developer, Richard Hayward Properties, was unable to
complete the project to the agreed specification.
A spokesperson for Premier Inn said: "Unfortunately the developer at this
site has been unable to deliver the specification, which we had originally
reached an agreement on in 2012, before work started on the site in January
2015.
"It is unfortunate that the developer has ultimately not been able to
overcome the barriers to its successful delivery and therefore Premier Inn
is reluctantly withdrawing from the scheme. Premier Inn still believes that
Newport is an exciting location, and remains interested in potential sites
in the town should they become available."
RHP was previously awarded £450,000 through the Welsh Government's Vibrant &
Viable Places programme to support the redevelopment of the former Yates
Wine Lodge. The company has invested more than £1.4m in acquiring the site
and clearing asbestos from the grade II-listed building.
PREMIER INN - other possible sites?
COMMENT - the news is a body blow for Newport. This agonising saga lasting over two years has left Newport, as per usual, short on hotel accommodation. Hopefully, Premier Inn will invest elsewhere in our city centre and better use can be made of this building.
CAMBRIAN CENTRE RETAIL UNITS TO BECOME OFFICES
Sep 2 - Retail units in the Cambrian Centre are set to become offices in planning proposals received by the City Council. News has gone quiet on the new office block proposed for the area with the National Software Academy set for a lesser scheme at the former GWR building, the Information Station. The retail area adjacent to Admiral House has failed to attract interest but new grade A office stock in the area will be welcomed by those trying to develop this area of the city as rail electrification approaches.
SOFTWARE ACADEMY FUNDING AGREED BY CITY COUNCIL
Sep 1 - Newport City
Council is to provide funding from a regeneration pot towards the expansion
of the prestigious National Software Academy (NSA)
It has been agreed that a grant of £575,000 will be given to the NSA, part
of Cardiff University, from a joint regeneration pot managed by the council
and Welsh Government. The Academy will start moving into the Information
Station next year after it was also decided that the council would sublet
three floors to the university in a phased project.
Councillor Debbie Wilcox, Leader of Newport City Council, said: "Cardiff
University approached the council because the National Software Academy was
outgrowing its home near the railway station. It is our ambition to make
Newport a vibrant technology hub so it was vital that we keep the academy in
the city to help us achieve that ambition. It attracts inward investment by
producing high quality graduates and over the last year more than 120
companies have engaged with the NSA."
BUSINESS SETS UP IN CITY AFTER RENT SUBSIDY
Sep 1 - Businesswoman
Christine Naluggwa has thanked Newport City Council's business services team
to set up a new retail outlet. She has recently set up wig and hair
extension salon Glossy Locks in the city centre's Commercial Street.
Ms Naluggwa's customers include women who have lost their hair following
treatment for cancer and she finds it incredibly rewarding to be able to
help them. She has put a lot of hard work into transforming the premises and
was grateful for the practical and financial assistance provided by the
council.
"I had to do so much and did a lot of work but it has been worth it. The
council's business team representative was so helpful and had all the time
in the world for me." Glossy Locks received a city centre rent subsidy from
the council which she is able to use to offset her costs during the first
year of business.
NEWPORT MAN GUILTY OF MURDER
Aug 31 - A Newport man has been convicted by a jury of the murder of 41-year-old Jan Jedrzejewski (originally from Poland) in a Newport street last January. Richard Wallis, 43, of Keene Street, Newport, was found guilty by a unanimous verdict at Newport Crown Court. During a trial which has lasted seven weeks, Wallis told the jury he was not involved in the altercation that led to Mr Jedrzejewski's death, but had witnessed three others attacking him on Keene Street.
POLICE CALL FOR PUBLIC SUPPORT IN BATTLE AGAINST BIKE CRIME
Aug 26 - Police in Newport have called for public support in their battle with off road bikes and moped crime. They have called upon the public to report instances to them in order that they can stop an escalation of the crimes associated with bikes, a phenomenon that has badly hit the London area. A number of successful exercises have resulted in off road bikes being seized by police but Newportonians will be familiar with the site of mopeds and cyclists ignoring the rules of the road as they present a nuisance to residents and motorists.
The police notice states 'have you seen an increase in mopeds, off road bikes and other vehicles driving/riding dangerously on your roads? Because we have!...Vehicles like these are usually uninsured, ridden by unlicensed riders who do not care about the wider consequences of their action and are often committing more serious crimes in the process...The police are heavily restricted around what we can do...we are just as frustrated as you!..There is one surefire way of dealing with this, call us and pass information about illegal vehicles to 101 or 999..."
APPLICATION IN FOR CAERLEON CAMPUS SCHEME
Aug 26 - An outline application has been submitted to the City Council for the development of the former Caerleon Campus. University of South Wales closed the site in 2014 but have committed to use some of the proceeds from the sale of the land to develop a city centre riverfront education facility combined with Coleg Gwent. 263 new homes are planned for the site. The landmark Kegie building will be a combination of apartments and commercial / business space.
POLICE APPEAL FOLLOWING ROYAL GWENT INCIDENT
Aug 26 - Police are
appealing to the public regarding an incident on Cardiff Road in Newport at
around 6pm on Wednesday 23rd August 2017. A group of men were seen parked up
near the Royal Gwent Hospital entrance in a silver Mondeo. A man, who was
walking by, became involved in an altercation with the men in the car,
resulting in him sustaining a broken arm, cuts, bruising, and other
injuries.
If you have any information, or saw the incident, please call 101 quoting
log 471 23/08/17.
GLAN LLYN MOVES FORWARD
Aug 26 - Developer St
Modwen has started construction work on the next phase of housing at its
£1bn Glan Llyn development in Newport, according to Insider Media Wales. The
146 homes will be released onto the market in autumn 2017 and will provide a
choice of two-, three- and four-bedroom properties, including 22 affordable
homes.
As part of the wider Glan Llyn project, St Modwen will develop 4,000 new
homes over the next 20 years. The 600-acre site will also feature a local
centre with leisure and retail space, supported by new schools and a railway
station, all surrounded by 80 acres of extensive open parkland.
DOCK STREET FIRE DELIBERATE
Aug 26 - A criminal investigation is under way after a large fire broke in the centre of Newport on Thursday morning. The emergency services were called to a three-storey building near to the Windsor Castle pub on Upper Dock Street shortly after 03:00 BST on Thursday. Gwent Police said the fire had spread quickly and caused "significant damage". Following an assessment of the scene, the force confirmed the fire is being treated as suspicious.
At its peak, 35 fire-fighters were needed to bring the blaze in Upper Dock Street under control after getting a call just after 03:00 BST On Thursday. The building consists of a vape shop and two floors of offices and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the fire was out by about 07:15. No-one was inside when the fire started, but police evacuated neighbouring buildings as a precaution.
COUNCIL TO HAND OVER MOST OF INFORMATION STATION TO SOFTWARE ACADEMY
Aug 23 - Radical proposals to ensure the National Software Academy (NSA) remains in Newport will see the Council sub-let the premises to Cardiff University. A separate decision to sub-let three floors of the Information Station to the NSA will be made by Councillor Mark Whitcutt, cabinet member for assets and member development, after consultation. NSA, part of Cardiff University, has been based in a building in Devon Place, near Newport Railway Station, since it was launched in 2015 but its current home is not large enough for its planned expansion. It is proposed that the £575,000 funding would be met from this joint venture pot of money. Cardiff University will also be investing £575,000.
This will secure the long-term future and growth of the NSA in Newport, rather than the possibility of it being relocated in Cardiff, with the university investing about £2m each year over the next 10 years. It will also safeguard 10 high-quality jobs and create six new ones; deliver at least 60 new undergraduates plus 20 MSc students each year; support up to 20 business projects per year and help grow a vibrant technology cluster in the city.
Although some council staff based in the Information Station would have to relocate to other council buildings, the "face-to-face" services provided to residents would continue in the immediate future including its customer care and benefits service. The ground floor and 1st floor will continue to be occupied by the council and customers are unlikely to see a significant difference in accessing key services at the information station. There is a requirement to relocate the Domestic Abuse Unit and NCC is considering the Library as a suitable venue in the city centre in order to provide continuity of service delivery.22. In awarding this grant and it is enabling the NSA to take occupation of the space and in addition to the wider economic development benefits to the city will generate and income stream of £336,000 per year (full year effect) and an additional saving of £37,000 due to a reduction in business rates. The programme is currently set out as releasing one floor by December 2017 and the remaining two floors by May 2018.
 |
WESTGATE SOLD Aug 23 - The Westgate Hotel and retail premises adjacent has been sold post the auction we reported on 25/5/17. According to the Acuitus website the property (with a forecast rental yield of £271,000 per annum) was sold post a further auction on 13/7/17, it previously failed to reach the reserve price of £2.1 million. It was being marketed by the Joint Law of Property Act Receivers and was in the possession of GLN Holdings prior to this. In other news regarding rundown historic buildings owners of Newport's former nightclub and music venue TJ's is the subject of an ongoing legal dispute. The Council is taking enforcement action against the owners of the building 121 Ventures. To date they have not paid the £54k fine levied by the Magistrates Court according to a report in the Argus. The club closed in 2010. City planning documents indicate work is set to recommence on the landmark development of Olympia House with 62 residential apartments and new retail units set to replace former office accommodation. The former Acorn Recruitment building is set to be sub-divided into 6 new flats and two shop units in order to bring the disused building back into use. it currently occupies a position on the corner of Bridge Street and Caxton Place. |
MACHETE ROBBER JAILED
Aug 22 - A man has been
jailed for life following an armed robbery on a supermarket while dressed as
a witch. Nicholas Overton, 39, donned a long black robe, blonde wig and
pointed hat as a disguise when he walked into the Co-op store in the
Somerton area of Newport on 7 July. Cardiff Crown Court heard the serial
robber had travelled from London and pulled out a machete during the raid.
He pleaded guilty to robbery, having an offensive weapon and dangerous
driving, and must serve a minimum of four years. The court heard Overton's
"appalling" criminal record shows sentences for more than 20 robberies.
MAN SOUGHT OVER TRAIN STATION INCIDENT
Aug 20 - A man is being
sought after a member of rail staff was almost pushed on to the tracks at
Newport. British Transport Police said the man was seen trying to hold the
doors of a train open at about 20:40 BST on 13 August, so the train could
not leave. A member of staff asked him to stand clear and he moved to
another platform.
But once the train departed, the man ran at the employee and pushed him,
causing him to nearly fall onto the tracks, police said.
He was not injured and police asked for anyone with information to come
forward, describing the incident as "aggressive and extremely dangerous".
STORE OPENINGS IN CITY
Aug 19 - As previously confirmed KFC has submitted plans for a John Frost Square restaurant unit. A new Thai takeaway has launched in Newport city centre with support from a fund set up by Newport City Council to help new businesses. Patt-Thai has been awarded a grant towards the first year's rent. The restaurant is situated in a building on Cardiff Road that has benefitted from refurbishment as part of the Vibrant and Viable Places programme. Founded Pattarika Bankluay also received advice and guidance from the council's business services team. Hi Coffee has confirmed plans to open a new coffee outlet in Newport Bus Station. Le Public Space the new music and entertainments venue on High Street opens this Friday. Mojo's new restaurant Sixteen opens on September 30 at 14 High Street.
PAEDOPHILE JAILED AFTER STING
Aug 19 - A paedophile who travelled from London to south Wales has been jailed for three years. Adrian Simut, 35, travelled to Newport train station, where he thought he was meeting a 14-year-old girl called Sam. But he was confronted by so-called "paedophile hunters" and later arrested, Newport Crown Court was told. He admitted attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity and meeting a child after online grooming. He also pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act.
RINGLAND REGENERATION PLAN
Aug 16 - Newport City Homes has confirmed details of a multi-million regeneration scheme for the Ringland area with Ringland Centre and Cot Farm at the heart of the proposals. However, a much needed revamp of the Ringland Health Centre are not included and the local health board has fallen silent on the earlier plans for a new multi disciplinary facility.
STATUE TO RECOGNISE ONE OF NEWPORT'S GREATEST SPORTSMEN
Aug 11 - The City Council has approved plans to place a statue of Newport boxer David Pearce on the Riverfront facing towards Kingsway following a campaign to raise money to recognise his contribution to the city's sporting prowess. Pearce died aged 41 in 2000.
Read the Guardian's obituary of David Pearce here
COURT ORDERS CONFISCATION OF BUSINESSMAN'S ASSETS
Aug 10 - A judge has
ordered that assets totalling more than £255,000 should be confiscated from
a man involved in the sale and supply of illegal tobacco in Newport In
January, Tahar Mohammed was sentenced to three years imprisonment for his
part in the criminal activity run from a shop he owned in Commercial Road,
Newport. He and three other men were successfully prosecuted following what
was described as one of the most significant trading standards operations in
Wales of its kind.
A Proceeds of Crime investigation against Mohammed was concluded at Cardiff
Crown Court on Tuesday 8 August.
It was agreed that the criminal benefit of the fraudulent business was more
than £550,000 and a confiscation order of £255.026.39 was made on the
following terms:
• The defendant's vehicle is to be passed to Newport City Council for
disposal
• 155 Commercial Road is to be sold at auction
• Equity in the family home in the sum of £40,000 is to be confiscated
• All money in Mohammed's bank account is to be confiscated.
He has three months to pay and failure could result in a further prison
sentence of three and a half years.
Newport City Council's Trading Standards officers worked with colleagues
from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and police to carry out the investigation
which began in April 2015.
An inspection of a storage unit owned by Mohammed uncovered more than
225,000 counterfeit and non-duty paid cigarettes, and more than 112kg of
hand rolling tobacco, stored in various containers including cardboard boxes
of Lithuanian bread. Trading Standards Officers found the same boxes, with
identical batch numbers, at Feryad Mohammed Abdul-Kadir's shop, Eastern
European Food, on Commercial Road in the city centre.
POLICE LAUNCH FRIARS WALK APPEAL
Aug 9 - Police are
appealing for information after members of the public were allegedly
threatened by a man with a knife in Friars Walk at approximately 9.43pm on
Tuesday 8th August. The man is described as being approximately 35 years old
and 5ft 6inches. He was wearing a green top carrying a beige bag.
If you recognise this man, or you were in Friars Walk and saw anything,
please contact us on 101 quoting log 511 8/8/17.
OFFICE DEVELOPMENT PLANS
FOR GRIFFIN STREET AND MILL STREET
Aug 9 - A significant
new office development is planned in the old Royal Mail building in Mill
Street according to Wales Online. This could prove a much needed boost for
Newport's poor quality office stock. . The article states "The early
stage plans from property development firm Garrison Barclay Estates would
transform the former Royal Mail building at Mill Street in the centre of
Newport into a thriving new commercial centre - offering flexible leases to
attract the city's growing number of ambitious start-up firms." Garrison
Barclay Estates recently acquired the former Royal Mail building - which
extends to 50,000 sq ft - from engineering firm Industrial Automation and
Control Ltd. Subject to planning consent the scheme would be ready for
occupancy late next year or early 2019.
Plans to transform a former Newport nightclub into a mixed-use development,
which would bring "much-needed" accommodation onto the market, have been
submitted according to Insider Media Wales. Located on Griffin Street, the
vacant site has previously operated as a Revolution Bar and Rift & Co
Newport. However, newly drawn up proposals have earmarked the venue as a
mixed-use scheme comprising office space and nine apartments.
COMMENT - Both developments are welcome but any development on Mill Street utilising proximity to Newport railway station should work alongside new access to the station from that side of town as opposed to the current dangerous, crime ridden subway. In addition, where are the ambitious plans to transform the area around Newport station? With electrification of the main line around where are the proposals to maximise the benefit from this, after all Newport is fifteen minutes closer to London than Cardiff!
RINGLAND BUS SERVICE IMPROVEMENTS FROM SEPTEMBER 24
Aug 9 - Newport Bus has announced a major improvements to one of its key city services. Monday to Saturday peak time will operate every 5 minutes on main route in and out of town giving a frequency of every ten minutes for 8A and C routes from September 24 from 0613 up to 1848 in the evening between Monday and Saturday, no changes to later off peak or Sunday services.
ENGINEERING WORK PLANS FOR GWR MAINLINE
Aug 9 - Train
passengers in South Wales face widespread disruption as maintenance work is
carried out during the next three months.
Network Rail will be upgrading the railway line between Cardiff and Newport
to prepare it for new electric trains between London and the Welsh capital.
According to the Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) website, during these periods
there will be changes in service times, reduction in service frequency,
services starting and terminating at Newport, platform changes at Cardiff
Central and a rail replacement bus services, mainly on Sundays and the
August bank holiday weekend.
SUPPORTED LIVING SCHEME OPENS IN STOW HILL
Aug 7 - A new supported living service for people in Newport with learning disabilities was officially launched today. Ty Eirlys, described as a 'flagship' health, housing and care complex, encourages people to live independently, but also access support if needed. Residents live in 13 individual modern apartments, converted from an old Victorian building in Stow Hill. The building also has a communal lounge, a craft and activity room and a large garden, plus accommodation for staff overnight.
BATON SET TO ARRIVE IN CITY
Aug 7 - Newport is
gearing up to play its part in the Queen’s Baton Relay ahead of the
Commonwealth’s Gold Coast Games in 2018. As part of the worldwide
celebrations in the lead up to the Games the Baton will visit a total of 71
nations and territories over a period of 388 days.
And it will be welcomed to Newport on the morning of Wednesday, 6 September.
A team of baton bearers have been selected to carry the Baton on a special
route through the city taking in along the way the Transporter Bridge, John
Frost Square and the Newport Centre.
The aim is to give as many people as possible the chance to see the Baton as
part of the celebrations. The event is being hosted by Newport City Council
in partnership with Newport Live and Newport BID.
93 PER CENT INCREASE IN NUMBER OF ROUGH SLEEPERS ON CITY STREETS
Aug 4 - The number of rough sleepers on Newport's streets has climbed by 93 per cent between June 2016 and June 2017. According to homeless charity the Wallich between 27 and 30 rough sleepers per day were supported in Newport, just short of the totals for Cardiff. The figures are recorded by the charity's rough sleepers intervention team.
Rough sleeping is defined by the Government as ‘people sleeping, or bedded down, in the open air (such as on the streets, or in doorways, parks or bus shelters); people in buildings or other places not designed for habitation (such as barns, sheds, car parks, cars, derelict boats, stations, or ‘bashes’)’.
NEWPORT CITY HOMES CLADDING FAILS FURTHER TESTS
Aug 3 - Cladding from
three tower blocks in Newport have failed further fire safety tests carried
out in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster. Tests of the 11-storey
blocks of flats at Milton Court, Hillview and Greenwood showed the wall
systems "did not adequately resist the spread of fire". The Building
Research Establishment (BRE) tests said they were below the current building
regulations guidance.
Newport City Homes says it is "focused" on "making sure residents are safe".
Rob Lynbeck, executive director of operations at Newport City Homes, said:
“The safety of our residents has always, and will continue to be, a priority
for Newport City Homes. We are disappointed to learn the results of the
whole system test and our focus is on making sure that residents are safe
and feel reassured. Our board have already approved the installation of
sprinklers and we are working with contractors to complete this work as
quickly as possible.
“At each of our tower blocks we’re introducing fire wardens who will carry
out frequent inspections of the building, throughout the day and night. They
will make sure that escape routes are clear and monitor the safety of the
building. We are also working with independent experts on a programme of
work to remove and replace the cladding. This may take some time but it’s
important we do this the right way. This will make sure that any replacement
cladding meets or exceeds fire safety standards. “The tower blocks have a
number of fire safety measures already in place including: smoke/fire
alarms; fire doors; fire breaks between every floor and vertically; fire
retardant paint; two stairways that act as evacuation routes; and emergency
lighting.” The Newport tower blocks are among more than 100 buildings that
have failed the latest fire safety tests set up after the fire in London on
June 14.
MON BUILDING SOCIETY CHIEF STEPS DOWN
Aug 3 - The chief
executive of Monmouthshire Building Society James Bawa has stepped down
after just seven months in the role, the Financial Times has revealed. A
spokesperson for the Newport-based mutual told FT Adviser Mr Bawa had taken
“an extended leave of absence from the board of directors”. Monmouthshire’s
finance director, William Carroll, has been made acting chief executive as
an interim measure.
Mr Bawa was appointed chief executive of the society in November 2016 after
previously serving as CEO of Teachers Building Society from 2002. He
recently donated his entire annual bonus – understood to be thousands of
pounds - to homeless charity the Wallich and an overseas education charity.
In 2016, Monmouthshire was one of four building societies with net assets of
more than £1bn, alongside Nationwide, Yorkshire and Principality.
A strong set of financial results saw the mutual achieve a record post tax
profit of £6.4m and gross mortgage lending of £139m.
ROGERSTONE ASSAULT - POLICE APPEAL
Aug 3 - Police are
appealing for information after an 18-year-old woman was sexually assaulted
in Newport. It is thought to have happened between 3.15am and 5.45am on
Tuesday 1st August, near the railway bridge in the Afon Village area of the
city.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time,
including three men matching the following descriptions:
The first man is described as white with dark brown hair, cleanly shaven,
wearing grey jogging bottoms, a dark grey v-neck t-shirt and trainers.
The second is described as white man with short brown hair, cleanly shaven,
and of thin build.
The third man is described as having long hair, a long beard, and of thin
build, wearing blue, baggy, dirty jeans, light brown boots and a black
motorbike-style jacket.
Anyone with information is asked to call Gwent Police on the 101 number,
quoting log 59 1/8/17.
PILL SAFETY ORDER AFTER LAST YEAR'S FIREWORK FUELLED RIOT
July 28 - Newport City
Council has supported the implementation of a public space protection order
(PSPO) in the Pillgwenlly area of the city after last November's riot in the
area. The PSPO is intended to prevent individuals or groups committing
specific acts of anti-social behaviour in public places where they cause a
nuisance to the local community and disturb local people’s quality of life.
Councillors formally agreed to adopt the order at a meeting of full Council
on Tuesday 25 July, following a detailed review by Scrutiny Committee and a
thorough public consultation. The PSPO will provide police officers and
police community support officers with additional criminal enforcement
powers to deal with specific incidents of anti-social behaviour in Pill. The
council created and implemented a PSPO in November 2015 in the city centre
area of Newport, at the request of Gwent Police, and this has already
produced positive changes. A breach of the order is a criminal offence and
can be dealt with by issuing a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of up to £100 or a
fine of up to £1,000 on prosecution through the courts.
FLASHBACK - PILL RIOT - This is how Wales Online reported last year's disturbance on the streets of Pill in the midst of the firework season "Riot police and helicopters were deployed last night after reports of a disturbance in the centre of Newport. Eyewitness reports said there were helicopters, riot police and fire engines deployed to help calm the disturbance that reportedly happened in Commercial Street. A total of six people from Newport have been arrested. Video footage from the scene appears to show fires being set, police with riot shields and dogs, helicopters overhead and lots of shouting and confrontation on the street. One eyewitness said the disturbances started at around 8pm on Thursday, and continued through the night. "
KFC TO OPEN FRIARS WALK OUTLET
July 27 - In the first sign of improvements under its new owner Friar's Walk has signed up KFC, Kentucky Fried Chicken, for its empty unit adjacent to Cineworld in John Frost Square. Elsewhere, Paul Fosh Auctions will be taking up new premises in Lower Dock Street, occupying the former Gamberini restaurant. A new bar, MonUsk Deli, is set to open on the Rodney Parade side of the Usk Footbridge.
PACKAGING COMPANY JOBS UNDER THREAT
July 26 - A packaging
firm in Newport has announced plans to close one of its sites, putting
around 150 jobs at risk. Essentra, which produces folding cartons for the
consumer goods industry, said the site is operating at a loss and it could
not see things improving.
For the six months ended 30 June 2017, the facility generated an operating
loss of £3.4m on revenue of £6.1m and is not anticipated to make a realistic
improvement to profitability in the near, or even long, term.
It is currently consulting on plans to cease production at its Newport
carton firm, which could see the site close by the end of this year.
The company has received thousands of pounds in Welsh Government funding in
recent years.
Today the Welsh Government said it was "deeply disappointed" by the
announcement "This will be a worrying time for workers and their families
and we will be working closely with the company and others to ensure
employees are fully supported throughout this difficult period."
The proposed closure will not affect operations at the company’s adjacent
IP4 labels site in Newport, where Essentra will continue to provide
specialist labels and primary foiling capabilities. Additionally, the Design
Hub, established in 2016 to bring structural and creative packaging design
together with manufacturing expertise, will also not be affected by the
proposal.
RUGBY CLUB SECURES GRANT FOR PRESERVATION PROJECT
July 26 - Friends of
Newport Rugby Trust have been working hard on behalf of the club to preserve
the vast amount of memorabilia that the club holds. The club holds an
enormous amount of jerseys, caps, photographs and other items but less well
known about is the thousands of paper documents that are held by the club
dating back to the 1800’s. A huge amount of letters, commercial and
financial documents are held that illustrate the fantastic history of not
just the rugby team but also the other sports played at Rodney Parade such
as tennis, cricket, cycling and athletics when the club was an ‘Athletic
Club’ known throughout the world.
John Barrett, Graham Sully and Steve Bennett head up the restoration and
preservation effort on behalf of FoNR and the club and for a number of years
have been working closely with the Gwent Archives office where the majority
of the documents are held in controlled temperature and humidity conditions.
The National Manuscripts Conservation Trust are also heavily involved in the
preservation process.
Such is the excitement about the collection that the Welsh Government has
backed the preservation effort with a £14,000 grant, announced by economy
minister Ken Skates, to provide funding for future professional work to be
carried out to secure the long term future of the documents for the benefit
of all.
COUNCIL SHELVES
PROJECT TO REPLACE VILE SUBWAY WITH FOOTBRIDGE
July 23 - Newport Council has shelved plans to replace a vile, crime ridden subway with a new footbridge linking Devon Place and Queensway. New Lib Dem Councillor Holly Townsend raised the issue in a written question on July 5. The Council responded on July 19! Townsend asked "Given ongoing delays, could the cabinet member spell out the administration’s strategy of getting this project back on track including the proposed actions of cabinet members. " The response was as follows "A number of bids have been made to Welsh Government seeking capital funding to bring the status of the bridge to detailed design stage and ultimately deliver the structure for the city. However, with such a high number of competing transportation related priorities throughout the City Region, Welsh Government are unable to commit funding at this time. Council continues to promote the benefits of this pedestrian link with Welsh Government and explore options for future funding. "
BRIDGE TOLLS ANNOUNCEMENT IS MASSIVE BOOST FOR NEWPORT ECONOMY
July 23 - Tolls on the
Severn bridges between Wales and England will be scrapped by the end of
2018, the UK government has announced. Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns said it
would be a major boost to the economy. Making the announcement in Newport,
Welsh secretary Alun Cairns said: “The decision to abolish the Severn tolls
next year sends a powerful message to businesses, commuters and tourists
alike that the UK government is committed to strengthening the Welsh
economy.
“By ending tolls for the 25 million annual journeys between two nations, we
will strengthen the links between communities and help to transform the
joint economic prospects of south Wales and the south-west of England.
The fees paid on entry to Wales - currently ranging from £6.70 to £20 a
vehicle - have long been a source of contention with motorists and
businesses, particularly those who regularly use the Bridges to commute or
to convey goods.
Not only could the news
be god for business it could also prove a welcome boost for the local
property market. The average house price in Newport in 2016 was £153,338. In
Bristol it was £266,700.
Commenting on Wales Online Neil Williams, director at Martin & Co and CJ
Hole, which operates on both sides of the bridge, has already seen a number
of buyers priced out of Bristol and believes the scrapping of the toll will
increase the number of people moving across the bridge.
"We have seen an influx of landlords and investors buying properties [in
Newport] as they can still achieve good yields compared to Bristol, and I
believe the scrapping of the tolls will increase demand substantially to
many Bristol buyers especially younger buyers and those on lower incomes who
were put off with the tolls," said Mr Williams "Newport not only has
excellent road links but many easily accessible junctions onto the motorway
making an easy commute, often quicker than travelling across Bristol."
David Beddoe, of Bristol estate agent Morgan Beddoe, told the Bristol Post
such is the demand and shortage of supply in Bristol that he doesn't believe
the news will have a huge impact on the Bristol market. But he does feel
more first time buyers will be looking across the bridge.
"First time buyers are being priced out of Bristol, so with Newport 20
minutes away it is a sensible alternative," he said.
Labour Newport East MP Jessica Morden said it was a "relief that, after
years of pressure, the Tory government has finally listened. For far too
long, commuters and businesses in Newport East and beyond have had to absorb
the extortionate toll charges."
FLYNN WARNS DWP OF CONSEQUENCES OF JOB LOSSES TO CITY CENTRE
July 22 - Paul Flynn MP
has warned of the consequences of the closure of Sovereign House in Newport
city centre, with the potential loss of 200 jobs from 2021 onwards. In a
Westminster Hall debate he said "The closure of Sovereign House in Newport
is causing great anxiety in the city and elsewhere, because there is a
threat to other jobs. We are not Luddites in Newport. We are very proud of
the civil servants we have there, who have behaved magnificently over the
past 50 or 60 years. They are of growing importance in the economy of
Newport because of the collapse of much of our manufacturing industry. They
have done marvellous work and we are greatly proud of the contribution they
have made. They are certainly at the heart of the Newport community.....To
my knowledge, Sovereign House has been operating since the early ’60s and
has provided jobs right in the heart of the city for all that time. There
are 182 people working there now, but there is capacity for 400. It is a
great asset to the city. One point that is not always taken into account is
that the vibrancy of the city centre depends on the workers who are there.
They have their lunch in the city, use the shops and so on, so they add to
it. If a city is to thrive and survive, we need that working population at
its heart."
Damian Hinds DWP minister responded "there were 212 staff at Sovereign House
and only about 50% of the building was in use. As I mentioned, we assessed
the distance that staff would travel to work at the proposed new site.
Newport is 21 miles, or a 26-minute drive, from Treforest. There is also a
bus, which takes around an hour and 11 minutes. Of course, journey times
will differ depending on where staff live in relation to the site....The
hon. Member for Newport West rightly asked about the risk of redundancies.
Of course we want to minimise that risk. It is impossible to be absolutely
clear at this stage, not least because we are talking about a move that is
some years away, but we anticipate that approximately 20 staff might not be
able to move to the new site. Now that announcements have been made, it is
possible to be clearer about employment and career opportunities, and we
will have detailed one-to-one meetings with staff between now and then."
CELTIC MANOR LAUNCHES HOSPITALITY APPRENTICESHIP
July 21 - The Celtic
Manor Resort in Newport has launched a new apprenticeship programme to help
train the next generation of hospitality professionals. The two-year
programme will encompass all the operational aspects of the hotel and
hospitality industry. Modules will cover food and beverage, conference and
banqueting, front of house, housekeeping and kitchens as well as a stint
combining all these areas at the resort's Coldra Court Hotel. The hotel and
hospitality apprenticeship programme builds on the resort's trainee
management and operational trainee schemes.
Operations director Matthew Lewis said: "The Celtic Manor Resort with its
wide range of facilities and experienced management team offers the perfect
place to gain this comprehensive grounding."
SDR - MAJOR ROAD WORKS PLANNED
July 21 - Morgan Vinci
Ltd, the managing company for the SDR in Newport, will be carrying out
resurfacing/reconstruction works. The works are programmed to start on
Monday 24 July 2017 and last for seven weeks. However due to the nature of
the works, there will be disruption and Morgan Vinci apologises in advance
if this is the case. A full list of closures while the works are carried out
can be found on Newport City Council website under roadworks.
There are two elements to the works - resurfacing and reconstruction.
Resurfacing works will be undertaken during the week Monday to Friday
starting at 7pm and finishing at 5am under full road closure with local
diversions. The road will be open during the day from 5am to 7pm.
Reconstruction work will also be undertaken on some roads when the work will
start from 8pm on Friday and finish 5am on the Monday with roads closed all
day Saturday and Sunday with diversions in place.
CCR DEAL TO BRING SEMI-CONDUCTOR PLANT TO CITY
July 20 - A new
compound semiconductor foundry is set to be created on the former LG factory
site in Newport following a decision from the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR)
cabinet to set up a company to oversee the facility according to Insider
Media Wales. The CCR cabinet has agreed to create a special purpose vehicle
to support the development of a compound semiconductor industry cluster in
South East Wales.
BELLE VUE PARK WINS GREEN FLAG STATUS
July 19- Keep Wales
Tidy has unveiled this year’s Green Flag Award winners – the international
mark of a quality park or green space.
In total, 183 parks and green spaces in Wales have met the high standard
needed to receive the coveted Green Flag Award or the Green Flag Community
Award. The Flags will be flying at two City Council sites, Belle Vue Park
and Gwent Crematorium, in recognition of their excellent facilities and
commitment to delivering great quality green space. Newport City Council’s
Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure Councillor Deb Harvey said she was
delighted the Green Flag Award has again been presented to these two venues.
“The award is a true measure of how our green services team look after and
maintain Belle Vue Park with its glorious flower displays on show across the
park."
NEWPORT CITY HOMES TO OPEN COMMERCIAL STREET HUB
July 18 - Newport City Homes are to open a new customer hub and office at 138-9 Commercial Street, opposite Caffe Nero, according to plans submitted to the City Council.
BIG JOBS BOOST AS TRAIN BUILDING COMPANY HEAD TO LLANWERN
July 15 - Spanish
company Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) will build a £3
million pounds facility making a variety of products, including commuter and
high speed trains.
The Welsh Government is supporting the £30 million project and says the site
will also maintain and service rolling stock.
More than 100 locations in the UK were considered for this major investment,
with the Celtic Business Park at Llanwern n Newport chosen from one of four
potential sites that were short listed.
"The announcement of this new manufacturing facility is fantastic news
for Newport and will be welcomed by everyone who wants to see a thriving
Welsh manufacturing sector. It means up to 300 new skilled jobs created at
the plant, the potential for thousands of jobs secured in the supply chain
and the start of a new chapter for this important manufacturing site in
south Wales. We must continue to be ambitious for Wales, and to make this
country an attractive destination for investors. CAF is the latest major
company to invest in Wales and is yet another strong endorsement of the
skills-base and the business environment we are cultivating here. We are
very much open for business and I look forward to seeing the new facility
taking shape over the coming years." – ALUN CAIRNS MP, WELSH SECRETARY
"This significant investment from CAF and Welsh Government will underpin
the development of the rail sector in Wales and places us at the heart of an
industry with massive growth potential. As well as creating 300 high calibre
jobs, it also coincides with our major Welsh Government Metro rail
investment in south east Wales, details of which will be unveiled over the
coming weeks." – KEN SKATES, AM, ECONOMY SECRETARY
The firm has said Newport was one of 100 possible locations in the UK which
was later cut down to a shortlist of four. The factory will open in
Autumn 2018 with construction vehicles on site now. CAF expects the plant to
employ 200 staff when it opens in autumn 2018, rising to 300 by 2019.
Recruitment is to start next spring, with opportunities for skilled
technicians, engineers, management and support staff. Training and
apprenticeship schemes would be offered from autumn 2018. The factory is
also expected to provide a boost to the wider UK supply chain through the
development of a cluster of local and national companies to supply
components.
CAF is to invest £30m in the plant, and has also received ‘significant’
grant support from the Welsh Government’s Inward Investment Programme. ‘This
£30m investment is a major economic boost that we hope will kick-start the
growth of our rail sector and create hundreds of highly skilled, very well
paid jobs’, said First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones.
The new factory forms an integral part of CAF’s strategy to win more UK
contracts. Its Spanish plants have previously supplied trams to Edinburgh
and Midland Metro and DMUs to Northern Ireland Railways, as well as
assembling EMUs for Heathrow Express and services in West Yorkshire. The
company currently has contracts to build 31 three-car and 12 four-car Class
331 EMUs and 25 two-car and 30 three-car Class 195 DMUs for the Northern
franchise, 12 five-car EMUs and 66 loco-hauled coaches for TransPennine
Express and 75 coaches for Caledonian Sleeper. CAF is now targeting London
Underground and the Docklands Light Railway, as well as High Speed 2 and the
future Wales & Borders, West Midlands and South Eastern franchises.
The former steelworks site offers access to the rail network nearby and to Newport Docks. A commuter railway station is also planned for the adjacent housing development.
RECKLESS DRIVER JAILED AFTER CAUSING DEATH OF 70 YEAR OLD
July 14 - A
father-of-two has been jailed for eight years and eight months for killing a
grandmother while sniffing cocaine at the wheel of his van.
Ryan Reardon, 34, hit seven other vehicles in his van in Newport before
crashing into 70-year-old Christine Rowe's car head-on, killing her and
seriously injuring her husband Brian.
Cardiff Crown Court heard he was speeding on the wrong side of the road.
Reardon, from Blackwood in Caerphilly, ran off but police caught him that
day. He was more than six times over the legal drug-drive limit when he
jumped red lights and barged through other cars at about 19:00 BST on 5 June
near Beechwood Park in bad weather conditions, the court heard.
Reardon, a managing director of an air conditioning company, was driving at
59mph in a 30mph zone. Prosecutor James Wilson said: "It was the culmination
of prolonged, persistent driving by the defendant characterised by
aggression and disregard for other road users."
BOUTIQUE HOTEL PLAN THROWN OUT
July 13 - Plans to
develop an Italian restaurant and guest house in a historic building in
Newport appear to have been abandoned with the property now set to be sold
at auction. Pasquale and Sergio Cinotti, owners of Gemelli's restaurant, had
planned to convert the grade II-listed Rothbury House into a restaurant and
guest house.
However, plans were refused planning consent by Newport City Council in
December 2016 due to concerns over parking provision.
New plans were submitted earlier this year, but the Victorian building has
now been listed for sale by Newport based Paul Fosh Auctions with a guide
price in excess of £350,000. Paul Fosh, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said: "It's a
great pity that the plans to convert this fine building in to a boutique
hotel didn't come to pass as it may well have proved to have been a
wonderful re-use for Rothbury House.
COMMENT - At a
time when hotel provision in the city centre is so minimal this is a
shocking decision and leaves yet another historic building unused and on the
point of dereliction.
NEW BUILD PROPERTIES SPUR HOUSE SALES
July 12 - Newport has
seen the highest increase in house sales across the whole of the UK, with a
31 per cent leap from the first quarter of 2015 to the first quarter of
2017, according to figures released by Principality Building Society.
The figures in the society's quarterly house price index also reveal that
the average house price in the city is now £176,090 and that house prices in
Newport have risen 5.1 per cent annually but have seen a 0.7 per cent fall
in Q2 2017 compared to the first three months of this year. The increase in
house sales is attributed to new build properties.
FRIARS WALK RENT DEAL ANNOUNCED
July 12 - A report to
next week’s meeting of Newport City Council’s cabinet setting out the terms
and conditions of the sale has now been published.
Financial and legal information had to remain commercially confidential
until the deal had been completed. However, the report contains a detailed
analysis of the sale and shows that the Talisker deal represented best value
because it enabled the council to fully pay off its borrowing costs to
finance the loan to Queensberry to develop the long-awaited retail and
leisure scheme.
The council had incurred around £82 million of borrowing charges and
interest in order to finance the development loan and it received a net
capital receipt of approximately £84.5 million on completion of the sale in
settlement of the Queensberry loan and interest.
Although the balance of the loan debt and “rolled-up” interest from
Queensberry has technically been written off, a rent share agreement with
Talisker will ensure the repayment of the full interest payment that was
due.
As part of this on-going partnership with Talisker, the council has also
given a commitment to contribute an investment subsidy of up to £500k per
annum towards the rental income, but this should only be required for the
first few years and the council will then have a share of any future growth.
Over future years, the council will receive a guaranteed additional £7.5
million as a result of this rent-share agreement, making a total return of
approximately £92 million.
SIGHTING OF A BAT HOLDS UP SAINSBURY'S BUILDING DEMOLITION
July 11 - Plans to
demolish the former Sainsbury's building in Newport have been held up due to
the sighting of a single bat. A Council ecology officer stated recently "As
a result of the video footage of a bat within the building last year further
surveys have been undertaken on the building and no bats were recorded
entering or leaving the building. I concur with the recommendations
contained within the report.
A licence from NRW will be required given that the building is a bat roost,
albeit in low numbers. A method statement will need to be submitted (to NRW)
detailing how the applicant intends to prevent and minimise impacts upon
bats e.g. timings of work, pre demolitions checks etc."
MEASLES OUTBREAK CONTINUES
July 10 - Three new
cases of measles have been confirmed as investigations continue into the
outbreak affecting the Newport and Torfaen areas.
Public Health Wales says the new cases bring the total confirmed number in
the outbreak to eight. Two cases are children who caught measles from
another patient while attending the accident and emergency department at the
Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport on the evening of June 14.
Public Health Wales and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board have contacted
the parents of other children who were in the department at the same time to
advise them of the risk of measles.
HOTEL AND COUNCIL COMBINE FOR MAJOR JOBS FAIR
July 9 - Newport City
Council and the city's leading hotel have joined forces for a jobs fair in
The Riverfront on 20 July. A range of opportunities will be on offer as the
Celtic Manor Resort looks for individuals to join their team who are people
focused and want to deliver "an amazing customer experience".
Chefs, bartenders, reservations sales agents, beauty specialists, conference
and banqueting associates, waiters and housekeeping associates are required
by the five start hotel.
Register online for the jobs fair, which takes place from 11am to 7.30pm, at
www.celtic-manor.com/careers
or pop in during the day with a CV and ID.
NEWPORT BUS WINS BACK SCHOOLS CONTRACT
July 9 - Newport Bus
has been awarded a contract to provide bus travel to and from school during
the 2017/18 academic year, for hundreds of the city’s secondary school
children. The award comes two years after the company, whose only
shareholder is the council, lost its contract to Cardiff-based bus company
New Adventure Travel (NAT).
“We are delighted to have been awarded the home to school season ticket
contract by Newport City Council for the school year 2017/18,” said a
spokesman for Newport Bus.
249 CITY CENTRE JOBS
TO GO TO CARDIFF - DWP DECISION
July 8 - The DWP has confirmed that it will cease to use Sovereign House in 2021 with 249 jobs transferring from Newport to a new facility in Cardiff.
ST. JULIAN'S IN SPECIAL MEASURES
July 8 - One of
Newport's leading secondary schools is in crisis following a damning Estyn
inspection. In a letter to parents head teacher Rhys Evans said that,
following an inspection by Estyn last week, inspectors concluded that the
secondary school "had not made enough progress in key areas". The report
states St Julian’s School is judged to have made insufficient progress in
relation to the recommendations following the core inspection in December
2014 including Recommendation 1: Improve standards in key stage 3 and key
stage 4 and Recommendation 3: Improve the quality and consistency of
teaching, marking and assessment. As a result, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector
of Education and Training in Wales is increasing the level of follow-up
activity.
The report states "In a majority of lessons, just over half of pupils make
suitable progress. In a few lessons, many pupils make better progress, and
recall previous learning securely. Many pupils behave well and display
positive attitudes to their learning. A minority have limited concentration
and lack resilience in their work, and this impedes their progress. Many
pupils listen with respect and attention during lessons. The minority who do
not, miss important information and instructions. A majority of pupils are
willing and able to make brief verbal contributions, usually in response to
the teachers’ questions. A few provide confident and well-developed
responses, using subject specific vocabulary appropriately. However, a
minority of pupils make little or no contribution to class or group
discussions, due to a lack of effort or of confidence in their verbal
skills."
TJs OWNER FINED
July 8 - The London
based company which owns the former TJs nightclub in Clarence Place has been
successfully prosecuted by Newport City Council for allowing the building to
fall into disrepair. The company, 121 Ventures, who own the building and its
directors and company secretary were together ordered to pay more than
£53,833 in fines and court costs following the hearing at Newport
Magistrates Court (July 2).
The case was brought by Newport City Council in relation to a prosecution
for non-compliance with a Listed Building enforcement notice and Section 215
notice (unsightly land) at the former TJs building. The company 121 Ventures
Limited was fined £25,000 for the listed building offence; £1,000 which is
the maximum fine for the Section 215 notice, a victim surcharge of £170 and
ordered to pay the council’s costs of £1493.95, bringing a total of
£27,663.95 to be paid by 28 July 2017.
Omar Saleem Aslam, a director and company secretary was fined £25,000 for
the listed building offence, £1,000, maximum fine for the Section 215 notice
and a victim surcharge of £170, totalling costs and fines of £26,170 to be
paid by 28 July 2017.
Another director Mohammed Iqbal Hussain failed to appear at court and a
warrant was issued for his arrest.
The court was told this building is very well known in Newport but it has
been vacant for a considerable period of time and its appearance is
deteriorating. There are two notices which have not been complied with. The
Listed Building Enforcement Notice required the defendants to repair and
reinstate or replace missing or damaged red clay roof tiles on the front and
rear and repair and reinstate or replace missing damaged lead flashing.
The Section 215 Notice required the defendants to repair or reinstate the
missing and broken glazing at the property, remove all vegetation from the
front and rear façade and remove all resulting debris from the land; remove
vegetation from the roof and repair the cornice above the fascia on the
front. The court was told the defendants failed to carry out any remedial
works on this iconic building and have shown complete disregard of council
notices and court proceedings by their non-attendance at previous hearings.
They also failed to meet with officers on several occasions to discuss the
state of the building.
COMMENT - Hopefully, this is the start of a process that will return this building along with others to the people of Newport. The owners are negligent and have shown a flagrant disregard for the locality and for the affection this place is still held in. Kick them out!
FIRE SAFETY IN TOWER BLOCKS 'ADEQUATE' - MINISTER
July 7 - Fire safety
measures at the three tower blocks in Newport where cladding failed safety
tests earlier this week are “adequate”, according to Welsh Government. This
week samples of cladding from Hillview in the Gaer, Milton Court in Ringland
and Greenwood in St Julians failed fire tests ordered following the Grenfell
Tower blaze. But in a statement today, Wales’ communities secretary Carl
Sargeant said an inspection of the Newport City Homes-run blocks by South
Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) found “adequate” fire safety
provisions are in place. The housing association says it is disappointed
with the results, but its focus was on ensuring residents feel safe and are
reassured.
"The safety of our residents has always, and will continue to be, a priority
for Newport City Homes. We are disappointed to learn the results of the
cladding test, our focus is now on making sure that residents are safe and
feel reassured. We have a dedicated presence at each of our tower blocks,
alongside fire safety officers, so that residents can speak to someone if
they have any questions or concerns.
We have robust and up-to-date fire risk assessments on our tower blocks and
we have already adopted all of the relevant additional fire safety measures
issued by government. We also carry out a training exercise at our tower
blocks with South Wales Fire and Rescue Service every year." – Ceri Doyle,
Newport City Homes Chief Executive
Each of the blocks has
a number of fire safety measures, including smoke/fire alarms, fire doors,
fire breaks between every floor, fire retardant paint and emergency
lighting. Leaflets have been delivered to all Newport City Homes residents
in each block explaining what the tests involved.
CHURCH BUYS BAKERIES BUILDING
July 5 - The former
Avana Bakeries building in Newport has been acquired by a Rogerstone church,
securing the future of the community hub based there. Faith Church, which is
based in the Trebor Celebration Building in Rogerstone, has now bought the
20,000 sq ft building so that it can continue to host groups and activities
for the local community.
Property consultancy JLL advised Faith Church on the purchase of the
building on Wern Industrial Estate, which was previously home to Avana
Bakeries.
The new owner plans to increase its range of activities over the next six
months. The space could also be opened up to businesses, including budget
offices for start-ups, free networking events and meeting rooms available to
hire.
Heather Lawrence, senior surveyor at JLL in Cardiff, said: "It's fantastic
to see this industrial building being transformed for the benefit of the
community. It's in a well-connected location which makes it accessible and
it's a big building so there's a lot of scope to create an interesting and
vibrant space for people to enjoy."
The Avana Bakeries factory closed in 2014 following the loss of a Marks &
Spencer cake contract.
PLANS RECEIVE GO-AHEAD
July 4 - Plans to
develop more than 100,000 sq ft of new industrial space on the site of a
former depot in Newport have received approval. FPC (Newport) lodged plans
in 2016 covering the development on a 5.3-acre greenfield site on Traston
Road, previously occupied by a BOC gas depot.
The applicant is proposing about 100,000 sq ft of space across two units.
The larger of the two facilities, measuring 75,000 sq ft, would be located
to the rear of the site, with a smaller 20,000 sq ft unit in the
south-western corner.
Both would be suitable for general industrial or storage and distribution
use. It has been estimated that the development could support about 100
jobs.
A design and access statement submitted with the plans said: "The proposed
scheme has been carefully designed to incorporate landscaping.
"Furthermore, by providing new jobs and a new facility, the proposed
development will make a valuable contribution to economy of Newport."
Elsewhere, a reader advises work is progressing well on the former Front
Page / South Wales Argus building in High Street which was the subject
of a 2015 planning application to retain it as licensed premises with the
upper floor converted in to ten flats. The plans submitted by the
Principality building society for their new John Frost Square premises
envisage a smaller entrance for Newport Museum and library.
LE PUB NO MORE
July 1 - One of Newport's best-loved live music venues is shutting its doors after being at the site for almost 25 years. Le Pub in the city centre , has been at its Caxton Place location for 24 years and 11 months and the people who run it hosted a number of events to give the venue a big send off, opening for the last time on Saturday, July 1.