Duffryn to get funding boost from new scheme
Oct 17 – A pilot area for a £500,000 fund that is targeted at tackling poverty related issues was formally approved by the Council’s cabinet yesterday.
Since the council leader, Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, announced the No-One Left Behind Fund earlier this year, a working group has developed a framework to pilot the allocation of the fund. Councillor Jason Hughes, cabinet member for communities, and Councillor Mark Howells, leader of the Independent Group, have been pivotal in leading this work with senior officers.
Having identified the most deprived areas of the city, a decision has been taken to focus on Tredegar Park (Duffryn) as the pilot.
Pension Credit take up encouraged by Council
Oct 14 – Newport City Council is encouraging pensioners it thinks are entitled to claim Pension Credit.
Recently, they sent letters to residents in Newport who we believe may be eligible for pension credit. The letter is not a scam.
They state “Please note: we will not be cold calling anyone. All information will be sent by letter.”
Many people over state pension age don’t realise they’re entitled to pension credit, a government top-up that could make a big difference.
Even if someone already receives a pension or has savings, they might still qualify.
✅ Help with rent or council tax
✅ Free TV licence (if over 75)
✅ Help with NHS costs
✅ Access to other financial support — including cost of living payments (when available)
Anyone receiving pension credit on 24 August 2025 is entitled to a £150 discount on their electricity bill this winter through the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
You may still qualify for the scheme if you make a pension credit claim and it is backdated to include 24 August 2025. Backdating isn’t automatic, you’ll need to request it when you apply. To be eligible for the scheme, your pension credit application must be submitted by 23 November 2025.
🕒 It takes just 16 minutes on average to apply — online or by phone
🖥️ Apply online: gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim
📞 Call 0800 99 1234 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm)
📍 Or contact Age Cymru Gwent for support: 01633 763330
Council responds to fly tipping exposé
Oct 13 – Newport City Council has responded to a BBC report dubbing it ‘the fly tipping capital of Wales’. The report used information and quotes from local Conservatives and focussed on the issues being experienced in the Peterstone area. However, the Council acknowledges the problem and states that there has been a 16 per cent reduction in instances of flytipping in the past year.
They state “Like you, we are sick and tired of fly-tipping. We are fed up of people, often not from Newport, treating our wonderful city as a dumping ground. And we would rather not have to spend your money on clearing up other people’s illegally dumped mess.
We know that a significant proportion of fly-tipping is linked to commercial operations or rogue waste collectors. This is particularly the case in rural areas of the city, where the majority of fly-tipped waste is bulky items, construction waste, and materials linked to unlicenced waste carriers.”
The Council called for increased powers to take enforcement action and for ongoing public support to identify those responsible.
County line busted by police
Oct 7 – Two members of a county lines gang that flooded the streets of Newport with class A drugs have been jailed for a combined 16 years and two months.
Jake Clarke from Birmingham was the principal member and ran the drugs line supplying Christopher Morgan, from Newport with class A drugs- cocaine and heroin – to be sold on the streets of Newport and Gwent.
In November 2024, a phone seized in an unrelated investigation revealed messages advertising the sale of drugs. Operation Sandmoor commenced to uncover those responsible for sending the messages.
Christopher Morgan, 40, was identified first. A phone number attributed to him was linked to multiple “text bombs” advertising the sale of drugs and photographs of suspected class A drugs being sent to others.
As well as messages advertising drugs, the phone work revealed conversations between Clarke and Morgan arranging meetings to exchange drugs, including details of the hotel Clarke was staying in while in Newport. Officers recovered CCTV from the hotel which showed Clarke and his associate, a 30-year-old woman from Birmingham, together on days they intended to meet with Morgan.
The messages on Clarke’s associate’s phone also led officers to find several drill videos made by Clarke where he would boast about his criminal activity, and the money he made. The jury heard how these lyrics were interpreted by an expert as boasting of running multiple drug lines, hiding a phone while in prison and delivering up to 10 packages of class A drugs at a time.
Plan for new Bassaleg Bridge submitted
Oct 7 – Plans have been submitted for the demolition of the old Bassaleg Bridge and the construction of a replacement crossing.
The application is summarised as follows ‘DEMOLITION OF THE OLD BASSALEG BRIDGE AND CONSTRUCTION OF A REPLACEMENT SINGLE SPAN BRIDGE STRUCTURE ACROSS THE EBBW RIVER TO FACILITATE VEHICULAR ACCESS TO FORGE MEWS FROM VIADUCT WAY.’
The application notes the current structure was built in 1943. It states that issues with the current bridge were identified in 2021. Following emergency repairs it was closed in September 2021. Further deterioration was identified in 2022 and again in 2023. Although access was provided for emergency vehicles no vehicle have been able to access the 19 properties in Forge Mews for residential purposes for over four years.
Newport joins prestigious leadership programme
Oct 7 – Newport City Council is the only Welsh council to join a prestigious leadership programme.
The Bloomberg LSE European City Leadership Initiative is the first ever professional leadership and management programme designed specifically for political leaders and public officials.
Newport is one of 30 areas selected from 17 countries across Europe including Dublin, Turin, Helsinki and Oslo.
The programme will provide Newport City Council with pioneering expertise to tackle problems, modernise services, strengthen operations, and improve people’s lives, advancing progress on issues that are important to residents.
Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, leader of Newport City Council, said: “Acceptance to this programme is testament to Newport’s upward trajectory as a city. Newport is at the top table with major cities across Europe, including Oslo, Dublin and Turin. This is a place where we belong.
“The priority for us is to tackle wealth inequality within the city and between our communities. Newport is a post-industrial city on the cusp of benefiting from the next wave of industries with exciting developments in the semiconductor and specialist manufacturing fields already being seen. However, it is vital that this prosperity is felt by all communities.
“On this journey, we want access to support and expertise from organisations such as the London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Cities, the Herties School and Bloomberg Philanthropies, at no cost to the hardworking Newport taxpayer.
Boy, 17, arrested following Malpas Road crash
Oct 1 – Gwent Police have arrested a 17 year old boy from Aberdare after a significant crash closed Malpas Road overnight and through the rush hour period.
A statement from Gwent Police read: “We received a call at about 11.30pm last night reporting a road traffic collision on Malpas road involving two cars.
“One of the cars had caught fire and the fire service attended.
“Three people from one car were taken to hospital with injuries as well as the driver from the other car involved. None have suffered life-threatening injuries.
“One 17-year-old boy from the Aberdare area has been arrested on suspicion of multiple driving offences including:
- causing serious injury by dangerous driving
- driving or being in charge when under influence of drink or drugs
- no insurance
- theft of motor vehicle
“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information about the collision can call police on 101, quoting 2500313642”
City on course for record renewable year
Oct 1 – Newport is on course for a record year for home installations of solar, battery and heat pumps.
210 installations were completed between July and September 2025, bringing the total for the year to 590. At the same point in 2024 it was 444. 6.7 per cent of city households have installed renewable solutions. There is still a long way to go to match the best areas in Wales, Ceredigion has 30.09 per cent.
Jobs monitor indicates pick up in city employment market
Sep 26 – Our quarterly jobs monitor indicates a pick up in the Newport employment market. Our analysis indicates an increase particularly in those posts advertised on the Government’s jobsearch website.
Indeed.com lists over 500 current vacancies within five miles of Newport. including a significant number of retail vacancies (75). There are 310 listed job vacancies in Newport area according to Jobsearch on gov.uk including 177 permanent jobs. This is up from 258 at the end of June. Of the total there are 238 full time positions. 47 are in healthcare, 24 in hospitality, 21 in engineering and 5 in retail. Newport City Council currently has 30 vacant positions across a range of services, particularly in education. Monmouthshire has 30 vacancies and Torfaen 37. Hedyn housing association has three.
£20 million UK cash boost for Newport
Sep 25 – Newport City Council has been awarded a significant cash boost by the UK Government as part of its Pride in Place programme. The City will receive an additional £20 million over the next ten years to boost opportunities for young people and to run events that will encourage people to have pride in the city and its neighbourhoods. This includes improving parks, former pubs or community centres or delivering festivals.
The up to £5 billion UK wide package includes an additional £3.5 billion to roll out the programme to 169 more areas, including Newport, each receiving up to £20 million over ten years. Newport is one of nine locations in Wales that will receive £20million of Pride in Place funding over ten years. All Welsh local authorities are also to receive £1.5million to help build pride in local neighbourhoods.
Police make arrests, seize drugs in series of raids
Sep 25 – There have been a series of arrests following police raids and warrants executed this week.
Earlier this week, neighbourhood officers in Newport carried out a warrant at an address in Mill Parade, Pill, seizing drugs, cash, mobile phones and electric bikes.
During the raid, officers arrested two men, aged 32 and 40, on suspicion of multiple drug offences.
They were taken into custody, where:
The 32-year-old was charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A – heroin, possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A – cocaine, and acquiring/using/possessing criminal property.
The 40-year-old was charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A – heroin, and possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A – cocaineNeighbourhood
Neighbourhood officers in Newport carried out a warrant at an address in Aberthaw Drive, Alway, seizing cocaine and drug paraphernalia.
During the raid, officers arrested a man, aged 38, on suspicion of supplying a controlled drug of class A – cocaine.
The man was released under investigation as our enquires continue.
Monmouthshire HA in first city development
Sep 25 – In its first Newport development Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) has secured planning consent to deliver 42 affordable homes as part of the popular Mon Bank development in Newport.
The scheme, located northwest of the existing Mon Bank site off Cardiff Road, will provide a mix of housing types: 21 two-bedroom, four-person houses; five three-bedroom, five-person houses; and 16 one-bedroom, two-person apartments, spread across two parcels of land.
Gwyndaf Tobias, interim CEO, MHA said:
“We are delighted to have received consent to build high-quality new homes, in this popular area of Newport.
This development represents the first development activity for MHA outside of Monmouthshire; reinforcing our commitment to playing a bigger part in increasing the provision of affordable housing across south east Wales.”
Newport City Homes recently merged with Melin Homes to form a new HA, Hedyn.
Key junction closed due to burst water main
Sept 24 – The junction of Chepstow Road (B4237) at Clarence Place is closed until Friday due to a burst water main. Traffic is diverted due to the blockage near to the Cenotaph. The eastbound Chepstow Road bus stop has been relocated to the bus stop adjacent to Chartist House (opposite the old Technical College).
Buses from the city centre will operate via Church Road, Summerhill Avenue and Albert Avenue then:
Routes 5, 6, 7, 8A, 8C, 9C, 73, 74, 74A, 74C, SJ1 & X74 will turn left onto Chepstow Road to resume their normal route from Maindee Square.
Routes 9A, 42, & 43 & will turn right onto Chepstow Road and left into Harrow Road to resume their normal route from Marlborough Road. The Cenotaph and Maindee Library stops will not be served on journeys from the city centre. Buses on Chepstow Road heading towards the city centre will divert via Harrow Road but do not miss out any bus stops.
New community learning centre officially open
Sep 24 – The new community learning centre on Temple Street in Pill was officially opened yesterday. The new centre offers a range of adult education classes including maths and creative writing.
Council leader calls on city politicians to back Dragons
Sep 22 – Council leader Dimitri Batrouni has called on all city politicians to back professional rugby in the city. The Welsh Rugby Union has launched a consultation on proposals with an option to reduce the number of clubs from the current level – 4 to 2. In such a scenario the Dragons would be in jeopardy with significant consequences for Rodney Parade and the city centre. Newport would lose top tier rugby for the first time since professionalism. The decision is being made very soon.
Batrouni said on Facebook “Important we unite as a city & clearly stand against WRU’s proposal to cut the number of regions from 4 to 2. I’ve already made our position clear, but I hope all cllrs from across the political spectrum support the motion below and sign the letter to the WRU”.
Read our view
City rents up by 20 per cent
Sep 20 – Data from the Office for National Statistics indicates that private rents in Newport have risen by more than anywhere else in the UK in the last twelve months. Average rents in the Newport area have increased by just over 20 per cent from £754 to £934 per month. The average increase across the UK is 6 per cent.
Rents in the city are climbing rapidly, driven by strong demand from a growing economy and an influx of young professionals attracted by housing that remains relatively affordable compared to nearby Bristol. Estate agents suggest that the demand is being led by Bristol commuters and the limitations on supply. Newport is seen as an attractive option given it is 30 minute commute by road or by rail. House prices in Newport increased by 2.6 per cent in the same period, currently averaging £220k. A quick review of agents’ websites suggests two bedroom properties are in the £800 – £900 region, three bedroom properties £1100 plus and one bedroom properties £650 – £750.
Big port investment confirmed for Newport
Sept 14 – Associated British Ports has announced over £80 million in investment to strengthen Newport’s position as the UK’s largest steel-handling port.
This includes upgrading equipment (e.g. cranes, forklifts) and enhancing capacity.
Supported by the specialist steel logistics expertise of W.E. Dowds, Newport is the UK’s largest steel handling port, having handled 2 million tonnes of steel in 2024, accounting for 29% of the UK’s total iron and steel products.
First Minister Eluned Morgan said “ It’s fantastic to hear about ABP’s commitment to Wales, which will help deliver our priority to create jobs, make families better off and build an economy the people of Wales can be proud of.”
Newport man jailed for sex abuse
Robert Pomroy has been sentenced to 13 years and four months in jail at Cardiff Crown Court.
The 76-year-old from Newport, previously pleaded guilty to twelve offences including the rape of a girl under 13, six counts of sexual touching of a girl under 13 and five counts of taking/making/possessing indecent images of children.
Pomroy was arrested in August 2023 after allegations that he had sexually assaulted three girls, all aged 10 and under at the time, were reported to police. As part of the investigation, electronic devices, including phones and laptops, from his home were seized and indecent images, across all three categories of severity, were found by officers.
He appeared at Cardiff Crown Court today (Wednesday 10 September) where he was sentenced to 13 years and four months in prison and issued with a 15-year restraining order.
DC Lauren Price, the officer in charge said: “Pomroy inflicted abuse on three young girls for his own depraved and selfish sexual gratification, but not only this, his actions have had a ripple effect causing distress and upset to the families of those involved. I would like to commend the courage of the victims and witnesses in this case, not only in coming forward to report but throughout the entire investigation.
“While the effects of being a victim of this crime can be longstanding, and nothing can erase the impact his man’s actions has on these girls, I hope today’s sentence can offer a step toward healing for them.
“I also hope that this outcome shows we take all reports of sexual assault seriously and encourage any victim of a sexual offence to contact us with the confidence that they will be listened to, and that we will do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.”
Council promote grants for empty premises
Sept 10 – Newport City Council is relaunching the placemaking fund offering financial assistance towards schemes to breathe new life into vacant or underused properties in the city centre.
Councillor James Clarke, cabinet member for regeneration and business growth, said: “I’m pleased that we are once again able to offer significant funding towards projects to revitalise empty properties in the city centre.
“This could be for vacant commercial units on the ground floor or to create new homes on the upper floors of properties.
“The scheme is designed to stimulate further private investment in the city centre but recipients of the grant will have to prove they have a serious intention and a commitment to deliver their project.
“It is just one of the ways we are helping businesses, particularly in the city centre, from financial support for new and growing SMEs to business rate relief schemes.”
To ensure the maximum benefit is achieved from the available funding, applicants are encouraged to consider their requests carefully.
Those that clearly show where the project needs funds to make it viable, and that all other funding sources have been explored and fully used, will be favoured. This is to ensure the council is able to support as many projects as possible across the city centre.
Applicants must be the freeholder or hold a lease of at least three years or more. It is also essential that planning permission is in place. For residential properties support is limited to private accommodation. Bedsits, studios and student accommodation proposals are not eligible.
The scheme is only open to those who have not received payment of any type of regeneration funding from the council within the last 18 months.
Thirty two affordable homes planned for Ringland site
Sept 8 – Newport housing association Hedyn has submitted a planning application for a new development on the site of the former Open Hearth public house in Ringland. They plan to build thirty two homes on the site. All of the homes will be classed as affordable or social housing. The area is just off the Hendre Farm Drive, close to bus routes and Llanwern High School.
Hedyn is currently undertaking a hugely significant £6.8 million development of the Ringland Estate building 170 new homes and relocating the shopping centre.
Town Bridge to close overnight as part of resurfacing work
Sept 2 – Newport Bridge will be closed for the next two nights to allow resurfacing and drainage cleaning to be carried out.
The closure between the Old Green Roundabout and Clarence Place will be in place between 8pm and 5am on Tuesday 2 Sept (into Wednesday morning) and Wednesday 3 Sept (into Thursday morning).
The M4 entry slip road westbound at junction 24 Coldra towards junction 28 will be shut for resurfacing work from Monday September 1 through to and including Wednesday September 3 between 8pm and 6am. The M4 westbound will also be closed between junction 25 at Caerleon and the JBGT Brynglas Tunnels for resurfacing work from Monday September 1 through to and including Wednesday September 3 between 8pm and 6am.
So called ‘protestors’ turn up at caravan site
Aug 27 – Misinformed protesters turned up at a travellers site in Ringland following untrue Facebook posts yesterday. The spread of misinformation has been a feature of this summer and was condemned by the Council. It follows racist mistaken identity at a scout camp in Newbridge and the Mercure Hotel in Newport.
The council stated it was aware that a small number of people turned up to Ellen Ridge, Ringland earlier today in response to rumours of an “illegal migrant camp,” following misinformation being spread online about the site’s use.
Ellen Ridge is a council-owned, authorised, permanent residential gypsy and traveller site. It has always been used for this purpose and is not used for anything else.
“We strongly condemn those who are deliberately spreading misinformation about the site on social media forums and elsewhere, in an attempt to sow division and disorder within our communities.”
Arrest following Somerton accident
Aug 25 – A man has been left seriously injured after being struck by a car in Newport during the early hours of Monday morning. The collision, involving a pedestrian and a dark-coloured Volkswagen Golf, occurred on Somerton Road at around 2.20am on August 25. Police said the vehicle failed to stop at the scene.
The pedestrian, a 32-year-old man from the Newport area, was taken to hospital for treatment. His condition is described as serious. One man has since been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving in connection with the incident.
Council leader’s call to arms
Aug 24 – Newport Council’s leader Dimitri Batrouni has issued a call to arms to city residents to embrace positivity as he predicts the City is on the verge of success as supports the development of new industries and technologies.
He said that he frequently hears references to past glories “ During my first of year leadership, I noticed a common response to how Newport should adapt to this change. For some people the answer is to go back to the past, to recreate a memory of when Newport was thriving. Depending on who you speak to, this time period varies, but theme remains the same, bring back the old days. These memories are to be treasured and celebrated but if we cling to the past, we will forfeit our present and future. We must act upon and seize on our potential now. The history of the city teaches us this over and over again.”
He hopes to inspire people to support his vision and take the opportunities made available
‘At Imperial Park, we have companies building the current and future technologies of the modern world. From AI infrastructure and cloud computing to microchips that make the world tick. We even have a company that builds the machine that builds the microchips, 98% of which are exported. These are highly skilled, high paying jobs for local people. For example, the average at a data centre is £76,000 and £49,000 for the semiconductor plants.
To fully realise this potential will take persistence, tenaciousness and grit. Something the people of Newport have in spades. There will be ups and downs, setbacks and challenges, but the trajectory is upwards. “
Comment – could not agree more with the sentiment here. Cllr Batrouni has demonstrated tremendous energy in his new role. The investments being made are significant. The size of the task is making Newport a more attractive place to those employed at these new work places. They naturally still graduate towards Cardiff.
Kingsway soft play opens / planning update
Aug 20 – A new soft play centre has opened in the Kingsway Centre offering puzzling quest rooms and adventure zones to safe toddler play and hands-on activities.
Council leader Dimitri Batrouni said “Surely up there as one of the best soft plays in Wales. Three stories high and packed with Newport landmarks. We have the transporter bridge, market, clock tower, Roman ruins, our rugby teams and county. Well done Kingsway. You should go and check it out.”
Kingsway has added 11 new businesses in 2025. In addition, Sovereign House the former DWP building near Commercial Street is currently being converted into 112 student studios with a full range of amenities. An air-soft and paintball centre called The Underground
One of the new tenants at the Kingsway Centre is Newport City Radio, which has launched its new station on DAB radio. In Friars Walk Television and Music Store selling vinyl, cds etc has recently opened.
In other planning news plans have been lodged with the Council by LNT developments for a residential care home on the Whiteheads site adjacent to Cardiff Road. It will accommodate 66 beds and create 50 jobs.
Police seize bike, cash and drugs
Aug 15 – Police Officers on patrol spotted a suspicious vehicle in Chepstow Road, Newport, at around 4.30pm on Tuesday 12 August.
After seeing officers from the community action team approaching, two boys got off the off-road bike and ran from the area. Officers seized the bike, which is believed to have been stolen from the Bristol area.They also recovered a bag, which contained a large quantity of cash, cocaine, and cannabis, and a mobile phone.
Anyone with relevant CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that could assist thr investigation, can contact police via their website, call 101 or send a direct message on our Facebook or X social media pages, quoting log reference 2500258252.
Fourteen Locks work set to start
Aug 14 – Newport City Council has confirmed significant improvement work is set to begin on the Fourteen Locks Centre and area. The work is the latest in a series of improvements the council has made along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal over the last couple of years.
The bottom of the pond will be desilted, as well as having a new ultraviolet light protective membrane lining fitted to improve water retention.
Other planned improvements include:
- The removal of concrete sets on the water’s edge. These will be replaced with more natural stone chippings
- Repointing the weir area to the side of the boat ramp
- Adding floating islands to the pond, which will be planted up with suitable plants
- A new fixed island which will house the fully renovated Dragonfly sculpture
- Adding more aquatic and marginal plants to the pond banks, which will increase the biodiversity and habitat for birds and waterfowl
The renovations are due to start soon, and are expected to be completed sometime before the end of October.
Overall, they will help future proof the pond against more extreme weather changes.
Misinformation alert
Aug 14 – A thread on the South Wales Argus Facebook group including widespread and untrue comments about the use of hotels for migrants and asylum seekers is still on Facebook. Although the article posted is designed to debunk a rumour about the Mercure it is the comments thread that includes references to a number of hotels and housing developments in the Newport area without any evidence or corroboration.
This follows a summer of misinformation including recently a charity rowing crew being mistaken for migrants and also a scout activity camp being mis-identified in Newbridge and allegedly being subjected to racist abuse via a Facebook community group. The latter is being investigated by Gwent Police.
The Argus added a note to the thread this evening “The city council confirmed there are no hotels in Newport currently providing accommodation for those seeking asylum on Home Office contracts. The Mercure confirmed it is open for business as normal.”
update Aug 18 – in a further example of social media misinformation the Argus reported on an ‘electric vehicle fire’ outside Lidl in Abergavenny. The South Wales Fire Service confirmed it was not an electric vehicle and it was outside Aldi. The incorrect post is still on Facebook and the newspaper’s website.
Council leader pays tribute to Ken Critchley
Aug 14 – City Council leader, councillor Dimitri Batrouni has paid tribute to former Mayor and respected city councillor Ken Critchley following the sad announcement of his death.
“Ken served as a dedicated councillor for Lliswerry for 34 years until 2022 and was the Mayor of Newport in 2005/2006.
“He dedicated himself to the Lliswerry community, serving as a governor at both Lliswerry High School and St Andrews Primary School. He also held key cabinet roles, overseeing infrastructure and finance.
“Ken will be very sadly missed by all who knew him including his former council colleagues, friends and officers and my sympathies go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Highways improvements ramp up
Aug 12 -Resurfacing work will ramp up this month on the first set of roads under Newport City Council’s major road maintenance programme.
The £6.6m programme, announced in June, is focusing on 55 of the city’s most critical and high-priority roads.
The programme consists of two elements, both of which will run at the same time as each other. The first element will include high-priority roads which need full resurfacing work.
The second element will include high-priority roads which require surface treatments rather than full resurfacing to preserve the highway asset.This is just the start of the programme, with much more planned over between now and next summer.
Full resurfacing work will be taking place at Stow Hill and Clifton Road. This work will be along all of Clifton Road, and along Stow Hill between its two junctions with Clifton Road, as well as the junction of Stow Hill and Friars Crescent.
This work will take place between Monday 18 and Thursday 28 August. Work will take place between 8pm and 5am on weekdays between these two dates.
Surface treatment work will be happening at:
- Cardiff Road B4237, between the Belle Vue interchange and the junction of Cardiff Road and Cae Brynton Road.
- Cardiff Road A48, in two locations, between:
- the entrance to Spring Court and the Coach and Horses public house
- the junction with Pound Hill to the entrance of Spring Court
- Chepstow Road A48, in four locations, between:
- the junction with Langstone Park to the junction with Old Langstone Court Road
- the junction with Hendrew Lane to the junction with Greenmeadow Lane
- the junction with Bowdens Lane to the junction with Pen-y-Worlod Road
- the junction with Pen-y-Worlod Road to the junction with Old Turnpike Road
First week of new 45 bus service is free
Aug 11 – Newport Bus has confirmed that the first week of the new number 45 bus service is free stating today. The service provides journey opportunities to Newport Sports Village and the Newport Wetlands.
Public EV chargers now outnumber petrol pumps in Newport
Aug 11- Newport now has significantly more public electrical vehicle chargers than petroleum/diesel pumps. The latest figures from Zap Map show that Newport has 210 charging devices including 59 faster charging devices. By comparison there are 14 petrol stations and even with an average of 10 pumps per station they would amount to only 140. One of the criticisms of those not wishing to move to electric vehicles is the lack of an available charging infrastructure. This is clearly improving with still some progress to be made but the transition is well underway as more electric vehicles are adopted and the new Government electric vehicle subsidy rolls out.
Newport City Council also plans to implement a number of innovations to continue to develop the availability of public chargers including –
|
Initiative |
Type |
Scale / Locations |
|
Lamp-post charging (Urban Fox) |
Streetlight slow chargers |
120 chargers across residential streets – first phase 98 |
|
On-street charging (Zest) |
On-street rapid/fast chargers |
144 points across 77 locations |
|
Charging gullies (Kerbo Charge) |
Under-pavement cable solution targeting homes with out access to residential charging |
Trial in select roads; potential wider rollout |
Range should not be an issue either. The average car mileage in a day is 19 according to CarAnalytics.co.uk. The average car journey is 8.4 miles. As an aside 25 percent of car journeys are under 1 mile, according to the GB Road Safety Survey! Only a tiny percentage of journeys are above 100 miles per day and only a small portion of vehicles (4.5%) travel over 15,000 miles per year (41 miles per day). Therefore, even if a driver was relying on the public charging infrastructure we can see that it would be comfortably covered by it. The cost of public charging can still be prohibitive but some free or subsidised charging is available. There are also increasing numbers of workplace chargers. In Newport the cost of public chargers vary from free at Tredegar House, to 22p per kWh at the Royal Gwent, to 44p per kWh at Tesco Spytty and 82p per kWh at the Blaina Wharf.
However, most charging (over 80 per cent) is carried out at home via residential charging typically at 7 kWh or 1.8 kWh allowing the home owner to take advantage of low cost energy tariffs by charging their EV overnight.
On the Octopus Intelligent Go tariff fully charging a typical 58 kWh car battery will cost £4 and give a range of over 280 miles.
The outlay for installation of a new residential charger is sometimes covered when purchasing a new vehicle. A Government grant of £350 is available towards installation costs.
The latest cost comparison by nimblefins.co.uk based on a diesel cost of 143.3p per litre and petrol cost of 136.3p per litre is as follows. When combined with solar panels or home batteries the costs of EV charging can be even lower.
|
Annual Cost of Motor Fuel by mileage |
Petrol |
Diesel |
EV (EPC tariff of 24.5p/kWh) |
EV (EV tariff of 7p/kWh) |
|
5,000 |
£861 |
£757 |
£365 |
£105 |
|
6,000 |
£1,033 |
£908 |
£438 |
£126 |
|
7,000 |
£1,206 |
£1,060 |
£511 |
£147 |
Sharp uptake in home renewable energy in Newport
Aug 10 – There has been a significant increase in the take up of residential energy solutions in Newport and the UK generally in the past year. Our analysis of the registrations of renewable energy projects in Newport homes under the Government Microgeneration Certification Scheme shows a marked increase when comparing August 2024 to July 2025 with the previous twelve months. There were 866 solar panel and battery storage installations compared to 285 in the equivalent period between 2023 and 2024, an increase of 300 per cent. Solar and battery solutions can significantly reduce electricity bills, potentially by around 90% for a medium-sized home with a standard tariff. This is achieved by using solar panels to generate electricity and a battery to store excess energy for later use, including potentially selling it back to the grid at higher prices.
In total over 4000 Newport residences now have solar and battery storage installations. There are just over 1.8 million households with such installations across the UK.
There are incentives available to purchase home renewable solutions including Solar Together
In addition, the Welsh Government offers a scheme to support households to purchase new systems called ECO4.
According to Green Match a typical 4kw solar panel system will cost in the region of £6k. Estimated payback will take place in 6-7 years. Prices of systems have reduced by 17 per cent since 2023. There is no VAT payable on renewable energy solutions.
Big step forward for Uskmouth storage project
Aug 6 – Significant contract and supply agreements have been made for the huge Uskmouth battery storage plant on the site of the former power station. Renewable bank Nord/LB has agreed a £45m financing package for the 240MWh battery energy storage system being developed by SAE at its Uskmouth Sustainable Energy Park.
Four energy storage projects are being planned for the Uskmouth site, which is located on a former power station site and thus benefits from brownfield planning permission status. According to Solar Power Portal Florian Hock, senior director at NORD/LB, called the Uskmouth project “a shining example of what is possible as part of the renewable energy transition,” adding that the firm is “thrilled” to finance the project.
SAE has now signed contracts with Canadian Solar, which will supply the battery storage units for Uskmouth. Under the development, Canadian Solar has also committed to supplying a total of 1.1GWh of storage equipment for two future SAE projects there.
Construction has now begun on the first project, which is set to connect to the grid in October 2026 and begin full commercial operations in Q1 2027. Construction is being completed by local firm Jones Bros, which has previously worked on other green energy projects at the Uskmouth site.
Cromwell Road to close temporarily for major works
Aug 2 – Cromwell Road in Somerton is to close for sixteen days from August 2 to allow for works to be carried out at the electricity sub station. The closure will be at the junction of Cromwell Road and Corporation Road, to near the junction of Slade Street.
The Council stated “ The closure is to allow contractors for National Grid to carry out replacement works of the old electricity sub-station, which will include trenching works in both the road and pavement.”A diversion route will be in place during the closure. Bus services will be re-routed via Corporation Road.
Following resurfacing work in the Newport Retail Park area carriageway resurfacing will take place in the Clarence Place/Newport Bridge area, Friars Road and Malpas Road in the next month. In addition, the Council has announced a temporary restriction of 7.5 tonnes on George Street Bridge. The ban on heavy good vehicles will be in place while a survey is undertaken into potential concrete degradation on the Bridge.
Arrests after reports of disorder in Pill
Aug 2 – There have been seven arrests following reports of disorder involving a street fight in Pill. Police officers were called to Commercial Road after a group of men were seen fighting in the street at around 3.20pm.
Six men, aged 25, 28, 33, 40, 42 and 52, and one 17-year-old boy who are all from Newport were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and all remain in custody at this time. Four of the men attended hospital; two were later charged while two remain in hospital receiving treatment.
Chief Superintendent John Davies said: “We will not tolerate anyone who acts in such a violent way on our streets or exposes members of our communities to such a horrific level of aggression when they go about their daily business.”
update Aug 6 – At a hearing at Newport Magistrates Court six defendants were remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing on September 1. A seventh defendant – a 17-year-old boy – has also been charged with violent disorder but did not appear in court. He has been released on police bail.
In the hearing, District Judge Sophie Toms said: “This was a large-scale violent outbreak that I am told came about because of a dispute between two families. It was a very frightening incident for members of the public present.”
Council targets illegal vape and tobacco shops
July 31 – Working with partners, including the police, they have been seriously disrupting the sale of illegal tobacco products from shops in the city.
As well as taking enforcement action, including seeking closure orders, and seizing unlawful cigarettes and vapes, they are also working with landlords to help them ensure they only allow tenants with legitimate businesses.
Since Operation Firecrest began in October 2023, there have been 87 seizures of illegal tobacco and vaping products in the city.
This included:
- 481,790 illegal cigarettes
- 199.05kg illegal hand-rolled tobacco (equivalent to 199,050 cigarettes)
- 26,856 illegal disposable vaping devices seized
- 168 million puffs from those devices
- 25 properties were forced to cease trading by legal closure orders
All together this is equivalent to approximately 6 million cigarettes with a value of around £1.85 million.
The Cohncil’s efforts were highlighted in a BBC documentary this week.
As well as enforcement action, the trading standards officers also work with landlords to help them ensure they let to bona fide and law-abiding tenants. In 2023, another operation identified a network of illegal tobacco sellers in Commercial St which resulted in the removal of a significant amount of products from sale. A warrant was also executed at a residential address where cannabis and cash were found.
Clickbait seems to matter more than the facts
July 30 – A Free Press headline attracted my attention ‘Newport and Torfaen among the worst places for unemployment.’ The article states ‘More than a quarter adults are out of work in some of Wales’ most affected regions. Bridgend recorded the lowest employment rate at 67.3 per cent, with Torfaen and Newport not far behind at 71.6 per cent and 72 per cent respectively, according to research by business energy experts Utility Bidder.‘
This is wholly inaccurate. Unemployment in Newport was 4.1 per cent for those adults seeking work at the time the economic inactivity data was published (May 2024). The Free Press should refer to economic inactivity, a completely different issue. Economic inactivity is defined as being aged between 16 and 64 and retired, looking after the home or family or being temporarily or long-term sick and disabled. But don’t let the facts get in the way of a click bait headline. Poor.
New bus service to Sports Village and Wetlands
July 29 – Newport Bus has announced a new Monday to Saturday bus service from the City Centre to the International Sports Village and the Wetlands. The new hourly 45 service will commence on August 11 with the 0730 service from the City Centre. The service will be welcomed by visitors to the sports facilities including Newport RFC followers and offer a two hourly to the RSPB run reserve in Nash.
Alex Clarke, Commercial Manager at Newport Bus said, “The launch of the new service comes after meeting with several community groups in Newport who raised this as an area that has historically not been served directly with a bus service. We hope that the timetable can develop as more people use the service.”
Fourteen stretches of road to revert to 30mph
July 22 – Following the conclusion of a consultation fourteen stretches of road are to be reclassified from 20mph to 30mph. The BBC is reporting two stretches of road on Usk Road in Caerleon and Caerphilly Road in Bassaleg will remain at 20mph as they are well used by children walking to school.
Although objections were received on some the Council has decided that they do not meet the new criteria set out by Welsh Government. These were a part of Bettws Lane, George Street Bridge, a part of Lighthouse Road, Tredegar House Drive, a part of Tregwilym Road, and Wharf Road.
There were no objections to council proposals to introduce 30mph speed limits on the other roads – part of Bassaleg Road, Duffryn Drive, Duffryn Way, Frederick Street, Morgan Way, a part of Royal Oak Hill, Wern Industrial Estate, and a part of West Nash Road.
The change to 30 mph on these roads will cost £94k. A recent road safety study stated that road deaths had reduced by 20 per cent in the first year of the 20mph policy.
Major highways works get underway
July 17 – A major project to repair city highways gets underway at the start of the school holidays next week. The Council has committed £6.6 million to resurface key roads in time for winter. Signs are already going up advising drivers of overnight closures on the SDR and near to the Leeway Industrial Estate next week. Fifty five city roads will be resurfaced as part of this significant project.
In addition as part of the Ringland Centre regeneration scheme, a major programme of work to the highway will begin next Monday (21 July), running until the end of August.
Contractors working on the scheme will be carrying out a number of alterations to the road and footpaths by the roundabout next to Ringland Centre. This work includes alterations to footways on Hendre Farm Court, Beatty Road roundabout west, and Ringland Circle; the provision of a new junction on the roundabout (to serve as access to a new bus lane and bus stop) and alterations to the existing junction on Ringland Circle.
To facilitate this work, part of the roundabout will be closed for the duration of the work. Traffic management will be in place on the roundabout throughout.
Streetlight switchover set to begin
July 17 – A programme of work to switch on every other streetlight in Newport overnight started this week. Currently, all streetlights, other than those in the city centre and at safety critical areas of the highway network, are switched off between the hours of midnight and 6am.
This is changing from this week, following a decision made by Newport City Council’s cabinet back in April. The work to change the timing sensors on around 8,800 streetlights across the city started in the southernmost ward in Newport, Tredegar Park and Marshfield.
The programme will then head northwards through the city’s other wards. It is due to run for around seven months, until February 2026.
Once a sensor has been changed on a streetlight, the change will immediately come into effect on that light.
USW’s commitment to Newport questioned
July 15 – University of South Wales’s commitment to Newport was under focus at this evening’s Council meeting. Conservative Matthew Evans queried USW’s previous pledge to reinvest the £6.2 million made from the sale of the Caerleon Campus in Newport. The Council leader Dinitri Batrouni responded by saying ‘don’t hold your breath.’ He went on to outline the ongoing financial challenges facing UK universities but confirmed that USW had spent £3 million updating facilities at the City Centre Campus including a new cyber security suite. USW closed the Caerleon Campus despite stating they would not close any of their sites following their merger with the University of Wales Newport. USW has overseen a decline in student numbers in Newport with approximately a 75 per reduction and very small numbers residing at the city’s student village, now home to Bristol graduates!
In more positive news Cllr Batrouni stated he felt work on the proposed City Centre Higher Education Campus would start ‘very soon.’
Three arrested after ‘gunshots’ heard
July 12 – Three men aged 22 were arrested after a police investigation following reports of gunshots being heard.
A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: “We received reports of a disturbance on Ringland Circle, Newport, after gunshots were reportedly heard at around 11:40pm on Thursday 10 July.
“Officers, including specially trained firearms officers, were deployed to the area and, with the assistance of NPAS, tracked two vehicles suspected to be connected.
“We’ve arrested three men – all aged 22 – on suspicion of multiple offences including threats to kill. They all remain in police custody at this time.”
City housing projects battle to meet demand
July 7 – Newport has a wide mix of private and social housing projects that are attempting to meet the huge demand for housing and contribute to the Government’s desire to get Britain building. There are currently 9,000 people on Newport’s waiting list with an average wait time of over two years.
On the social housing front the £47 million Ringland regeneration project will provide 200 social housing or affordable homes by 2027. 150 will be built at the Old Town Dock once that development gets underway. Over 100 further units will be also provided from current developments at Lliswerry, Rogerstone and Pill.
New mainly private and some affordable homes are being provided at Glan Llyn. Over 1200 homes are currently being developed by Lovell, Persimmon and Bellway. Elsewhere, work is continuing at the 528 home Royal Victoria Court (Whiteheads) by Lovell Homes, 219 homes at Parc y Coleg, Caerleon (Redrow), 78 homes at Parc Elizabeth, Queens Hill (Redrow) and 259 homes at Cot Hill (Redrow) as part of the 1100 Great Milton Park development.
There are other smaller developments particularly in the city centre involving property upgrades and conversions for residential use.
With respect to future developments Hedyn has just won approval for 40 flats near to George Street Bridge and has been consulting with Somerton residents regarding a major regeneration of the former garden village estate.
Bettws teenage trio banned from school / retail centre
July 5 – The problem of ant-social behaviour in the crime hotspot of Bettws was highlighted following news of a banning order for nuisance and intimidatory behaviour from three idiots who have been disrupting businesses and their local community.
Three teenage boys will be banned from Newport High School and shopping area in Bettws until next June to help tackle their frequent issues with anti-social behaviour. The boys, aged 13, 14 and 15, and who cannot be named for legal reasons, were each issued with a 12-month Anti-Social Behaviour Injunction (ASBI) at Gwent Magistrates Court on Tuesday 24 June.
As part of their conditions, the trio are also not allowed to cause a nuisance or annoyance to people near their homes, or use threatening or intimidating behaviour. If they breach the terms and conditions of their injunctions, they could face arrest and the order remains in place until 23 June 2026. Gwent Police worked closely with Hedyn, the housing association created through the merger of Melin Homes and Newport City Homes, who led on securing the orders.
Oasis concerts create huge interest
July 4 – The first Oasis concerts for 16 years at the Principality Stadium have created huge interest with knock on benefits for Newport in terms of hospitality and accommodation. Some fans have been using the city as the base before onward travel to Cardiff.
Delays have been reported on the M4 at the Brynglas Tunnel as fans head west but trains are running normally. 4,000 extra seats and additional services have been laid on by train operators.
Noel and Liam Gallagher led Oasis through a short but explosive set featuring early versions of tracks like “Shakermaker”, “Cigarettes & Alcohol”, and “Live Forever”. The show reflected their trademark swagger and loud confidence, even as an unknown act outside of Manchester. TJ’s, known for giving early breaks to Nirvana and Manic Street Preachers, became part of Oasis folklore as one of the last intimate venues they ever played before their meteoric rise.
That night in Newport has since taken on near-mythical status — a moment when British rock history passed through a smoky, sweat-filled club and roared into the Britpop era.
SDR crash – one person killed
June 29 – The SDR is closed due to a serious accident on the Ringland Way section of the road towards the Coldra Roundabout. According to the BBC two motorcyclists crashed into each other leaving one dead and another in hospital.
A 40-year-old man, riding a red Kawasaki, died at the scene of the crash on Ringland Way in Newport where Gwent Police said officers were called at about 18:40 BST on Saturday. The road remained closed on Sunday between Ringland Circle and Beatty Road roundabout for accident investigation work. A 46-year-old man riding a black Yamaha was taken to hospital for treatment, but the force said his injuries were not believed to be life threatening or life changing.
Fewer families in temporary accommodation
Jun 28 – Newport City Council has made significant progress in tackling some of the serious homelessness issues the city was facing.The figures for the number of families with dependent children placed in temporary accommodation has fallen substantially. The number of people rough sleeping has halved and in one month it was as low as two.
Councillor Saeed Adan, cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “Newport faces unprecedented housing pressures with demand for housing outstripping supply. Our housing team has met these challenges with initiatives that continue to see encouraging results. There is a perception that homelessness is only about rough sleeping or experienced by people due to their life choices and we need to challenge this narrative.
“There are many individuals and families who do not have their own home have found themselves in this situation through no fault of their own. It could happen to you, or a loved one or someone you work with.For example, it can be due to a relationship breakdown or a loss of employment that means mortgage repayments become unaffordable. Exemplary tenants are told the landlord is selling their home. One of the most heartbreaking aspects of this is the impact on children and young people who can be uprooted from their home and the area they were living and then placed with their parents in temporary accommodation, including hotels and private rented accommodation. It can be traumatic.
“Placing them in temporary accommodation is an emergency response and a last resort where homelessness cannot be prevented. I’m pleased to report that over the last financial year we have seen the number of parents with dependent children in temporary accommodation almost halved.We do recognise that rough sleeping is a very visible form of homelessness, and we are also focused on addressing this.
City jobs market still very active
June 27 – Our analysis of the Newport area reveals an active market with a wide variety of roles available. 258 jobs in the city area are advertised on the Government’s job search website with 166 permanent, 61 temporary, 30 contract, and 1 apprenticeship. Of these 14 are in engineering, 47 in healthcare and 21 in hospitality.
Jobs include electricians on £26 per hour for a major project in Bristol, a full time fabricator/welder at Llanwern Steelworks (£34k), a store manager at Peacocks in Spytty, an English teacher in Bassaleg and a store assistant at Shoe Zone.
On the Indeed website there are in excess of 500 jobs within the Newport area including 100 plus jobs in hospitality (Toby Carvery, Costa, Subway and a baker at Morris’s Garden Centre), 50 plus jobs in construction, many driving jobs and a good smattering of retail (Tesco, Iceland, JD Sports).
The City Council is advertising 38 positions including numerous posts in education and social care and a council tax inspector role! Newport City Homes / Hedyn has five vacancies including four trade apprenticeships (£23.5k) and a full time carpenter (£32.3k). There are at least a dozen vacancies in the civil service locally including positions at the ONS and Charity Commission in Newport.
Newport growth fund announced
June 25 – The City Council has announced a one off growth fund of £500k to kick start economic development.
Council leader Dimitri Batrouni said some of it will be used to recruit a specialist with commercial expertise, for a fixed term, to drive forward regeneration plans for the city centre and showcase investment opportunities.
Cllr Clarke, cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, said: “The investment will secure the skills and knowledge needed to make sure we can target the investment we need to ensure that the city’s regeneration reaches its potential.
“We know that there are great opportunities for businesses to grow and thrive here and we are already receiving a lot of interest. But our ambition is to attract even more that can enhance the local economy and create employment
City centre vision unveiled
June 17 – The City Council has unveiled a new 15 year strategy for the city centre. It has been drawn up following extensive consultation with businesses, partners, third sector organisations, a cross-party group of councillors and the public.
It has now reached the latest stage – consideration by the scrutiny committee for place and performance – before a final version goes to cabinet in July for approval. Councillor James Clarke, cabinet member for regeneration and business growth, said: “The place making plan has been very much driven by what those who live and work in the city would like to see happen.
“It belongs to the whole city, not to the council, and delivery of many of the more ambitious proposals will need interventions from a host of private, public and third sector organisations to become a reality. This is a plan for the next 15 years as some will need long-term planning and significant investment but there are some short-term changes that will be community led, supported by the council, that people will see happening quite quickly. I hope that in just a few months we will be able to demonstrate some tangible improvements in the city centre.”
Our suggestions –
| 🔓 | Unlock Business Potential
| — | Activate empty shops with local start-ups, pop-ups, and social enterprises.
| 🌿 | Greener Public Spaces
| | Plant trees, improve lighting, seating, and pedestrian zones.
| 🎭 | Cultural Heartbeat
| | Regular events, street festivals, and markets in Usk Plaza and the Riverfront.
| 🚲 | Better Connections
| | Safer walkways, cycle paths, and public transport links from station to shops and a better link between the rail and bus stations.
| 🏘️ | City Living Returns
| | Affordable flats and live-work spaces in upper floors and brownfield sites.
And……relocate civic centre to the Admiral building, redevelop spaces for sport and recreation e.g. Rodney Parade cabbage patch, finally find a location for a city centre Premier Inn and find a site for the Newport Ship
Funding go ahead for new railway stations
June 10 – The Chancellor has confirmed £445 million in rail infrastructure funding for Wales including the £385 million needed to deliver new stations in Magor, Llanwern, Somerton, Newport West and Cardiff West. The new stations will be delivered over the next 3-4 years running on updated local lines providing services to Bristol Temple Meads, Cheltenham and Cardiff. The much needed infrastructure improvements will be delivered as part of the Burns Review recommendations, the alternative to the M4 Relief Road.
Council to ramp up road improvement plan
June 9 – Newport City Council has confirmed it is to ramp up improvements to its much criticised road network, according to a South Wales Argus report. Drivers in the city like most other UK places have encountered years of underfunding leaving roads in a poor state. The new UK Government has increased funding. Newport has received an additional £4.4 million for transport and infrastructure and will also be allocating £2.2 million of its planned spending to a programme of improvements across 55 sections of the worst roads with work likely to start later this season. Included in the upgrade plan are Malpas Road, Heidenheim Drive and the Old Town Bridge.
Record recycling rate for Newport
June 7 – Newport residents’ efforts to recycle household waste have hit a new high.
That’s according to new provisional figures for the financial year 2024-25 which show that Newport’s recycling rate was 71.45 per cent. This is the highest recycling figure ever recorded in Newport and has meant that the city has comfortably exceeded a target of 70 per cent set by Welsh government. It also positions Newport as one of the best performing cities in Wales and the UK for recycling.
“I’m absolutely thrilled that we’ve surpassed our recycling target,” said Councillor Yvonne Forsey, cabinet member for climate change, waste and recycling.
“In 2014-15 our recycling rate was just 52 per cent, so to be at over 71 per cent today is a significant achievement. We’ve worked hard to make recycling the easy option when it comes to getting rid of waste, and these figures show that more and more residents are taking that option. Every item recycled is a step closer to a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future for our city. “
The average UK recycling rate is approximately 48 per cent, a level achieved for example in Bristol. Most authorities is Wales comfortably exceed 65 per cent. The rate in Wales is comparable with the best in Europe, Germany.
Glan Llyn retail plan includes new nursery
June 7 – Updated plans for Glan Llyn include a new community nursery and three retail units adjacent to the proposed Lidl store on Kings Wall Drive. The funding for the new Llanwern railway station at the site is expected to be confirmed by the Chancellor next week.
Supermarket approved, urban forest plan
June 2 – Planning update…..ALDI’s plan to convert two units at the East Retail Park into a supermarket has been approved by city planners. Discount retailer Home Bargains has now opened its new £6 million store nearby creating 90 jobs. Coco’s cocktail bar is reopening at 19 High Street. The former Cosy Cinema near the Chartist Tower is set to become a free play entertainment arcade subject to planning approval. Westland Horticulture is seeking full planning approval to build a southern hub / distribution centre on 25 acres of land owned by Tata Steel in Llanwern. It is being considered by city planners on June 4. (Update June 4 – it was approved).
It is seeking full planning permission for the use of land as open storage and distribution facility, with ancillary staff welfare/security/office space.
As part of an urban forest initiative almost 30,000 trees will be planted in Newport to supplement about 250,000 existing trees. The City Council hopes these trees and others planted by private developers and landowners will take canopy cover in Newport – which at 18% had the highest proportion of any Welsh city in 2016 – to 25%.