Freedom of Information request shows Newport primary schools oversubscribed by 70%
MORE than 70% of Newport’s primary schools are oversubscribed, according to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Pillgwenlly Primary school is over ‘official capacity’ by 79 pupils attending and St. Andrew’s Primary is just behind it, with 72 more pupils…
Council ‘can’t survive’ without agency staff
Newport City Council “can’t survive” without agency staff, a senior council officer has admitted. Competition from the private sector and pay constraints, mean local authorities struggle to recruit and retain staff, council officers argue. This can lead to a reliance…
Food-bank appeals for donations as cost-of-living crisis puts pressure on demand
A FOOD bank in Lliswerry is appealing for donations as the cost-of-living crisis doubles its demand. Raven House Trust, which has been running since 1992, hands out more than 100 food parcels to individuals and families in need every month….
Bassaleg residents rejoce as Newport Council backtrack on mature tree felling plans
RESIDENTS of Bassaleg are rejoicing as Newport City Council backtracks on its plans to cut down mature trees. Seven trees along Forge Lane were due to be felled on March 13, to make way for drainage works as part of…
Former children’s home could house children seeking asylum in Newport City
A former children’s home could be used to house children seeking asylum, Newport City Council has confirmed. Cambridge House, on Stow Park Avenue, was closed in May 2021 because it no longer met council standards. Local authorities have a legal…
Proposed asylum seeker hostel raises concerns with residents and councillors of Newport City
A planning application for an asylum seeker hostel has been refused by Newport City Council, due to the possible “adverse impact on the community”. The plans for 1 Clyffard Crescent were submitted by Cardiff-based D2 Propco and proposed to change…
Councillor Trevor Watkins to replace Martyn Kellaway as Newport Mayor
The next Mayor of Newport has said he wants to focus on a charity supporting those with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and the “under-represented” voluntary sector. Labour councillor Trevor Watkins, 78, will be inaugurated as Mayor of Newport on May…
Vacant pub set to be replaced with affordable homes
A vacant pub which is a “magnet” for anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping is to be demolished and replaced with affordable homes. Developer Yourspace and housing association Melin Homes are going to replace The Ferns Club, on Liswerry Road, with terraced…
Newport City councillors support proposal to bring back ward meetings
Newport City councillors have supported a proposal to bring back ward meetings to better engage residents with local government issues. Three meetings a year are proposed, one of which will be solely focused on the budget, with another on the…
Carers and parents “heartbroken” over proposal to cut services at care home for children with learning difficulties in Newport
Carers and parents have said they are “heartbroken” as Newport City Council proposes to cut services at a care home for children with learning difficulties. In its draft budget for 2023/24 the council is proposing to cut services at Oaklands…