MAY 2016. Edition 4......

Readers will notice a new Welsh Language Standards look to this edition of as set out by Welsh Government WELCOME! CREOSO! Newport Matters – this is in the Welsh Language TO A BILINGUAL our first bilingual edition. (Wales) Measure 2011. NEWPORT MATTERS We have made this change because From now on people contacting of new legislation introduced on the council, either in person or 30 March 2016 which requires all on the telephone, can expect councils across Wales to offer their to be greeted in Welsh, such as NM services and information in both ‘Bore da – Good morning’, NEWPORT the Welsh and English language. and go on to conduct their business in Welsh. MATTERS Welsh Government introduced the legislation as it wants Thank you. Diolch yn fawr. people in Wales to be able to fully live their lives through the medium of the Welsh language The official newspaper of Newport City Council if they choose to do so.

As a council, we have a statutory duty to comply with the new

NEWPORT REAPS FIRST CITY DEAL BENEFITS

Newport secured the first With funding support from “Newport, like many Welsh towns Professor Julie Lydon, been trained to the highest investment from the Cardiff Welsh Government, the £500,000 and cities, has been built on the back Vice-Chancellor of the standards and who have a clear Capital Region City Deal just pilot involves current USW of traditional industries. To be known University of South Wales, said: understanding of cyber threats, days after the £1.2 billion computer forensics and computer now as a centre of excellence for cyber “Both government and while, for the students, it will programme was signed. security undergraduates. security is a real statement of intent business understand there maximise the opportunities of how much the city has changed. is a growing need for graduates for them to get a job when Investment is being provided for It will be based at USW’s Newport City with hands-on skills that they leave USW.” a National Cyber Security Academy, Campus, on the banks of the River Usk “We are already home to world class can fight cyber threats, a joint initiative between the opposite the recently opened Friars technology, electronics and cloud and that there is a need The City Deal is expected University of South Wales (USW) Walk retail and leisure development. computing companies. This City Deal to work together to to unlock significant economic and Welsh Government, investment is another step forward address this challenge. growth across the Cardiff to help address a shortage of cyber At the time of the announcement, in the emerging story of Newport’s Capital Region, with as many as security skills and develop the next Councillor Bob Bright - then Leader continued revival. We truly are at “For industry, it offers direct access 25,000 new jobs and £4 billion generation of cyber security experts. of Newport City Council - said: the heart of a Silicon Usk Valley”. to a pool of graduates who have of private sector investment.

For more news visit www.newport.gov.uk...... NEWPORT MATTERS MAY 2016 1 VELOTHON BRIDGE STREET WALES CLOSURE 2016 SHINING EXAMPLE Network Rail has started SHOWN BY work to reconstruct Bridge Street road bridge Up to 18,000 cyclists are in . expected to take part in this YOUNG PEOPLE year’s event on Sunday There are diversions in place 22 May, taking in some of for vehicles while pedestrians the most beautiful scenery can use Tunnel Terrace footbridge. and challenging roads around South Wales. The project, which started on May 3 and will go on until late 2016 In order for the event to take place is part of the essential work to safely, there will be closures on a electrify the South Wales mainline. few Newport roads for most of the day so residents are advised that For more information visit personal travel may be severely www.networkrail.co.uk/newport restricted in some parts of the city. or call 03457 11 41 41 Cyclists, residents and businesses can visit www.velothon-wales.co.uk to view the full road closure details.

Newport Transport There will be disruption to some services operated by Newport Transport. Details will be available on www.newporttransport.co.uk

Household Waste Yoof Gang members with CSO Richard Davies PLANNERS and Recycling Centre and Timothy Compton (Energize Media) Due to the Velothon road closures RATED the Household Waste and Recycling Centre will open at 3.30pm on A group of youngsters from So far this year they have taken part hopefully they will inspire adults Sunday 22 May and then close Newport and Shaftsbury in community litter picks and two to join them for clean-ups. later than normal at 7pm to allow are leading the way when public events and have lots more residents time to access to the site. it comes to taking pride plans in the pipeline including raising CSO Davies said: in their neighbourhood. funds for a community skatepark. “They are a great bunch of lads For more information see: and fine role models for local Facebook.com VelothonUK Formed in September last year, the Support has been given by youths and residents. They are Twitter.com/VelothonWales Shaftesbury Yoof Gang have just ten Gwent Police community support a shining example of how to show Email: [email protected] members aged from nine to 14 but officer Richard Davies, ward civic pride in a community.” they are already making their mark. councillors Paul Cockeram and Bob Poole and the Mayor Shafesbury Yoof Group is now They have a motto – and Mayoress of Newport. looking for support, donations Making Shaftesbury a Nicer Place, and sponsorship from the public COUNCIL’S have designed their own logo Kate Aspinwall, of Newport and Newport businesses. CCTV which they wear on their City Homes, has kindly helped club T-shirts and meet once the gang by donating a locker Any offers of help can be made to “EFFECTIVE” a month to discuss issues. as well as a litter picking kit – [email protected]

An annual assessment An event for employers to of people with autism and the of the planning performance learn about the benefits young event was supported by three by Welsh councils was people with ASD (autism Newport pupils who have autism. published earlier this year POSITIVE spectrum disorder) can bring by Welsh Government. to the workplace was held It was the first such event of its ABOUT in Newport earlier this year. kind in Wales and follows another It found that nationally the autism initiative from Newport service was broadly operating AUTISM Organised by Newport’s ASD City Council. Over the last five at a reasonable level given steering group, more than 50 people years, it has rolled out the ASD resource constraints. from a range of businesses attended Friendly Schools programme the Positive About Working with which was recognised as good Newport City Council was Autism breakfast training session. practice by the Welsh Local “in the green” for most of the Government Association. key measures including the high In 2014, Newport City Council won Johanna Manikiza, the national percentage of dismissed appeals a contract for monitoring Blaenau lead for autism development, It has now been adapted to become (80.8 per cent); allowing members Gwent council’s CCTV and providing and Keith Ingram, the ASD a national on-line resource for of the public to address the planning an out-of-hours emergency contact Employment Ambassador for primary schools which was given committee; having a duty officer to centre operation for the north Wales, led one of the presentations. a ministerial launch in March. give advice to the public and having Gwent authority. A recent Blaenau The Learning with Autism an online register of applications. Gwent council report said Newport The audience also heard about programme can be accessed had provided an effective service. the personal experiences through the ASDinfoWales website. www.newport.gov.uk/planning

2 For more news visit www.newport.gov.uk...... NEWPORT MATTERS MAY 2016 A councillor since 1994 MISSING representing the Allt-yr-yn SUCCESSFUL YEAR and Gaer wards, the Mayor SOCIAL MEDIA CHILDREN FOR OUTGOING MAYOR was supported by his partner PROJECT Mayoress Jacqueline Mitchell. During his year of office PRAISED the Mayor raised money for his Councillor Herbie Thomas three nominated charities, will hand over the chains to Diabetes UK, Alzheimer’s Newport’s new Mayor in Research UK and Madzimai A project that involves public a ceremony at the Civic Centre Pamwe - Zimbabwe Wales services in Gwent, including later this month when his year Women’s Partnership. Newport City Council, working in office comes to an end. together to deal with missing The Mayor elect is Councillor children has been praised Councillor Thomas was Newport’s David Atwell, who serves the Want to use social media in an independent report. 383rd Mayor, a position held by some Langstone ward. His wife Carole to find out more about distinguished and famous former will be Mayoress. Councillor Atwell Newport City Council? Gwent Missing Children’s Hub Mayors – most notably perhaps, is due to be installed as Mayor at was set up in 2013 and brings John Frost in 1836 who was involved a ceremony in the Civic Centre in Follow us on Twitter together police officers, social in the Chartist uprising in 1839. Newport on Tuesday 17 May. @NewportCouncil workers, health workers and education representatives to For the council’s Facebook page respond to hundreds of children www.facebook.com/ who go missing or run away NewportCityCouncil from home every month. NEWPORT CITY COUNCIL More information such as how to The report found that the Hub pay bills, check on bin collection days was achieving its aims of improving or arrange a special collection visit children’s lives and outcomes, LEADER STEPS DOWN our website at newport.gov.uk safeguarding them and reducing the number of missing episodes.

Its success was due in part to the co-location of agencies and the Cllr Bob Bright stood down Steve Thomas CBE, “Bob Bright has represented the WELSH sharing of information while an as Leader of Newport City Chief Executive of the WLGA WLGA as our European spokesperson SCHOOL independent debrief and mediation Council last month after a (Welsh Local Government over recent years and helped develop service provided by Llamau was number of years at the helm. Association), said: the case for European funding to UPDATE also identified as a positive factor. “Councillor Bob Bright has been come into Wales and worked on He will remain as a councillor an exemplary public servant a range of significant European until the council elections in who has dedicated himself programmes. He has made a major May 2017 when he intends to the service of the City of contribution as a senior leader in to retire after 45 years as a Newport and local democracy Newport which in his time has seen councillor in local government. over the past four decades. the Ryder Cup and the NATO Summit focus world attention Councillor Bright was Leader “His contribution to Welsh public on the city. The WLGA would like of the council between 2004 services has been immense. to thank him for his service and 2008 and again from May 2012. This includes his involvement in as Leader of the Council.” He was also Newport’s Mayor the redevelopment of Newport 1997/98 and was named Welsh city centre, the establishment of MY NEWPORT Politician of the Year in 2014. the Great Western Cities initiatives with Cardiff and Bristol plus the Councillor Bright said: new Capital Region City Deal. “I am most proud of the development of the two new secondary schools, Newport High and High, A planning application and the huge boost this will give for a new Welsh medium to their local communities for secondary school and generations to come, as well as major improvements to delivering Friars Walk as promised. High School was resubmitted to Newport City “As a councillor, and especially Council for a decision to be as Leader, I have always tried to made by the full council. ensure that the council provides the best possible services, protects It follows the decision by the Find local services vulnerable people and strives for planning committee to refuse close to your home social justice even during the more permission for the proposal using My Newport challenging financial circumstances after Natural Resources Wales www.newport.gov.uk/mynewport we have faced recently.” objected to the application because of a potential flooding risk. On the council’s website enter your Newport City Council Chief postcode to find your waste and Executive Will Godfrey said: The application was resubmitted recycling collection dates, library “Councillor Bright has given a huge in March. It will now go to the and leisure centre, councillor contact part of his life to the council full council later this month when details, health centre and more and the city and his achievements all 50 councillors will have the under ‘My House’, or explore have been many and significant, opportunity to consider the ‘My Maps’ for other nearby services. particularly during his time as leader.” proposal and any submissions made.

Follow us on facebook newportcitycouncil...... NEWPORT MATTERS MAY 2016 3 KEY BUILDINGS REGAINING VIBRANCY

Now in the last of while the impressive 20th century Designed to retain the character 30 apartments at the former Kings Hotel its three years, the Welsh National Buildings in nearby of the historic building, the Government’s Vibrant and Commercial Street have smart work is being undertaken by Viable Places regeneration new retail units at ground level Greenwich Communities who programme is continuing while improvements were also have employed 14 previously to make a big difference. made to the upper floors. unemployed people on the site.

Newport City Council is Improvement work has In High Street, the former delivering the scheme with also been completed to the King’s Hotel is being restored millions of pounds of investment Newport City Homes flats to its former glory with apartments, from Welsh Government, above the indoor market. offices and retail units; the former the private and third sectors. Yates bar is being converted into Other projects are also a hotel and in Pill, new homes Projects already completed progressing well. Not far away are being built on the site include a new employment and from the National Buildings, two of the former King’s Arms. training hub in Pill Millennium buildings are being demolished to Centre and Seren created new create quality open space between Seren scheme apartments in a formerly derelict Commercial Street and Kingsway. house on Cardiff Road near the Royal Gwent Hospital. Seren is also providing 27 modern apartments in the Victorian upper Other properties on Cardiff Road floors of Griffin Island – between have also benefitted from a face lift Griffin Street and Skinner Street.

Now is the perfect time There are 14 categories: front Have fun and use your plants to start planning for a gardens, containers and baskets, to add bursts of colour EU TIME TO MAKE colourful summer display commercial premises, public houses to pots and in your garden NEWPORT BLOOM with the Newport in Bloom and inns, churchyards and cemeteries, to create a stunning display. REFERENDUM competition open to community, residential homes, any gardeners of all ages wildlife garden, any individual allotment, Entry forms will be available and abilities. any community council entry, most in due course via the On 20 February, the Prime interesting recycled container, a basket Newport in Bloom website... Minister announced that So don those gardening of mixed produce from an allotment the UK government’s gloves and have a go. and the leaf awards for schools. www.newportinbloom.co.uk proposed date for the referendum on the country’s membership of the European Union is 23 June 2016.

Newport residents can make an application to register to vote online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote by emailing [email protected] or by calling the electoral registration team on 01633 656656.

His accomplice, Hussain Karim, Councillor Bob Poole, CHANGES TO CARE also received a custodial sentence. Cabinet Member for Regulatory CRACK DOWN Functions, said: AND SUPPORT ON COUNTERFEIT In a number of raids, “The trade in counterfeit tobacco 25,900 cigarettes and 24 kg goods funds organised crime, TOBACCO of hand rolling tobacco undermines the efforts of health A landmark new Welsh law - with an estimated retail professionals to reduce smoking in came into effect last month price of £19,168 – was seized. Wales, poses a serious health risk which will give people more say to those purchasing them and costs about their care and support. Newport City Council’s Trading Standards has warned the UK millions in lost revenues. trading standards consumers to be aware of the The Social Services and department has health risks of buying “As a council we will continue to work Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 is aimed successfully prosecuted counterfeit tobacco proactively with the support of at radically transforming the way a shop owner and his and cigarettes. HM Revenue and Customs social services are delivered to meet accomplice for selling illegal and Gwent Police to stamp out the needs of individuals and make cigarettes and tobacco. If you suspect you have been this kind of activity in Newport.” services sustainable for the future. sold illegal products contact Majid Salih Ali Alshateri, the either the council’s trading For more information visit owner of Zam Zam shop in standards team on www.gov.wales/topics/ Commercial Street, was sentenced 01633 656656 health/socialcare/act to 32 months imprisonment. or Gwent Police on 101.

4 For more news visit www.newport.gov.uk...... NEWPORT MATTERS MAY 2016 HOMEOWNER LOANS NEW HOMES BOOST FOR Newport City Council can Loans for owner-occupiers offer help for homeowners are for a maximum of 10 years. OLDER PEOPLE aged over 50 who would like There is an administration fee of to make improvements. 8 per cent of the loan value which can be paid in instalments along Last year, councils were allocated with the loan itself. The minimum funding from Welsh Government to amount of such a loan is £1,000, set up loan schemes for the maximum is £25,000. An independent living The apartments will benefit Scott Sanders, a director home improvements and scheme of 39 homes from glazed balconies so residents of Derwen said: Newport City Council launched Priority is given to owner- for older people is being can take in the stunning views ‘Safe, Warm & Secure’, to provide occupiers, but landlords can created in the Gaer on across the Bristol Channel and “This flagship development epitomises interest-free loans for any works also apply for loan assistance. land that remained following a central community space the contemporary and aspirational that are required to repair or the redevelopment of the where residents and surrounding nature of the homes that older people modernise someone’s home. Information is available prefabs several years ago. neighbours can socialise inside want and will meet a clearly identified on the council’s website - and out on the raised terrace. housing need within the city.” In order to qualify, there has to visit Derwyn Cymru signed a contract be enough equity in the property www.newport.gov.uk/homeloans with WRW Construction to Derwen, part of Seren Group, Derwen has worked closely to secure the loan, and the build the 35 apartments within was launched in 2014 to with the council to design the applicant’s ability to repay is To contact Newport Credit Union a main building and provide housing and services grounds to maximise the beneficial assessed on behalf of the council email four separate walk-up units. for older people. health and social impacts. by Newport Credit Union. [email protected]

REMEMBERING THE CHARTISTS

Images courtesy of Grant Davidson

Newport’s modern retail a commemoration of the Nearby, the six points The movement was ultimately In addition to the new and leisure scheme Friars Chartists’ fight for democracy of the People’s Charter are successful and five of the six points artwork, the statue of the Walk incorporates two original in the 19th century. engraved in the public steps of their Charter form the basis water-bell carrier – and striking art works which that link the new John Frost Square of democracy in the UK today. The Vision of Saint Gwynllys pay tribute to the city’s history. A large fret-formed piece of steel, to Usk Plaza. John Frost was one which was also created by intricately cut to include a Celtic pattern of the leaders of the Newport The Chartists are also Sebastien Boyesen – Commissioned by developers and moving lines of poetry by Gillian Uprising who were arrested remembered by the group of has returned to a new Queensberry Real Estate and Clarke, the previous National Poet of and eventually deported statues outside the location between created by celebrated artist Wales, is situated on the Kingsway side to Australia because where the momentous uprising Sebastien Boyesen, they are of the centre so it is visible to passers-by. of their involvement. ended on 4 November 1839. and Usk Plaza.

Independent design-led store which includes Debenhams, and private sectors represented MORE ON OFFER Crafted is moving in after a Marks and Spencer Food Hall, by Newport City Council and successful run in a pop-up shop Cineworld, Mothercare, Next, Queensberry Real Estate. AT FRIARS WALK in the Kingsway Centre. several restaurants and much more. It was designed to complement In recent weeks, New Look Men Friars Walk is open seven and benefit the wider retail centre. Friars Walk has – the first and only such shop in days a week. See announced a number Wales; footwear retailer Skechers; www.friarswalk.co.uk In recent months a number of new businesses have Holland and Barrett; for opening times. of new businesses joined the retail and leisure Vodaphone; restaurant Zizzi have also opened up in the scheme which opened and Superbowl have all opened up It was developed thanks to an Kingsway Centre, just last November. joining a now established line-up initiative between the public Commercial Street and High Street.

Follow us on twitter @newportcouncil...... NEWPORT MATTERS MAY 2016 5 WHAT’S CHANGES TO YOUR RECYCLING ON

Residents in Newport will • Paper will remain in the see some changes to blue box along with small broken how their recycling is electrical items, and textiles. collected in the summer. • Your food waste collection Collection days will stay the same will remain the same. and there will still be two recycling CAMBRIAN RD/HIGH ST boxes and one bag but what With these changes it is hoped 6 June: 12.45pm goes in each will be different. that it will reduce the amount D-Day Memorial Parade of litter created – especially and Service What has changed? during bad weather. • You will no longer need the Changes will be rolled out green bag for cardboard across the city over the NEWPORT WETLANDS – you don’t have to give it back. coming months. 14 May: 7am You can keep it for other uses. Bearded Reedling Further information on when the and Breakfast Walk • You will receive a changes will take place and for new red bag which will be for other recycling information visit 4 & 5 June: 10am - 4pm plastics (including bottles, trays, www.newport.gov.uk/recycling Binocular and Telescope yoghurt pots), tins, foil and aerosols. Open Day

• Cardboard will be collected weekly 4 June: 10am and will now include Wildlife Explorers tetra paks and cartons. These - Moths and Butterflies will now go in the green box which will also be for glass. DOLMAN THEATRE 18 – 21 May: 7.15pm Legally Blonde

24 – 27 May: 7.15pm Carousel

01633 263670 www.dolmantheatre.co.uk

NEWPORT MUSEUM & ART GALLERY 27 May: 11am Art Store tour

7 June: 3pm Down Your Local history talk Murenger Public House

01633 656656 www.newport.gov.uk/heritage

THE RIVERFRONT THEATRE 20 & 21 May: 7.30pm Newport Dogs Home Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs takes in and re-homes stray dogs Ballet Cymru found by Newport residents 24 May: 8.15pm or brought in by the Touch of Class featuring Strictly’s council’s dog wardens. Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe Box office 01633 656679 Telephone: 01633 656656 (Monday-Friday) or 01633 290902 (weekends) Newport Dogs Home, Stephenson Street, Newport, NP19 0RB ST WOOLOS CATHEDRAL 16 – 31 May: 7.45pm Exhibition by Sr Katharine Hall N/SSC

www.newport.gov.uk/newportdogshome www.newport.gov.uk/whatson

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