NOVEMBER 2016. Edition 7 ......

With Christmas approaching, Uno cial children’s merchandise criminals selling fake goods such as toys and dressing-up DON’T BE FOOLED will be trying to rip o as clothes could pose numerous many customers as possible. hazards with small loose parts, BY FAKES THIS long cords and materials that are CHRISTMAS While it is tempting to buy toxic or don’t meet fi re standards. the latest must-have items at “bargain” prices, those cheap Poor quality and missing gifts may have hidden dangers components in fake electrical goods NM and frightening consequences. and chargers can lead to electric NEWPORT shocks, fi res and explosions. For instance, counterfeit make-up MATTERS can contain lead, copper, Criminals use the internet, mercury, arsenic or cadmium social media, shops and even and can cause swelling, visit clubs and pubs selling rashes and poisoning. their fake goods.

The of cial newspaper of Newport City Council Fake alcohol can contain methanol, Report counterfeiters to antifreeze and fuel, causing nausea, Trading Standards stomach pains, kidney or liver trading.standards@ problems, coma or even death. newportgov.uk or call 656656.

KEEP RECYCLING. KEEP RECYCLING. KEEP RECYCLING!

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Changes introduced to the Although some people have The other method, used in of rubbish going to landfi ll. I would wet cardboard – and we will city’s recycling service operated questioned why we changed, the Newport, is where residents urge everyone to do their bit.” do this every single week by Wastesavers on behalf of way in which Newport residents put recyclable items in a variety Newport City Council will recycle their waste, including of containers and it is sorted on The Newport recycling system is • Blue box – the place for your eventually save the council the various receptacles used, is the kerbside – this is known as a quite simple and logical to use: paper, small broken electrical around £224,000 a year. one of the most cost e ective kerbside sort. This method was items and clean textiles and e cient systems in place. chosen as it reduces costs and is • Red bag – this is weighted down Replacing the plastic bags with more environmentally friendly. to stop your plastics, cans, foil • Food caddy – just for your food a heavy duty red bag for plastic Across and the rest of the and aerosols from blowing way waste, peelings and tea bags – no and cans will save the council UK there are two main ways of Councillor Ray Truman, Deputy wrappers or packaging please around £34,000 a year. collecting household recycling; Leader and Cabinet Member • Green box – this sturdy one is where residents put all for Environment, Sustainability box collects your cardboard, If people need help with recycling Wastesavers is also taking over recyclable items in one container and Transport said: “We hope food and drink cartons (tetra they can contact the council cardboard collections, and making which is then sorted at a di erent residents appreciate these changes. paks) and glass. And don’t or Wastesavers for advice. them weekly, and this will create a recycling facility. This is known Recycling is so important for the worry about the rain; we can To fi nd out more visit www. saving of around £190,000 a year. as a co-mingled collection. environment and reduces the amount still collect and recycle your newport.gov.uk/recycling

For more news visit www.newport.gov.uk ...... NEWPORT MATTERS NOVEMBER 2016 1 CEMETERY WALK THE PORT THE COUNTDOWN AWARD TO CHRISTMAS BEGINS

Newport City Council has agreed the popular Walk the Port event, held Congratulations to sta at earlier this year, will now St Woolos Cemetery who be an annual event. were highly commended in the Cemetery of the Around 125 people turned Year category in this year’s up on the day despite the Good Funeral Awards, the very wet weather. annual awards for excellence in the funeral industry. The event was sponsored by several groups and organisations The nomination came from including Newport City Council; Ian Watts and Son Funeral Let’s Walk Cymru; South Gwent Directors who are clearly Ramblers; Newport Live; Walk impressed by the work done Newport; Newport Outdoor by the sta . Group; Long Distance Walkers Well done everyone. Association (LDWA); The Sparkle Appeal; Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Tesco. COUNCIL Councillor Debbie Harvey, Cabinet Member for Culture, Newport’s ocial countdown promotes the city centre. Chair well as sports activities courtesy BUDGET – HAVE Leisure and Sport, said she was to Christmas starts on Alan Edwards, said: “We’re of Newport Gwent Dragons. YOUR SAY very pleased at the success of Saturday 12 November working closely with Newport City Meet some of the players, get the first event and delighted it with a day of colourful, Council, Newport Norse and Friars your photo taken and be in with a will now take place annually. festive entertainment Walk on this year’s countdown to chance of winning match tickets. throughout the city centre. create a real spirit of Christmas Over the next few months “We look forward to even more in the heart of the city.” Add a sprinkling of music the council will be preparing people signing up for next year,” There will be a spectacular stage and a dash of fireworks, and it’s 2017/18 budget. said Councillor Harvey. show at the junction of Charles Friars Walk will also celebrate you have the perfect start Street and Commercial Street its first anniversary on the day. to the Christmas season. Around £48m of savings have starting at noon, featuring celebrity There will be street entertainment, already been made in the last and local acts. Santa will also including the wonderful Bjorn the And don’t forget The Riverfront’s five years, but we anticipate parade the streets before the Bear, and comic capers courtesy pantomime – this year Cinderella having to find further savings in big lights switch on at 5pm. of festive grannies on scooters – will be adding a sprinkling of 2017/18 due to ongoing financial BE THE BEST and rather mischievous elves! fairy dust! This family favourite and service demand pressures. This year’s festivities are presented is suitable for all ages and runs VERSION OF YOU by Newport Now, the business- Youngsters can get hands-on with from 29 November to 2 January. We want to hear from you about led body which supports and new interactive arts installations as www.newport.gov.uk/christmas the things that are most important to your wellbeing now and in the future, and how you think we could New Year is a great time to Newport is in the final stages Completed schemes include the do things better and save money. make realistic resolutions REGENERATION of the three year Welsh conversion of the former King’s for a healthier and happier Government Vibrant and Hotel by a private developer In December, Cabinet will review lifestyle, and Newport Live TRANSFORMS Viable Places programme, into oces and apartments a number of budget proposals is there to help you be due to end in March. and the National Buildings in that will then go out for public the best version of you. CITY CENTRE Commercial Street, owned by a consultation over four weeks. All BUILDINGS The council has worked with trust, have been refurbished. responses will then be considered at Want to improve your general health partners in the private and the February cabinet meeting before and fitness? They have leisure facilities voluntary sectors on projects Work is still progressing well a draft budget is recommended across the city plus bespoke fitness which have seen new life breathed on a number of schemes and put before full council. programmes and exercise classes into a number of key buildings. including phase two of housing as part of membership packages. association Pobl’s project to For more information Work will shortly begin to restore the upper floors of and to have your say visit Or if you’re resolving to get out create a quality open space Grin Island, in the High Street www.newport.gov.uk/ more with friends and family or to between Commercial Street area, into new homes following budget.uk/budget enjoy more ‘me time’, Newport and Kingsway. Two buildings, the successful completion of Live also o ers theatre, comedy, live including the former Riley’s phase one and work to enhance music, dance and cultural experiences snooker hall, were demolished the outside of properties in at The Riverfront Theatre and to provide a public space linking Commercial Road opposite Arts Centre and . the southern end of the city Mariner’s Green including www.newportlive.co.uk Proposed open space in Commercial St centre to wider developments. the historic Alma pub.

2 Follow us on facebook newportcitycouncil ...... NEWPORT MATTERS NOVEMBER 2016 TWO JAILED The campaign to tackle “Our ocers have carried out PRIDE – the problem of fly-tipping thorough examinations of GARDEN WASTE FOR being dumped across the the rubbish that has been fly- COLLECTIONS BUILDING city – Pride in Newport – tipped to secure evidence that CONSPIRACY is going from strength to will lead to prosecution of ON SUCCESS strength, collecting more oenders through the courts. TO DEFRAUD than 50 tonnes of rubbish Collections of garden in its first three months. “This is the only way to get the waste will shortly take message across that fly-tipping a winter break. The public is backing the won’t be tolerated and we will not campaign by reporting incidents hesitate to take legal action.” Your last collection will be via the Pride in Newport between 21 November and hotline number 07973 Many community groups are also 2 December, depending on 698582 where callers can leave doing their bit– the Pride in Pill your collection day/week. information in confidence. group carries out clean-ups every two months, often joined by other You can check all your Deputy Leader Councillor Ray organisations such as South Wales collection dates at A father and son were given Truman, Cabinet Member for Fire and Rescue Service, Fly- www.newport.gov.uk/ prison sentences for conspiracy Environment, Sustainability Tipping Action Wales and many mynewport to defraud consumers in and Transport, hopes to more who have helped to make South Wales after a successful build on the momentum: these clean up days a huge success. Collections will start prosecution brought by the again week beginning council on behalf of Newport- 6 March 2017. based Scambusters Wales. “We are working together to build a better Newport You can take your garden waste, Je rey Tawse, aged 52, and his for the future” – that is including Christmas trees, to 25-year-old son James, both of the theme of the next the Household Waste Recycling Cardi , pleaded guilty to the City Summit organised Centre (HWRC), Docks Way, charge in July. Je rey Tawse also by the city council. WE’RE BACKING or use your garden waste bin admitted money laundering. to collect leaf fall ready for the More information about the first collections next year. The court heard how the pair summit, including the NEWPORT conned 15 elderly and vulnerable speakers, can be found at people across South Wales www.newport.gov.uk/ APPLY ONLINE citysummit Scambuster Wales carried out FOR SCHOOL a two-year investigation into Councillor Debbie Wilcox, Leader the pair’s activities. Team leader of Newport City Council, said: PLACES Andrew Bertie said: “We were shocked by what we discovered. “There is a feeling of optimism in The two men used aggressive sales the city and we want to continue tactics to intimidate elderly and that momentum so the speakers vulnerable people into having work will be people who believe in carried out. We found examples of Newport’s huge potential. poor standards, overcharging and even work not being carried out.” “The council cannot realise the city’s ambitions on its own, but it can play a pivotal role in bringing together the right people to work with us and each other to make Newport DEVELOPER FINED the best it possibly can be, for the benefit of all who live and work here. Online applications for FOR BUILDING reception, junior and secondary OFFENCE “We are exploring a number of school places are now open. exciting ideas and more details will be given at the summit. Places Parents needing a reception place in are limited but we will make sure Newport in September 2017 should an update is made available after apply before 13 January 2017. A developer who failed to the event and I’m sure those who apply for permission, under do attend will share the good Likewise, if your child is in Year 2 now Leader of Newport City Council, Debbie Wilcox the Building Regulations news as widely as possible.” you will need to apply for their junior 2010 legislation for building school place by 13 January 2017. work, was fined £3,000 The South Wales Argus launched “Our city centre was boosted by the in tourism spend and visitors. plus costs and a further We’re Backing Newport in opening of Friars Walk last year and Applications for children due £10 a day for every day September and the council is giving we welcomed new and old names to “While we embrace cutting- to start secondary school in the default continued. its support to the campaign. join established businesses, including edge technology and an exciting September 2017 should be our excellent independent traders. future for the city, we also made by 30 November 2016. The developer was asked on “I would like to commend the Argus have to acknowledge our rich numerous occasions to resolve for work it is doing to highlight the “The Vibrant and Viable Places heritage. The city’s story stretches Applications for Roman Catholic the situation but unfortunately many positive aspects of our city programme has also made a from the Romans in primary schools or Charles Williams he ignored advice from council as I know it has so much to oer to huge dierence in the city centre, through the industrial revolution Church in Wales Primary should ocers and the council were left residents, businesses and visitors. refurbishing key buildings into and its part in the fight for be made directly to the school. with no choice but to prosecute. new homes and businesses. democracy by the Chartists. “We have excellent schools, world- For more information The regulations are there to class businesses, fantastic sporting “A record number of new homes “We have a lot to be proud and to apply online visit ensure the health and safety of and leisure facilities, amazing were built in the city in 2015/16 of so let’s all make sure that www.newport.gov.uk/ people in and around buildings. attractions and crowd-pulling events. and there was a significant increase we’re backing Newport.” schooladmissions

Follow us on twitter newportcitycouncil ...... NEWPORT MATTERS NOVEMBER 2016 3 HAVE A PROPERTY DEADLINE FOR TO LET? MAKING HOUSES LANDLORDS INTO HOMES The council is keen to work with landlords and letting agents in Newport who A new law requires all landlords a fixed penalty of £250, or if taken are looking to let their A consultation has been held on people living in neighbouring to register, and agents and to court could face an unlimited fine. properties and last year into a proposal to introduce properties. self-managing landlords to helped more than 200 people, a council tax premium which obtain a licence. If you own, If you are a tenant and you are who were at risk of being would allow the council to The council has a strategy to deal rent out, manage and/or live concerned regarding standards made homeless, into private charge up to 200 per cent with empty properties and this could in a rented property then you should contact your landlord rented accommodation. on certain long-term empty be another tool to deal with them this law will impact on you. first. If your landlord does not properties from next April. but all the submissions made during respond, or fails to investigate Ocers within the housing the month long consultation will be Landlords had 12 months from your concerns or to conduct needs unit can provide help, Vacant properties can have a considered before a final decision its introduction on 23 November repairs please contact the council’s guidance and assistance to significant and detrimental impact is taken. 2015 to register and landlords environmental health housing team landlords with a number of and agents had 12 months from for advice and for further assistance. options. Further information can this date to obtain their licence. be obtained from the team on These both last for five years Rent Smart Wales o ers a number of either 01633 656656 or email before needing to be reviewed. services for tenants and encourages rehousing.services@ them to use www.rentsmart.gov. newport.gov.uk. After 23 November this year a person wales or call 03000 133344. found guilty of not registering can be issued with a fixed penalty of £150 or if taken to court can be fined up to £1000, and a person found guilty of letting and managing rented property without a licence can be issued with

4 Follow us on facebook newportcitycouncil ...... NEWPORT MATTERS NOVEMBER 2016 LOG IN TO DIGITAL COURSES FOOD FESTIVAL A GREAT Newport City Council prides and Central Library: SUCCESS itself on having a digital city, [email protected] and is o ering courses for people to take advantage of this. The council is also continuing to hold its popular Digital Fridays, which Chef demo in The council, in partnership with RNIB are operated in partnership with (Royal National Institute for the Blind) the Oce of National Statistics. This year’s Tiny Rebel its footing and what promised also like extend my appreciation is organising digital drop-in sessions Newport Food and Drink to be the biggest and best yet, again to this year’s sponsors. for the winter, building on the success These take place at: Festival saw around 14,000 certainly didn’t disappoint.” Thanks to the businesses, residents of the sessions held in summer. Library, 9.15am-11.15am, people flock to the city centre. and visitors who all showed fortnightly from 12 August; Tiny Rebel’s Bradley Cummings, they’re #BackingNewport.” These will take place: 10am to Bettws Library 9.30am-11.30am, Traders, chefs and entertainers said “We’re so proud of our city noon at Rogerstone Library fortnightly from 5 August; Central provided culinary delights, this year’s food and drink festival Supporters of this year’s event and from 2pm to 4pm at Library 2pm-4pm fortnightly packed out demonstrations and really showed how we’re all coming were Tiny Rebel, Admiral, Celtic Central Library on Wednesday from 12 August and every Friday brought smiles to the crowds. together to make great things Manor Resort, The Golden Lion 30 November and Wednesday Ringland Library 2pm-4pm happen. We’re already thinking Magor, Everett Tomlin Lloyd & 21 December. Councillor Debbie Wilcox, Leader about how we can top it next year!” Pratt Solicitors, Western Power Email Rogerstone Library: – www.newport.gov.uk of Newport City Council, said: Distribution, Mojo The Food rogerstone.library@ /libraries “The festival has truly found Councillor Wilcox added: “I would Bar, Clarks and Friars Walk. newport.gov.uk

£60,000 FUND TO BOOST CITY CENTRE

A new business development like to open up in the city centre fund established by the council so it has been decided to oer a will be used to help businesses small number of retail grants. set up shop in the city centre. “We will be oering retail grants Councillor John Richards, Cabinet of up to £6,000 towards the costs Member for Regeneration and of setting up a retail business Investment, has supported four in Commercial Street and High proposals to stimulate economic Street. This could give a great growth and investment in the first start to people running new city using the £60,000 pot. shops in the city centre.”

One of the innovative ideas is The other initiatives are: to use about £30,000 to tackle the issue of empty retail units • Potentially commissioning a “As a council, we thought it was Now to explore the possibility aimed at giving advice and support in parts of the city centre. company to market some of the important for businesses in the city of marketing some of the to budding entrepreneurs. larger vacant units by targeting centre to work with us to implement larger vacant units by targeting Councillor Richards said: multi-national companies a programme of improvements and national chains that don’t yet “Finally, we are proposing to use “We recognise that people can be events. As a result, the business have a Newport presence. some of the fund to establish discouraged by the cost of rents and • Supporting “test trading” improvement district, Newport and support a Newport Business business rates. As a council, we have for start-up businesses Now, was established last year. “We are also planning to help Awards event which would allow us no control over these but we want start-up businesses “test trade” to celebrate all the great ventures to support entrepreneurs who would • A business awards event. “We intend to work with Newport following a planned pop-up event we have in the city.” he said.

between UK Steel Enterprise the Odeon cinema – before down meal for 250 people on £1,500 TO and the council. opening it in February. behalf of Admiral Insurance

HELP START A One new local venture that He used the £800 grant towards Mr Byers also intends to start BUSINESS successfully applied for building Neon’s website. “It’s showing classic and older a grant was Neon, a live going well and we are certainly films in the near future. concert and conference attracting a lot of people to our venue in Clarence Place. shows, those who want sit down For more information about the Grants of up to £1,500 events rather than club nights.” criteria and an application form are available to new and Owner Andy Byers refurbished email business.services@ prospective businesses the inside of the distinctive art Events have included hosting a newport.gov.uk or thanks to a partnership deco building – once home to show by Peter Andre and a sit telephone 01633 656656.

Follow us on twitter newportcitycouncil ...... NEWPORT MATTERS NOVEMBER 2016 5 VELODROME IS GOLD CHOICE WHAT’S ON SCHOOL FOR CYCLISTS ATTENDANCE MATTERS

Punctual and regular school to school. Parents are expected attendance is an essential to work with school sta and the requirement for successful Education Welfare Service to address CITY CENTRE learning from the time any concerns about attendance. In 2001, the council beat Wiggins, Mark Cavendish, www.newport.gov.uk/christmas a child starts school. o the competition to win Becky James, Laura Trott, Dame 12 November: The law says that parents/carers whose the bid for a prestigious Sarah Storey, Jody Cundy, Jon- Countdown Missing school can have a serious children of compulsory school age national sporting venue Allan Butterworth, Megan to Christmas impact on gaining good results. are absent from school without good to be sited in Newport. Giglian and Lora Turnham. Family fun and lights switch-on. Even a student who has 90 per cent reason are committing an o ence. 12-5pm attendance in a school year will have Fifteen years later, the Wales Newport got several positive missed four complete weeks. The council can issue a fi xed penalty National Velodrome has mentions by the incredible DOLMAN THEATRE Over fi ve years of secondary school, notice for a pupil who has at least 10 played a signifi cant role in the riders during the television www.dolmantheatre.co.uk 90 per cent attendance would half day sessions unauthorised absence success of the Olympic and coverage of the Games. 7–10 December: add up to around 20 weeks o , from school. This includes unauthorised Paralympic cyclists in Rio. A Christmas Carol thats half a school year in total. holiday absence and persistent lateness. It was a repeat of the success Both teams held their pre-games enjoyed in the 2012 London 14 – 17 December: A parent is responsible for ensuring If paid within 28 days, the fi ne is £60. training camps in the Velodrome Olympics and Paralympics Elf Jnr the musical their child attends school regularly If paid after 28 days, but within watched by enthusiastic local fans. when the stars at the pre- and is expected to report any absence 42 days, the penalty will rise to £120. training camps included Sir 18 December: on the fi rst day and to confi rm the If the penalty is not paid in full by the Cyclists who went on to win Chris Hoy as well as those who Merry Musical Christmas reason in writing on their child’s return 43rd day, this will result in legal action. medals in Rio included Sir Bradley triumphed again in 2016. RIVERFRONT THEATRE olds who are NEET, and those www.newportliveco.uk aged 25 and over who have 29 November – 2 January: HELPING YOUNG been out of work for some time. Cinderella It will o er an action plan of A family favourite. PEOPLE FIND one-to-one mentoring and explore WORK training opportunities which could TREDEGAR lead to permanent employment. HOUSE www.nationaltrust.org.uk This is a purely voluntary Newport 26, 27 November, 3, 4, 10, 11, programme and participants 17, 18 December: can leave at any time. Market Events Christmas at There are four Communities NEWPORT First clusters in Newport. If WETLANDS you would like to discuss joining www.rspb.org.uk a project in your area and to 10 December: see if you are eligibile please Santa’s nature grotto contact the work triage co- and wildlife workshop ordinator in the following areas: Children’s market, Find out what happens to wildlife preloved table top sale over the winter and meet Santa. People aged 16 to 24 living in North Cluster – Bettws, deprived areas of Newport Shaftesbury and Malpas contact Saturday 19th November, 10am – 4pm NEWPORT MARKET who are not in education, Clare Truman, telephone Grab a bargain, or sell on your preloved baby www.newport.gov.uk/market employment or training 07976714549, email: clare. and children items to earn some extra money for Christmas. 12 November until Christmas (NEET) are being o ered a [email protected] www.cheekimonkeys.co.uk Santa’s Grotto helping hand to fi nd work. West Cluster – Du ryn, Gaer 19 November: The same service is also o ered and , contact Darren Christmas Cracker Cheeki Monkey table top sale to long term unemployed Draper on 07583180923, email: Food & Craft Market Pre-loved baby and children’s items aged 25 and over. [email protected] Saturday 10th December, 10am – 4pm 10am-4pm. The support is available through Central Cluster – Pill, www.cotyledon.co.uk 10 December: the Communities for Work project, and , contact Donna Christmas Market which is a Welsh Government Rogers on 07583180818, email Santa’s Grotto 10am-4pm. programme, supported by the [email protected] European Social Fund, working From Saturday 12th November until Christmas CAERLEON in partnership with Communities East Cluster – Always, Ringland, www.caerleon.net First and Job Centre Plus. Somerton, Moorland and St 10 December: Julians, contact Estelle Lewis on Christmas in Caerleon The aim of the programme is to 07976725107, email: estelle. www.newport.gov.uk/market Farmers market, carols on the reduce the number of 16 to 24 year [email protected] common and more. 10am-6.30pm

For more news visit www.newport.gov.uk ...... NEWPORT MATTERS NOVEMBER 2016 6