MNarch e2015 wpThe officiral ntew spaMper ofa Newtpotrt Ceity Crous ncil Friars Walk to open in November Budget & Friars Walk, the new 390,000 sq ft retail and leisure scheme in Newport, will offici ally open council tax its doors at 10am on 12 November 2015. confirmed opportunities in the run up Newport City Council has to the festive period. “We hope that this set its revenue budget and Christmas will be council tax for 2015/16. particularly special and one At its full council meeting to remember with the in February, a council tax opening of the new retail increase of five per cent was and leisure centre at Friars agreed, meaning Newport Walk in the heart of the continues to have the second thriving city.” lowest rate in Wales and one Friars Walk is set to be one of the lowest in the UK. of only three shopping In January, cabinet met to centres forecasted to open in discuss more than 100 the UK in 2015. In addition budget proposals and the Councillor Bob Bright, has been something that our a reality sooner rather to this, it is one of the results of the full public Leader of Newport City residents have wanted to see than later. country’s most significant consultation. Cabinet Council said: “To have the for many years. “This regeneration scheme regeneration investments to decided to make some opening date for Friars Walk “Newport City Council has transformed the city be built and delivered post- changes to the proposals as a confirmed is another has been instrumental in this centre and with the opening recession. result of strong public feeling important step in the much development coming in our sight our residents Work is progressing across on some of the proposed anticipated retail and leisure to fruition and took the can look forward to a the entire site; the buildings changes to services. development for the city. innovative decision to fund development that will for key anchor tenants Newport City Council “We know that having a the development at the end give them big brand shops, Debenhams and Cineworld needs to make significant transformed city centre of 2013. This meant the restaurants, entertainment are being constructed at savings over the next few offering retail and leisure development could become and new employment pace. years as the money it receives reduces from the Welsh Government. The council 2015 a game changing year for Newport asked residents to have their say on possible areas where it into the city Following on from an summit. 2015 is set to Here is a taste of what lies could save money and as a • June – InterAction Council exciting 2014 which saw follow in the same way. ahead: result of the consultation – some of the world’s most the Friars Walk There are some amazing • April – Newport Live, the made some changes to the notable politicians choose development start with a things to look out for in the new sport, leisure and original proposals. city this year. From world cultural trust launches to meet in Newport bang with the demolition • September – Rugby World of the Capitol Car Park, famous politicians to world • April – Newport Now, the class sports personalities, Business Improvement Cup – the city hosts work started on the retail residents can look forward District launches training camps and leisure development to a memorable year of new • May – Wales Senior Open at • October – Newport Food in the city centre and the events, new facilities and new Celtic Manor Resort Festival returns for its city hosted the Nato faces visiting the city. • June – Velothon Wales rides fifth year . e d i s n I Turning houses into Make sure you’re Library consultation Velothon Wales to pass What’s on in Newport homes registered to vote through Newport this month Recycle for Newport – pop me in your blue recycling box News... Newyddion... Council’s 2015/16 budget - the facts Zero tolerance of litter bugs Councillor Bob Poole, The council appreciates that There will also be £6,000 to Some groups also From next month, the cabinet member for licensing finding savings each year can ensure that the health and expressed concern about the council will be stepping and statutory functions, said: be difficult for residents to safety inspections in future of collections kept at up enforcement against “There is absolutely no understand, especially those Newport’s parks continue. Newport Central Library but those who blight our excuse for people who litter who are directly affected. The council is grateful for these were never at risk, even streets with litter, and spoil the environment for This year we carried out the level of participation if the original proposal had especially in the city the decent majority of our largest ever consultation Newport residents made to gone ahead, they would centre. residents. of the proposals. the consultation process and have remained safe in the Wardens will take a zero “We all have a Unfortunately it was not helping it to identify city. Budgets are about tolerance approach to anyone responsibility to keep our city always clearly priorities for 2015/6. When buildings and services, and who is seen dropping litter, clean and tidy for the benefit communicated that the councils go through this not about the contents of our including cigarettes and of all those who live and proposals were just that – process it is inevitable that it museums and art galleries. chewing gum, and not work here and to present a proposals. provokes debate and, on Councillor Bright said: immediately picking it up. Newport that people will Newport City Council occasion, misinterpretation. “There is an enormous A £75 fixed penalty notice want to visit. People should used the feedback from its For instance, the council pressure on our budget both will be issued. Failure to pay dispose of their litter residents to shape its new was never going to withdraw this year and looking ahead, will result in prosecution responsibly either by putting budget in the following its support and partnership but we are mindful of the which could see offenders it carefully into a public bin or ways. work with the Serrenu pressures facing our fined up to £2,500. taking it home with them.” We reviewed proposals to centre. The issue was around residents and on individual close the central library and the cost of office space with household budgets too. “We Councils celebrate achieving museum and art gallery both parties working to find have to balance the need to building. It is agreed to a solution to ensure that a make savings with White Ribbon status maintain both the library team of social workers maintaining services and function and museum and remain based at the Serennu protecting jobs.” Two inspiring young men pledged Centre. A 5 per cent rise in council art gallery in the central from Newport played a support for building. Leader Councillor Bob tax represents an increase of special part in a ceremony the campaign and drew up One of the council’s Bright, personally intervened around 86p a week for action plans aimed at priorities is to help support with the Aneurin Bevan households in average Band held to recognise the awarding of White combatting violence against young people in the long University Health Board and D properties – this does not women. Ribbon status to Newport term and ensure they have a it agreed to waive the rent it include the precept for the Chris Green, executive bright future. £28,000 of charged the authority. Health Police and Crime and its four neighbouring director of White Ribbon UK, funding will be set aside to staff already share some Commissioner for Gwent, councils. said: “The five councils were fund schemes for youngsters council offices rent free and and some areas will also be Dan Cooke and Daniel pioneers on this issue in not in education, this normalised the working subject to a community Fisher were among a line-up Wales and we are very employment or training. practices of both bodies. council precept. of young men who explained pleased that 95 per cent of why they had signed the Welsh authorities have now Why not try Book Express White Ribbon pledge. signed up. This has created a It is a promise never to surge of activity throughout Book Express is one of Louisa Andreou-Jones commit, condone or remain the country and has set an Newport libraries’ most tells us why she has silent about men’s violence excellent example for the rest unique services, enabling signed up to take against women in all its of Europe.” subscribers to select up to advantage of this least one of the books is on forms. The 24-hour All Wales 50 books a year from innovative service. my doorstep, and it hasn’t The White Ribbon Domestic Abuse Helpline Newport libraries’ 1: How long have you used cost me a penny! campaign in the UK is part of can be contacted on 0808 80 unrivalled collection. The the service? 4: What’s the best thing a worldwide movement to 10 800. In Newport, victims end violence against women. books are posted to your For more than two years about Book Express? and professionals can also Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, home address with a 2: What attracted you to the The convenience and the contact the city’s domestic Monmouthshire, Newport return postage paid service? amount of time given to abuse unit for advice and The convenience of not read the books. I’m quite a and Torfaen councils all envelope for your guidance on 01633 210920.