NOVEMBER 2020......

An exciting discovery was made Although many of the verges, junctions BEE FOR in the city in September – a and roundabouts are cut for road safety thriving population of rare bees. and pedestrian access, in selected areas BRILLIANT NEWS the council has changed the grass, Newport is an official bee friendly city and verge and hedgerow cutting regimes. has a number of specific pollinator sites including St Julian’s local nature reserve. There are also some “leave to grow” areas being trialled including the A48 at Machen, NM A survey was being undertaken by the Sterndale Bennett Road, Pencarn Way, NEWPORT council’s biodiversity officer and an Ruskin Way and Oystermouth Way. entomologist from BugLife Cymru, as part MATTERS of a Postcode Lottery-funded project, Work is also done with schools and when they found the small scabious community volunteer groups to mining bees which are rare in the UK. undertake bee friendly activities.

Newport has more than 25 acres To find out more visit: The official newspaper of managed as pollinator sites to attract bees, www.newport.gov.uk/countryside butterflies, beetles and other insects. and go to biodiversity section.

KEEP NEWPORT SAFE THIS WINTER

Over recent weeks put back into local lockdown and ensure the latest advice is our hands regularly, get tested if we The latest local advice is Newport, Wales and the measures during September. presented as clearly as possible display symptoms and self-isolate available on the council website rest of the UK have seen across our communication channels. strictly if we advised to do so.” – www.newport.gov.uk/ the evidence that Covid- Shortly after, Wales as a whole saw coronavirus and from Welsh 19 has not gone away additional measures introduced “However this progresses over the Please ensure that you Government, Public Health and how residents are to try to help stem the flow. This winter, we will still need to limit continue to gather information Wales, Aneurin Bevan University still feeling the impact included restricted opening times contact, keep our distance, wear from trusted sources on the Health Board and Gwent Police. in a considerable way. within the hospitality sector face coverings where required, wash current Covid-19 situation.

In the last edition of Newport Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of Matters we spoke of how the council, said: “I would like to restrictions were being lifted thank everyone in Newport for the locally and what the council effort they have made to help keep us were doing to support the safe safe and limit the spread of the virus. re-opening of businesses. It is so important that we maintain that effort, particularly over the winter City centre safety measures months, so we can continue to protect that included improvements to our loved ones, families, friends and pedestrianised areas, enhanced communities. We can do this – we can cleaning and specialised advice work together to keep Newport safe. for businesses were all put in place to support a safe return “We need to make sure we follow to the city. #VisitSafe. the rules – and I fully appreciate that this can be a confusing time Unfortunately, following a as the laws and guidelines change considerable rise in cases, to address the current situation. As Newport and many of our a council we will continue to work surrounding authorities were closely with Welsh Government

At the time of going to THINK ABOUT people – maybe a socially Newport Council is working MAKING press, we don’t know what distanced winter walk? with Newport Now, the restrictions will be in place • Shopping local and early city’s business improvement CHRISTMAS SAFE over the Christmas period. – support our local businesses • Think about travel – is district on how we can mark AND SPECIAL But we can all start thinking and try to spread out your your travel necessary and Christmas in Newport in safe about how we can make this shopping trips to avoid crowds what method are you using? but fun way – for the latest time of year special while news visit the council website still staying safe. • Catching up with friends • Older relatives – think or www.newportnow.co.uk and family – make sure you about the possible risk keep to the current rules of visiting, maybe send a or think of other ways to special message instead. spend some special time with

For more news visit www.newport.gov.uk...... NEWPORT MATTERS NOVEMBER 2020 1 COUNCIL REPORTS PROGRESS ON SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT

Newport City Council Seven of our bids were approved Locks, which saw the cycle path reported progress on for funding. We have already resurfaced as well as new barriers sustainable transport implemented social distancing being installed to allow easier initiatives at the September measures at Newport Bus Station, access for wheelchair users. cabinet meeting. and made temporary changes in high footfall areas such as the We are also looking at what we can Details were shared of a number city centre to help our city’s do with our own vehicle fleet to help of projects that the council businesses reopen safely. reduce emissions. had successfully sought funding for from Welsh Government’s We will also make improvements to To that end, we are pleased to have active travel fund. footpaths and cycle lanes in various recently secured funding for an ultra- locations across the city, and trial a low emission refuse vehicle, which The Covid-19 pandemic has had a number of 20mph speed limit zones will be the first of its kind in the major impact on everyday life, not in order to promote safety and country when launched next year. least around every day travel and active travel within these zones. commuting to and from work. As a result, Welsh Government made As well as these specific projects, additional funding available during we continue to improve existing lockdown for councils to fund local active travel routes. Work has active travel improvements. recently been completed at Fourteen

Newport’s local development identify new development and CLEAR VIEW plan (LDP) sets out areas regeneration sites to aid Newport’s FOR MARKET NEWPORT TO REVIEW CITY’S of land use across the city recovery following Coronavirus. and proposals to shape ARCADE DEVELOPMENT PLAN the future growth of The LDP will also continue to Newport up until 2026. protect Newport’s best historical A project to restore an and environmental assets. historic shopping arcade in The LDP was adopted by the the city centre reached a council in 2015 and an annual Widespread consultation with milestone in the summer monitoring report is submitted the public significantly shaped with the installation to Welsh Government every the content of the original LDP of a new glass roof. year detailing its progress. and views will again be sought as part of the review process. Work by specialist contractors Newport’s LDP has been considered Anthony A Davies resumed successful, but a review is now due. Regular updates will be included in on the 19th century arcade in Newport Matters, on the council July after being paused because The review will update policies website and on social media. of the coronavirus pandemic. and legislative requirements that have been introduced since the For more information on the LDP Funding was secured from LDPs adoption, for example the and updates on the review process the Heritage Fund, Cadw and Well-being of Future Generations visit www.newport.gov.uk/ldp Welsh Government to restore Act, and would also help to the arcade that runs from High Street to Market Street. other routes in the area. It is a organisations. These include RSPB To find out more about the The work also includes the popular location for walking and Cymru, Gwent Wildlife Trust, partnership visit: restoration of the shopfronts. NEW LIVING cycling as well as a great place to the council, Natural Resources www.livinglevels.org.uk LEVELS PROJECT see wildlife and some key heritage Wales, BugLife and the Bumblebee Find out more about the features in this very special place. Conservation. project here: www.newport.gov. A proposal to add a new Orientation and information It also aims to reconnect people uk/regeneration visitor gateway hub on the points, shelter, accessibility onto living locally with the unique Gwent Levels has moved the seawall, secure cycle parking landscape on their doorstep. another step closer. and car parking are all planned. This will be funded by the Land next to the Lighthouse Inn National Lottery Heritage Fund in is in the process of landscape partnership scheme. being acquired by the city council for the Living Levels scheme. In order conserve and enhance the natural heritage of the Gwent It will enable better access to and Levels, the Living Levels partnership from the Wales Coast Path and brings together a number of

2 For more news visit www.newport.gov.uk...... NEWPORT MATTERS NOVEMBER 2020 TRANSPORTER COUNCIL WINS BRIDGE SUBMITS CHRISTMAS MESSAGE – CREDIT UNIONS FUNDING BID LEADER AND MAYOR OF WALES AWARD The team at Newport Transporter Bridge have Leader Mayor Newport City Council recently submitted a funding has recently been bid to the National Lottery I would like to wish As the leader said recognised for helping Heritage Fund (NLHF). all Newport residents opposite, 2020 has been to improve the financial and businesses a very a challenging year for well-being of staff with a The bid covers Phase 2 of a Merry Christmas. all of us, and we are all national award. major restoration project and if hopeful that 2021 will successful, it will see the bridge My first year as council leader has see us return to a more The council won the Payroll close from spring 2021 for the been one of the most challenging normal state of things. Partner (Public Sector) at work to be carried out. I can remember. Covid-19 has this year’s Credit Unions of had a profound impact on all of I have only been Mayor for Wales Awards thanks to a The project will not only include our lives, and I would like to take a few months, and although long standing partnership with restoration work to the bridge an opportunity to pay tribute to I have not had the chance to Newport Credit Union. itself, but also the construction of the people of Newport for the meet with as many of you as a brand new visitor centre which resilience you have all shown in I would have liked, it has still Council officers actively will help bring the history of the the face of this global crisis. been an honour to serve the promote credit union city’s most iconic structure to life. city as its First Resident. membership to staff, who Hopefully 2021 will be much can opt to build up savings The bid is currently being better for all of us. We will As we approach the festive directly with the credit union assessed, with a decision from continue to work hard as a period, it is important that we through their pay packet. NLHF expected sometime council to ensure that we deliver all work together and follow the before the end of the year. the best possible service to you, advice or regulations that may Cllr Jane Mudd, leader of the and that our city fully recovers be in place. By doing so, we will council, said “We are delighted You can keep up to date with from the impacts of Covid. hopefully help move things back to receive this award. Credit the latest news from the Friends to normal as quickly as possible. unions offer an affordable of Newport Transporter Bridge Nadolig Llawen and democratic alternative to at www.fontb.org.uk Councillor Jane Mudd Councillor Thomas Suller high street banks, and we are Leader of the council. Mayor of Newport passionate about promoting the services of Newport Credit Union to our staff.

“It is important that the council supports organisations like Newport Credit Union HELP TO BEAT FLU THIS WINTER that are rooted in our local community and contribute to the economic well-being Public Health Wales is 'Catch it, Bin it, Kill it.' and resilience of the city.” urging all eligible people in Wales to have their For the latest information, For more information on free flu vaccine as NHS visit www.beatflu.org or Newport Credit Union’s Wales carries out its www.curwchffliw.org or services, visit: largest ever national flu search Beat Flu or Curwch Ffliw www.newportcreditunion. vaccine programme. on Twitter and Facebook. co.uk.

FLOOD RESPONSE MANAGEMENT PLAN

As we move into winter, to incidents and a coordinated warnings of flooding incidents, residents and businesses can approach with partners. how these would be communicated be assured that the council and actions to be taken before, and its partners have the Maps and information included during and after flooding occurs. appropriate arrangements in the plan which outline the Visit www.naturalresources. in place to respond to current and long term risk of wales/flooding flooding in the city. flooding from various sources to Newport residents and businesses More information about how the In line with its statutory duties, are available on the Natural council responds to incidents can the council’s flood management Resources Wales website. be found at www.newport.gov. plan is in place and ensures a uk/en/Transport-Streets/Road- coordinated management of the It also explains how residents and Street-Maintenance/Report- activation, assessment and response businesses can receive appropriate A-Problem/Flooding.aspx

Follow us on facebook newportcitycouncil...... NEWPORT MATTERS NOVEMBER 2020 3 DISABLED PARKING BAYS WASTE AND RECYCLING ROUND UP SCHEME

Garden waste collections Cut up your cardboard The council has a policy to stop for winter Cut up your cardboard so that to ensure fair allocation Garden waste collections are it fits in the green box and/or of the limited number suspended during the winter bag. Wastesavers also accept a of disabled parking bays months and will restart week small amount put to the side of in residential streets. commencing 1 March 2021. The last the box if, when folded, it’s the garden waste collections of 2020 same size as the green box. Applications can be made will take place between Monday between November and January. 16 and Friday 27 November. Larger amounts can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Applications can only be Green waste can be taken to Centre (HWRC) for recycling. made by those who appear the Household Waste Recycling to meet the initial necessary Centre until collections resume. Love food hate waste threshold and priority is based Booking is required. Did you know that one banana on the level of need, not a peel creates enough energy to first come, first served basis. Recycling at Christmas power two smartphones. When Christmas always generates a lot clearing the dishes after eating, People will receive a letter of waste that can be recycled - please put the food waste in the telling them if they have been from cardboard packaging and recycling caddy instead of the bin. successful or not and there wrapping paper to food leftovers. is no appeal process. Here are a few handy hints on Wastesavers tip shop now Festive & New Year collections how to recycle these at home. open for business All successful applications are If you have items that are too Wastesavers and Newport Friday 1 January subject to confirmation of Use the scrunch test good to tip and would like to give City Council will suspend bin will be collected on funds being made available in Not sure if a piece of paper can old items a new lease of life, the and recycling collections on Saturday 2 January April and an assessment to be recycled? Try scrunching it up in Tip Shop at the Household Waste Christmas Day and New Year’s ensure the site is suitable. your hand. If it doesn’t spring back, Recycling Centre is now open for Day with some collections All other collection dates then it can be recycled. It’s a good donations or to pick up a bargain. happening a day later as follows: remain unchanged. Requests to remove disabled test to use with wrapping paper. parking bays can also be And if you’re recycling birthday Booking is not required to just Friday 25 December For more information visit considered but they must cards, tear off any glittery bits first. visit the shop and the staff on will be collected on www.newport.gov.uk/ be made by people who site will give instructions on Saturday 26 December recycling live at the property where accessing the shop safely. the bay is marked.

There are still a few more (Band A) and will benefit from a Councillor Gail Giles, cabinet HAVE YOUR days to have your say on the further £70m in this phase (Band B). member for education and skills, PROJECT latest school improvements said: “We have made a clear SAY ON LATEST under the 21st Century Highlights of Band A include the commitment to schools and SHORTLISTED FOR schools programme. establishment of Newport’s first education in Newport and have TOP AWARD 21ST CENTURY Welsh-medium secondary school, backed it up with cash injections Plans to expand School Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed; the across several financial years. Real SCHOOL and build a new state-of-the- purpose built Lodge results can already be seen across Newport City Council’s art teaching block, dining and Hill Primary; the establishment of the city and this and other projects initiative to open new assembly facilities are currently Newport’s first ASD school, Ysgol show that we are not slowing down. children’s homes in the city out for public consultation. Bryn Derw; and new classrooms for is in the final of Social Care Gaer, Langstone, Pentrepoeth and “The 21st Century Schools Wales’ The Accolades 2020. The Bassaleg proposals include Mount Pleasant Primary schools. programme has supported our significant building work over the ambitions to make considerable The awards recognize, celebrate next three years to replace older Plans under Band B include a new investment in education and schools and share excellent work by structures with new modern teaching block, assembly and dining across the city. These proposals organisations, groups or teams in buildings and ensure sufficient hall provision for Ysgol Gyfun Gwent represent an opportunity to not social care, early years and childcare. school places to meet a growing Is Coed; a new build for only improve the environment demand. The overall capacity of Primary School facilitating the and experience for our learners, Project Perthyn is one of three the school will increase by 300 with establishment of Newport’s fourth but respond to the changes in shortlisted in the innovative and effect from September 2023. Welsh-medium primary school; and demands that result from us being inspiring ways of working category. replacement teaching facilities at a growing city. I would urge all It aims to bring children back to, The proposed improvements will Caerleon Comprehensive. Works interested parties to find out more and stay in, Newport by providing a be delivered under the Welsh are also planned for about the proposals and engage different type of care experience. Government 21st Century and Primary schools. in the consultation process.” Schools and Colleges programme Two new children’s homes have which has seen major investment For more information on the 21st already opened in the city with from both Welsh Government Century Schools programme and plans for third in the pipeline. and Newport City Council. to have your say on the Bassaleg proposals, visit www.newport. Winners will be announced at a virtual Newport has already benefitted gov.uk/schoolreorganisation ceremony on Tuesday 10 November. from an investment of £52m across schools as part of the first stage

4 For more news visit www.newport.gov.uk...... NEWPORT MATTERS NOVEMBER 2020 DO YOU NEED SERIOUS AND EMPLOYMENT FOSTERING CHANGES ORGANISED ADVICE? WE CRIME AWARD CAN HELP. LIVES A partnership between Newport City Council wants Gwent Police, Newport The council and its partner more people to become City Council and the Office organisations can provide our foster carers and look of the Police and Crime support and advice if people after Newport children. Commissioner for Gwent has are at risk of redundancy, been commended by Police have recently been made During the coronavirus and Crime Commissioner redundant, furloughed, or are pandemic, our Foster Newport Jeff Cuthbert as part of the working zero hour contracts. team have kept in regular contact Gwent Police awards 2020. with our foster carers who keep Our neighbourhood hubs offer children safe and active at home. The Newport Serious and help over the phone or online with Organised Crime Partnership job searches, CVs and interview They also continue to work brings together partners from techniques. Access to free online with those who wish to join our policing, the public sector training courses and one-to-one amazing network of foster carers. and third sector organisations mentoring is available as well as to deliver interventions to support to individuals and families to Although it’s not quite business vulnerable young people who help obtain access to digital services, as usual, our friendly team are at risk from being drawn into childcare provision and food banks. are still able to answer your serious and organised crime. questions, deal with enquiries The teams in the hubs can and process them. The fantastic Here are a few really good People who become part of The team is working with also help at each stage of job that our foster carers do reasons to become a foster our foster family are offered organisations such as the St the redundancy process: has been even more important carer: learning and development Giles Trust, Crimestoppers during these difficult times. opportunities as well as practical and Barnardo’s. Stage 1 • Fostering one child and financial support. At risk of redundancy Some children and young people won’t change the world Police and Crime Commissioner, assistance with CV writing and require a safe and loving home but, for that child, the You will have your own social Jeff Cuthbert, said:“The team are job applications and access to free for short periods, including world will change worker, as will the child, and doing some trailblazing work here in employment related courses with a overnight stays, or for a longer • You will make a difference there will always be someone Gwent that is already making a real one-to-one employment mentor. time until they become adults. that lasts a lifetime to talk to if you need them. difference within our communities, • Every child deserves a supporting vulnerable young people Stage 2 Foster carers are also needed champion who never To find out more about and helping to keep residents safe.” Receipt of a redundancy letter for families who want a gives up on them becoming a foster carer for us, access to funding could be available regular or one-off break. • If you can help a child, visit www.newport.gov.uk/ Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of through Working Wales and can you don’t have to spend fostering or call 01633 210272. Newport City Council, said: include financial support for attending We need more people to care years repairing the adult “All the partners are determined to interviews. for youngsters from the city. • Fostering supports children Follow us on: keep vulnerable young people safe Visit www.gov.wales/get-help- and young people to @NewportCouncil from the clutches of serious and if-youre-made-redundant- achieve their full potential Newport City Council organised criminals both for their react-and-access sake but also because of the impact We’re not telling you it is such criminality has on individuals, Stage 3 going to be easy, we’re telling families, communities and our city.” Future employment support you it’s going to be worth it. the Hubs teams can offer support to individuals and families and provide links to partner than 65,000 households. With the The strategic recovery aims focus A number of proposals will also organisations including: PREPARING impact of Covid-19 on businesses, on four key areas: be presented to Cabinet at their the economy, employment and December meeting and will then be • Newport Citizens Advice THE 2021/22 health, we are already seeing • education and employment subject to a full public consultation. Bureau - free, confidential BUDGET the demand for support-based • the environment and economy advice online or by telephone services rise even further. • health and wellbeing The responses to the consultation www.citizensadvice.org.uk Over recent years, setting a • the needs of citizens post will be considered by Cabinet early 01633 240734 fair and balanced budget has been a Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of Covid-19 in the new year and a final budget • Shelter Cymru - free, real challenge for elected members the council, said: “Council services recommended in February 2021. independent and expert housing and officers and the coming year will are settling into a new way of working Councillor Mudd added: advice www.sheltercymru.org.uk also need to take into account the as a result of the pandemic. We “As we now consider the funds For more information on the • Working Wales - expert impact that Covid-19 has had on have clearly set out our strategic aims available to us as a council and council budget and the latest advice to get into work - both services and our communities. with a renewed focus on ensuring how they should be spend on updates and news, visit www.workingwales.gov.wales this good work is not undone, that the most essential of services, www.newport.gov.uk/budget The overall funds available to we support our economy to rebuild I strongly encourage residents, Freephone: 08081 963482 councils across the UK has reduced and we focus on the communities businesses, partner organisations or email: considerably, yet the demand for that have been impacted most by and stakeholders to engage with [email protected] key council services has consistently Covid-19. These aims support the us – help us to both develop specifics [email protected] grown. The council provides more council’s corporate plan and will within these priority areas and make [email protected] than 800 services for more than serve to inform how we prioritise our the difficult decisions on where [email protected] 151,000 people living in more budget in the next financial year.” our limited money is directed.”

Follow us on facebook newportcitycouncil...... NEWPORT MATTERS NOVEMBER 2020 5 MORE YOUNG PEOPLE IN COVID-19 – HOW HOMELESS PEOPLE EDUCATION, TRAINING WERE SUPPORTED

OR WORK IN In April, Newport City Board, Public Health Wales, The units. The award for phase two will issues and a team to NEWPORT Council was charged with Wallich, Pobl, Eden Gate, the Olive also fund a health board post to support those with substance finding accommodation Branch and the Salvation Army. support people with mental health misuse problems. for those sleeping on the streets or at risk of rough “We share a common aim – to end sleeping after Wales rough sleeping in the city. This will went into lockdown. not happen overnight or easily in some cases but it is important that Councils across Wales had to the support they are given is aimed find appropriate accommodation at helping them off the streets, not for people after the Welsh helping them to remain there.” Government ruled they had a priority need so had The council is now taking steps to be found emergency or to build on this work and using A determined and temporary accommodation. a second phase of funding coordinated effort by the from the Welsh Government council and its partners has In Newport, this was particularly to increase supported housing resulted in even more young challenging as the council does availability and develop specialist people in Newport recorded not have its own stock of homes health support services. as being in education, so the housing team swung into employment or training. action and worked with partner A bid was made to the Welsh agencies to find shelter for Government for phase two Less than one per cent (0.9 everyone as quickly as possible. funding and it has indicated per cent) of the year 11 age funding of about £2.4 million in group was not in education, Most importantly, an extensive capital and £400,000 in revenue. employment or training, range of support and services While this is welcome, more will raising the council to second were provided as some homeless be needed, particularly revenue in the all-Wales table and well people have complex problems funding, to do all that is needed. above the Welsh average. including substance abuse and mental health issues. The proposed funding will Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader help to create seven units of of Newport City Council and Councillor Jane Mudd, Leader of supported housing with MIND Cardiff Capital Region cabinet Newport City Council, said: “A and eight units provided by member for learning, skills considerable amount of work has housing association Melin. and talent, said: “I’m delighted been done by council staff working with these figures because with trusted partners such as A further four projects are being they represent improved life Gwent Police, the Probation Service, explored with Welsh Government chances for all those young Aneurin Bevan University Health that could provide another 38 people who might otherwise have slipped through the net.”

Councillor Gail Giles, the Providing vital support to the community REMEMBER, council’s Cabinet Member for PROVIDING VITAL SUPPORT TO THE COMMUNITY REMEMBER… Education and Skills, said: “This year’s excellent result reflects Newport's Community access to shopping and essential attended community groups our continued determination and Connectors support people items, such as prescriptions and such as the Chatty Café and Remember to stay safe commitment to ensure every living in the Newport electric or gas token collection. offered regular wellbeing calls. and legal this bonfire night. one of our young people is in area to combat loneliness school, training, work or college and social isolation by They also provided information They also provided information • Public bonfires should not be and I’m delighted we have been helping to find activities, about the council’s community on telephone befriending services held due to Covid restrictions able to increase the numbers of joining a social group, hubs which gave access for those who felt socially • Bonfires are not permitted those who are participating so making new friends or to food banks and Welsh isolated during lockdown. on council land significantly in recent years.” starting a new hobby. Government food parcels for • Fly tipping is an offence those who were shielding. If you think they could help • If you need waste collected, Since lockdown began at the you or someone you know book a bulky waste collection end of March, Newport’s The team gathered information visit www.newport.gov.uk/ • Know your Duty of Care - you community connectors have on the needs of people and communityconnectors. have a legal duty to check that supported over 1,000 people the challenges they faced the person taking your waste with information and advice on during this period and advised Alternatively email community. is a registered waste carrier how to access services. With partner agencies for further [email protected] or otherwise you could be fined the help of volunteers from support to be given. telephone 01633 656656 and ask or prosecuted partner agencies such as POBL for the community connectors. and Volunteering Matters, the The connectors continued to For more information visit connectors helped people gain be in touch with those who www.newport.gov.uk/recycling

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