SEPTEMBER 2020......

NNEWMPORT MATTERS

The official newspaper of

HELPING YOU VISIT NEWPORT SAFELY

As the Covid-19 to businesses who wish to #ShopSafeNewport. restrictions are take up the opportunity to As more and more facilities have steadily lifted in , serve customers outside. been able to open, we have Newport City Council extended those measures and is working with local Not only will the barriers help our efforts to support a safe businesses to create a provide a managed outdoor and welcoming city for all.” safe environment for space; messages on them also visitors and shoppers. remind customers how they can The support for businesses visit and shop safely in Newport. also reaches across the city. In July changes were made to More than 1,000 businesses pedestrianised areas to support Councillor Jane Mudd, leader have been supported and social distancing and improve of the council, said: “We are advised by our regulatory the safety of visitors. Additional working hard to support our services teams (environmental barriers have been installed at key local businesses and are looking health and trading standards) points to increase the pedestrian at all the ways we can help the and over £48 million of areas in the city centre. Vehicle various sectors thrive post-Covid. support has been provided access will be restricted to to eligible organisations. business deliveries between 6am “We hope that by helping create and 10am in these streets. an appealing and safe city centre, Meetings have been held with while supporting businesses to businesses representatives Not only does this allow more adapt the way they operate, and the police to ensure the safe space for those shopping, visitors will return and our local most appropriate actions it will also support more economy will thrive again.” are taken for the city. pubs, restaurants and cafés to offer outdoor services. Councillor Roger Jeavons, deputy A map of the city centre leader and cabinet member for shows how the main shopping The council has adapted its city services, added: “Signage, areas are interlinked by current pavement policy to floor markings and additional the pedestrian area and allow additional outdoor trading cleaning were introduced in where the enhanced safety and has provided barriers the city centre as part of measures have been installed.

At the time of going to Central Library and some mourner numbers at burials To ensure the easing of MOVING press, we were continuing branch libraries were open were also increased. restrictions can continue and to move through the for booked visits while the the safety of everyone, people THROUGH recovery phase of the and Art are reminded to take heed of RECOVERY coronavirus pandemic. Gallery also started welcoming all the advice and guidelines visitors by appointments. that are still in place. As well as businesses beginning Playgrounds also reopened. Decisions about reopening were to open up, some council taken after careful consideration For more information services and buildings that Pedestrian gates in cemeteries and preparations to ensure about council services visit had to close during lockdown opened during the week for the health and well-being of www.newport.gov.uk/coronavirus were beginning to open up. people to attend graves and residents, visitors and employees.

For more news visit www.newport.gov.uk...... NEWPORT MATTERS SEPTEMBER 2020 1 NEW COUNCIL CHIEF EXECUTIVE ANNOUNCED

Newport City Council been acting CEO during how adaptable she is during the recently announced the Covid-19 crisis. recent public health emergency. its new chief executive These have been unprecedented following a rigorous Beverly is also the council’s times for everyone and a major recruitment process. representative on the South East challenge across the public Wales Transport Commission, sector. Beverly has guided the Beverly Owen will take over the and is board director of Cardiff authority effectively, always with role after her appointment was Capital Region’s compound the wellbeing of the city and ratified by July’s full council meeting. semi-conductor foundry. our residents as the focus. Beginning her local government career 28 years ago, Beverly has Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of “I am confident that she will held a variety of senior council roles, the council, said: “Beverly has continue her excellent work and help managing a wide range of services. already proved herself across Newport grow further and faster.” broad and challenging portfolios. She has worked for Newport since She leads always with aplomb, Speaking of her appointment, Beverly 2015, when she was appointed as patience and foresight. Beverly also said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed the head of regeneration, investment effectively develops and maintains my time so far in Newport and and housing (RIH), before becoming long-lasting and important am looking forward to this next the council’s strategic director for relationships with partners, chapter. There are challenges but the place directorate in 2016, where businesses and other organisations, also so many opportunities and I she oversaw the running of city all to benefit Newport. She is want to be at the forefront of the services and RIH, two of the council’s determined to do the best for the changes that are being made. I am most high profile departments. council and, more importantly, honoured to take up the position for the City of Newport. of chief executive and want to Beverly will take on the chief do the best I can for the people executive role full time having “She has also proved herself and of Newport and the council.”

Councillor Tom Suller was Councillor Suller’s wife Patricia is elected as the new Mayor the new Mayoress of Newport. DON’T LOSE NEW and the city’s The couple met in 1991 when YOUR VOICE first citizen following the they were both working at council’s annual general Tremorfa steelworks and were TAKES UP ROLE meeting on 28 July. married later that year. As the council carries out its annual canvass, Due to the restrictions in place The deputy Mayor of Newport residents are urged as a result of the COVID-19 is Councillor Val Dudley. to make sure they are pandemic there was no formal registered to vote. robing ceremony this year. Councillor Dudley represents the ward and has been Notifications began going Ward councillor for Marshfield, a councillor since 2017. She is a out last month and will Councillor Suller has been long standing member of St John’s continue for several months. serving the city since 2008. Church, Rogerstone, and her hobbies include animal welfare, watching With elections taking place in He is the 388th recorded wildlife programmes and gardening. May 2021, this is an important Mayor of the City of Newport. opportunity for residents to The first Mayor is recorded The Mayor’s chosen charity make sure they can take part as taking up office in 1314. for 2020/21 is Alzheimer’s including the newly franchised. Society Cymru. For the first time, 16 and 17-year-olds and qualifying foreign citizens will be Social distancing measures are Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). able to vote in next year’s in place at the bridge for visitors Senedd elections. wishing to access either the Phase 1 of the project received TRANSPORTER gondola or the walkway. NLHF funding, and a decision For more info or to register to BRIDGE UPDATE on whether phase 2 of the vote online visit: The bridge is open from 10am to 5pm project will receive funding is www.gov.uk/register-to-vote on Wednesday through to Sunday. expected in December 2020.

Newport Transporter The bridge is set to close after If successful, restoration work Bridge successfully reopened this season concludes at the end and the building of the new visitor in mid-July after remaining of September for restoration centre will commence in the spring closed during the early works, subject to a successful of 2021, with a planned reopening stages of lockdown. funding bid to the National of the bridge in spring 2023.

2 For more news visit www.newport.gov.uk...... NEWPORT MATTERS SEPTEMBER 2020 NEW SAFE ROUTE FOURTEEN SMILE! TACKLING ILLEGAL LOCKS ACTIVE FOR TRAVEL ROUTE PARKING IN NEWPORT RESURFACED

A scheme to create a safe and pleasant route for Work has been pedestrians and cyclists A new mobile enforcement completed on resurfacing through a former brownfield vehicle is now patrolling the the active travel route at site is set to go ahead. streets of Newport as part of the Canal the council’s ongoing effort Centre in Rogerstone. Part of Newport City Council’s to tackle illegal parking. work to improve the city’s The work has seen the route, cycling and walking network, it Since civil parking enforcement was which forms part of Route 47 will also provide a safe route to introduced in July last year, almost of the National Cycle Network, school for children living in the 22,000 penalty charge notices resurfaced from the canal Lysaght Village development. have been issued to motorists centre up to Pensarn Cottage. parking illegally across the city. Councillor Roger Jeavons, the New barriers have also been council’s deputy leader and cabinet Public feedback has been very installed along the entrances to member for city services, said: “I’m positive, but reports have shown the towpaths which allow easier delighted this great scheme has that the areas around schools access for wheelchair users. been given permission to proceed. continued to be problem areas. Our aim is to make walking and The work is part of the council’s cycling the most attractive option To help target this issue, the strategy to look at improvement for shorter journeys by creating a council has introduced a new of existing active travel routes network that will connect where mobile enforcement vehicle to as well as identifying and people live to their destinations.” enforce zigzags outside schools, “This bespoke mobile parking The officers are able to enforce implementing new routes. as well as pedestrian crossings, enforcement vehicle is an all parking related restrictions on Find out more about active travel bus stops, taxi ranks, clearways investment which will improve the public highway if a vehicle is The work also links in with in Newport at: and no loading restrictions. public safety and extend the parked unlawfully, including: the council’s strategic aim www.newport.gov.uk/en/Transport- council’s capability to effectively supporting the health and Streets/Active-travel.aspx The recognisable car has cameras tackle key enforcement priorities • parking on yellow lines wellbeing of citizens, of which on the roof and clearly displays in all areas, but especially • overstaying time limits encouraging active travel is logos and ‘parking enforcement hotspots that have been previously on parking bays one of the key objectives. vehicle’ in both English and Welsh. reported and identified. • parking across dropped kerbs The new vehicle is also a hybrid, “Our aim is to reduce the • parking more than 50cm reducing its environmental impact. numbers of unlawfully parked from the edge of the kerb vehicles outside schools, in NEW DIGITAL Motorists who are caught parking bus stops and on pedestrian Other traffic restrictions will SUPPORT illegally will be issued a penalty crossings, therefore providing continue to be enforced by Gwent AVAILABLE FOR charge notice in the post with fines safer routes for walking and Police, including moving traffic at the same level – £70 (reduced by cycling across Newport.” offences and dangerous parking. CARERS Councillor Roger Jeavons and 50 per cent if paid within 7 days). Councillor John Richards on A team of civil enforcement For more information visit Carers UK has developed a Monkey Island where a new active Councillor Roger Jeavons, cabinet officers, employed by the www.newport.gov.uk/cpe useful app called Jointly which travel route is to be created. member for city services, said: council, patrol the city. makes communication and coordination between those who share caring responsibilities as easy as sending a text message. Have you been thinking HAVE YOU CONSIDERED ADOPTION? about starting a family? Designed by carers to help Why not consider make caring less stressful and adopting a child? more organised, they can create a ‘circle of care’ to share No matter your age, financial caring duties through instant position, or sexual orientation, messaging, task lists, calendars, the National Adoption Service medication lists and more. is encouraging more people to speak to South East Wales The Gwent region has secured Adoption Service to see how funding for carers to access the you can adopt and become the ‘circle of care’ feature for free. parent only you could be. To get a free access code email For more information visit: community.connectors@ www.southeastwalesadoption. newport.gov.uk or co.uk, email: phone 01633 656656. [email protected] or phone 01495 355766 For more information visit www.jointlyapp.com

Follow us on facebook newportcitycouncil...... NEWPORT MATTERS SEPTEMBER 2020 3 GIVE A DOG A HOME SAFELY OPENING CITY SCHOOLS

Newport Dogs Home has a number of dogs in its care A recovery plan for education department, other who are looking for their schools and education service areas and head teachers. forever home. Could you following the coronavirus open your heart and home lockdown was put in place During lockdown, the council to an abandoned dog? by the city council. provided childcare for vulnerable youngsters and the families of Dogs entering the kennels are A comprehensive review also key workers in hubs based in checked for illness or injury and looked at what happened when schools across the city. About are treated by a vet if necessary. the majority of pupils were kept 300 children attended each day After seven days staff will look at home and the three-week during the week and out-of- through the applications and select “check-in and catch-up” at the hours care was also offered. the most appropriate home. end of the summer term. A survey identified more than Factors including the age, training Support has been given to 2,500 children without access needs and exercise levels of the schools and other educational to a digital device or a reliable dog are considered as well as establishments so they could open internet connection. Latest previous experience, working safely for both pupils and staff. figures show that nearly 800 hours and other family members devices were loaned to pupils (including children and residents Work to prevent and reduce and 1261 units providing a 4G pets) of the potential re-homers. inequality of progress and internet connection were issued. outcomes for all leaners is done People quite rightly need to through the implementation of Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of make absolutely sure that they the national continuity of learning Newport City Council, said: have made the perfect choice, plan. Other priorities include “I recognise this has been a “Schools did not close at the “I would like to congratulate the and it can take a few visits supporting schools to enhance difficult time for schools, pupils start of lockdown, they remained schools and our education teams before they know for certain. and develop digital skills while and their families and the open to provide childcare for for their excellent collaboration providing assistance to children challenges will continue. However, key workers and vulnerable during this period. I know that without access to digital tools. I am confident that everything children. Some provided vital will continue as we move through has been done so parents could support to their communities at the recovery period and strive In order to prepare for the be reassured that it is safe for a most difficult time for families. to make sure all our pupils can reopening of schools, an executive their children to return to school. Staff also worked remotely overcome the missed weeks planning group was established with I cannot stress how important to provide lessons and work of full-time education and representatives from the council’s it is that they do go back. for children to do at home. achieve their full potential.”

Do you have a child born For more information between 1 September 2017 A MESSAGE Since then, our communications visit www.newport.gov.uk/ APPLY FOR A and 31 August 2018? team (Poppy, Mitchell and Maisy newportdogshome SCHOOL OR FROM NEWPORT with full support of the fantastic Applications are open for a YOUTH COUNCIL other members of NYC) have NURSERY PLACE September 2021 nursery place and posted a ‘Save the planet in will close on 16 September 2020. 30 Days’ campaign and ‘Love MISINFORMATION FOR 2021 Applications must be submitted Like other citizens, Newport’ which shared NYC’s by the deadline. If submitted after Newport Youth Council favourite things about Newport to SPREADS LIKE the closing date, it will be less likely (NYC) members have encourage appreciation of our city. A VIRUS, THINK that your child will be able to attend been massively affected the nursery of your choice. by the confusing and Finlay (chair of NYC), Maisy, BEFORE SHARING unprecedented situation and Poppy also took part in that the Covid19 pandemic producing an emotive piece of 2021 admissions Apply from: Closing date: Offer date: has placed the world in. artwork for the ‘I’m thinking of If you are looking for Nursery 8 July 2020 16 Sept 2020 2 Dec 2020 you Cymru’ project and Poppy reliable and accurate However, this has driven our and Finlay were called community information on the latest members and their enthusiasm heroes by Newport City Radio Reception 4 Nov 2020 13 Jan 2021 16 April 2021 developments on the to continue making Newport a for their work during lockdown! COVID-19 pandemic Secondary better place for everyone. At the We’re very proud of all of our 23 Sept 2020 25 Nov 2020 1 Mar 2021 make sure you use trusted (Year 7) start of lockdown in April, NYC members for their resilience and sources such as: members decided they were eager hard work which has allowed Term dates for the 2020/21 academic year to support young people during them to continue work on our • Public Health Wales Half-term Half-term this strange time in their lives. three priorities: LGBTQ+, the Term Start Term ends (www.phw.nhs.wales) starts ends environment and education. • Public Health England Vice chair Maisy and (www.gov.uk/phe) Autumn 1 Sept 2020 26 Oct 2020 30 Oct 2020 18 Dec 2020 communications officer Poppy If you want to be part of this • Welsh Government created the ‘April in Isolation’ team please direct message (www.gov.wales/coronavirus) Spring 4 Jan 2021 15 Feb 2021 19 Feb 2021 26 Mar 2021 campaign which aimed to us on social media. • UK Government provide fun challenges every (www.gov.uk/coronavirus Summer 12 April 2021 31 May 2021 4 June 2021 20 July 2021 day to help keep people active @youthnewport • NHS (www.nhs.uk) and trying new things. @youthcouncilnewport For more information visit www.newport.gov.uk/schools

4 For more news visit www.newport.gov.uk...... NEWPORT MATTERS SEPTEMBER 2020 The new campaign has a simple “Crime is ever evolving and this RINGLAND HUB message to parents; stop what type of cyber - crime has a NEW HOMES PARENTS CANyou HELP are doing; talk KEEP to your significant impact on individuals, SHORTLISTED children about staying safe online; families and communities. FOR OVER-55S FOR AWARD CHILDREN SAFEand protect ONLINE them from harm. Gwent Police is committed to supporting the safeguarding With one new housing and welfare needs of children. development completed for The MJ Local Government Officers and staff are trained over-55s, work has begun Achievement Awards celebrate to recognise the signs, respond on exciting new plans to the work of local authorities quickly and investigate to help create another one. across the UK across a protect our communities.” wide range of categories. Melin Homes is demolishing an Since the start of the Coronavirus existing block of 39 bedsits and The hub has been shortlisted in pandemic there has been an flats in Tredegar Court and creating the innovation in property and increase in the number of reports 47 one and two-bedroomed asset management category to Gwent Police to young people sheltered housing flats. The council alongside seven other projects. sharing indecent images. is providing funding, totalling more than £3.8 million through social Originally built in the 1960s, the DCC Blakeman added: housing grant, and the complex project re-established the building Gwent Police has joined Deputy Chief Constable Amanda “We can only step in and help will also provide a staff room, at the heart of community activities, forces with Newport Blakeman said: “Parents have if people come forward. communal lounge and parking. and represents a significant and other councils to an important part to play. By Another block at Tredegar Court regeneration of and investment in warn parents about the recognising the signs and talking “Remember, there is nothing remains and will share a communal to the community of Ringland. dangers that lurk online. to their children, parents are the to be ashamed or embarrassed courtyard once building is complete. best way of protecting children about, we are here to help. To With a number of public facing It comes following an increase in from online harm or exploitation.” make a report simply dial 101 for Following consultations with the services now delivered from one the number of reports of children non-emergency matters or 999 community, it is also planned site, the project has received positive sharing indecent images online. Deputy Police and Crime if you or someone you know is in to includes a plan to include a feedback from the local community, Commissioner Ms Eleri Thomas immediate danger. Alternatively, dementia friendly garden, designed and will serve as the model for the During the coronavirus pandemic, MBE said: “Protecting children you can call Crimestoppers to provide a calm environment and council’s other local community hubs going online became a way of and young people from harm is anonymously on 0800 555 111.” a sensory experience. Meanwhile, across the city. life. For children, it was the new a priority for Police and Crime Central View is a landmark classroom, playground or play Commissioner and Gwent Police. You can also follow Gwent regeneration development in the The winner will be announced date. Sadly, there are people As part of my role, I am aware of Police on social media centre of Newport. The scheme in a virtual ceremony out there that take advantage increasing evidence that children @gwentpolice where you can includes two planted terraces, a on Friday 2 October. of this and prey on the young. and young people are subject to also make an online crime report. planted rooftop garden with fruit online harm and exploitation. trees and a rear courtyard.

Funded by Pobl, Welsh Government and Newport Council, Central View comprises of 38 apartments in total, made up of 1 and 2 bedroom variations, exclusively for people over 55.

The apartments will be let from NEWPORT Newport’s housing register, STADIUM with 12 homes allocated REFURBISHMENT for intermediate rent. WORK

Refurbishment work has been taking place over the summer at .

Newport City Council and Newport Live worked in partnership with Newport Harriers, Sport Wales and Welsh Athletics to deliver the The plans will reduce flood risk to NRW is currently consulting NRW expects to apply for refurbishment, which includes the around 200 homes, 600 businesses with professional partners on planning permission for the installation of a new World Athletics LLISWERRY and major infrastructure such its environmental assessment proposed scheme later this specification throwing cage and new FLOOD as the A48 trunk road. of the proposed project. A year following consultation. The polymeric surfacing for the track and public consultation for local cost is estimated at £10m. field areas in addition to works of DEFENCES They include raising parts of businesses and the surrounding cleaning, repairs and line marking, the existing earth embankment community will follow. Elsewhere in Newport, work as well as the establishment of new along Stephenson Street and continues on the flood external throwing cage and area Natural Resources Wales constructing new flood walls Councillor Roger Jeavons, deputy scheme, which will increase to be used as a training facility. (NRW) has announced in some areas to bolster weak leader and cabinet member protection to 660 homes and proposals to build new spots. A new flood gate is also for city services, said: “We are businesses in the area. The work was boosted by £150,000 flood defences along the proposed for Corporation pleased to be working with NRW of grant funding awarded by Welsh River Usk in the Spytty Road, along with a new 450m to find solutions that protect the This project is expected to be Athletics and Sport Wales. area of Newport. stretch of highway to improve city, businesses and residents.” completed by the end of the year. access to the industrial estate.

Follow us on facebook newportcitycouncil...... NEWPORT MATTERS SEPTEMBER 2020 5 DO YOU NEED EMPLOYMENT NEXT STEPS FOR WESTERN GATEWAY ADVICE? WE CAN HELP. Newport’s involvement from Swansea to Salisbury. in the Western Gateway economic powerhouse Together, the partners had a The council and its partner will benefit businesses pre-lockdown economy of organisations can provide and the city as a whole. around £107bn; 4.4 million support and advice if people residents; 160,000 businesses are at risk of redundancy, In July, the council’s cabinet was and 2.1 million jobs. have recently been made given a report looking at the redundant, furloughed, or are city’s perspective in relationship Councillor Jane Mudd, leader of working zero hour contracts. to the strategic partnership Newport City Council, said: and what the future could hold “We have great ambitions for the Our neighbourhood hubs offer thanks to this collaboration. city, particularly as a global gateway help over the phone or online with and in the field of innovation. By job searches, CVs and interview The Western Gateway has joining forces in this economic techniques. Access to free online commissioned an independent powerhouse, those aspirations training courses and one-to-one review to inform future policy will be more achievable. mentoring is available as well as development and investment. support to individuals and families to A high-level interim report, “There will be collaboration of help obtain access to digital services, outlining challenges and immediate resources, ideas and knowledge childcare provision and food banks. opportunities, is expected in the as well as providing a more direct autumn. A longer-term report will link to the UK government and, an insight into the challenges To find out more about The teams in the hubs can provide a more detailed analysis. therefore, the potential to benefit we face as a result of the the Western Gateway, also help at each stage of from major investments. economic turbulence caused including a link to the the redundancy process: Newport was part of an initial by the pandemic and, more prospectus published partnership, including Bristol and “I look forward to receiving the importantly, the opportunities earlier this year, visit Stage 1 Cardiff, which was extended last interim report later this year. that we must grasp to help the www.western-gateway.co.uk At risk of redundancy year to 10 members stretching It is now even more vital to have city recover, rebuild and thrive.” assistance with CV writing and job applications and access to free employment related courses with a • Flying Start settings Covid-19 has presented and focuses one-to-one employment mentor. COUNCIL SETS OUT ITS STRATEGIC looking after children and on these key areas, supporting: supporting key workers Stage 2 RECOVERY AIMS IN RESPONSE TO • Continued care and • education and employment Receipt of a redundancy letter support provided by the • the environment and economy access to funding could be available COVID-19 council’s children and • health and wellbeing through Working Wales and can adult social services • the needs of citizens post include financial support for attending The Covid-19 health partners during this crisis. • Over £48 million of Covid-19 interviews. emergency has posed business support provided Visit www.gov.wales/get-help- a significant and Some of the key areas of to eligible businesses Leader of the council, Councillor if-youre-made-redundant- unprecedented challenge work and support undertaken • Working with partners Jane Mudd said, “Our strategic react-and-access to our way of life and the since March include: to provide safe and recovery aims will provide a focus way in which Newport City secure accommodation for Members, staff, partners and Stage 3 Council delivers its services. • Continuation of kerb- for the homeless our communities to understand Future employment support side waste collection • Operating a virtual contact what our priorities are for this next the Hubs teams can offer support On the city’s road to returning • Over 1,000 food centre answering over 72,500 year. They do not replace, but rather to individuals and families to a ‘new normal’, the council parcels distributed calls support the council’s corporate and provide links to partner has revisited its strategic aims • Schools supporting plan, building upon and ensuring the organisations including: to build on the work that it children of key workers The four strategic recovery aims focus and response is appropriate has delivered alongside its and vulnerable children identify the additional challenges that following this unprecedented time.” • Newport Citizens Advice Bureau - free, confidential advice online or by telephone www.citizensadvice.org.uk 01633 240734 • Shelter Cymru - free, independent and expert housing advice www.sheltercymru.org.uk • Working Wales - expert advice to get into work - www.workingwales.gov.wales

Freephone: 08081 963482 or email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

6 For more news visit www.newport.gov.uk...... NEWPORT MATTERS SEPTEMBER 2020