Police witness appeal after A48 Newport collision

Gwent Police is again appealing for information following a collision between a pedestrian and a Black VW Bora car at approximately 8.12pm on Wednesday, November 18.

The collision occurred at the A48 Usk Way SDR Newport, adjacent to the Transporter Bridge. The car was travelling toward Spytty Road when the collision occurred.

The pedestrian, a 12 year old local girl, was seriously injured and remains in a critical condition. She has now been transferred to the University Hospital, Cardiff.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or who saw children playing around the Transporter Bridge at around 8.00pm is asked to call Gwent Police by ringing 101 or the Collision Investigation witness line 01633 642 404.

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Exiles march on in FA Trophy

NEWPORT COUNTY squeezed themselves into the first round proper of the FA Trophy with a narrow 2-1 win over Braintree Town at Spytty Park.

The game was played in miserable conditions but County made the best of them, building a two-goal first-half lead with the wind at their backs. The second-half was always going to be a test, but the Exiles held on to progress.

With quality football at a premium it was two set piece goals that put County into Monday’s draw, when teams from the Blue Square Premier enter the competition.

The opening goal, midway through the first-half, was fortuitous. Kerry Morgan swung a free-kick from the left into a crowded penalty area and the inswinging delivery completely deceived Braintree goalkeeper Dave Blackmore to curl into the bottom right-hand corner.

It wasn't long before Morgan turned provider with another free-kick from the left. He floated the ball into the penalty area where Dave Gilroy - returning from a profitable loan spell with Weston-super-mare - rose well to place a glancing header into the bottom-right hand corner from six yards.

However, County were made to battle for their victory as Braintree used their turn with the wind behind them to pile on the pressure throughout the second-half. An early goal for the visitors was the last thing County needed, but they failed to deal with a long throw-in from the right and George Purcell slid in to finish with a firm left-footed drive.

The home fans’ nerves reflected their side’s backs-to-the-wall performance as the game went on. County were defending deeper and inviting the visitors forward But Braintree lacked the incisiveness to profit and despite several shots couldn't find the equaliser.

By Alex Winter

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Free Christmas parking in Newport

Newport City Council will be offering free parking in all council-owned car parks across the city every Saturday from now until Saturday 19 December.

Leader of Newport City Council, Councillor Matthew Evans said: "Car parking fees can certainly add up for shoppers over the festive season, so Newport City Council has introduced this initiative to ease the financial pressures for shoppers and encourage them to use the facilities we have on offer in our city centre. This is a win-win situation to boost footfall and assist traders."

Participating City Council car parks include Cambrian Multi-storey, Park Square, Emlyn Street, Faulkner Road, Hill Street, Maindee and Stow Hill.

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Newport housing take on young recruits

Newport City Homes (NCH) will shortly be welcoming seven new members of staff for six-month positions in its building trade and community involvement teams, as part of the Future Jobs Fund Project.

In partnership with Newport City Council, NCH has created a total of 30 placements for 18-24 year olds who have been claiming Job Seekers Allowance for between 39 and 51 weeks.

The positions, which will take place over the next 18 months, will allow the young person to gain work experience that delivers community benefit, to enhance their CV. At the end of the six-month placement, extra support will be offered to help the employees find permanent work.

In Newport, the Future Jobs Fund was launched in October and a total of 472 placements will be delivered across the city over the next 18 months.

The first phase of recruitment for the positions with NCH involved both staff and residents taking part in the interview and decision-making process.

Claire Douglas, Head of Community Regeneration and Involvement at NCH said: "The project has offered Newport City Homes a chance to offer work experience opportunities to young people in partnership with Newport City Council. It has also shown the commitment from the contractors that are working with us on the investment programme, with whom some of these placements will be made.

"We’re very grateful to the residents who gave their time to be involved in the recruitment to these posts. We've met some brilliant young people that have a lot to offer the organisation and the communities in which they will be working."

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Gwent Police awards ceremony

After more than 50 years service and not a day off sick a former Gwent Police officer and current member of staff still has no plans for retirement.

70 year old Nigel Pocknell, the force Welfare Officer, is just one of a number of staff and officers who are up for awards at a ceremony on Thursday 19th November.

Nigel has been nominated for the Employee of the Year award. Following his retirement after a 32 year career as a Gwent police officer Nigel Pocknell took up the newly created role of welfare officer for the force in 1992.

Nigel supports police officers, staff and retired colleagues, often in the most difficult of circumstances at all hours of the day. He provides assistance to those who have dealt with distressing incidents, are terminally ill or have lost loved ones. It can be a particularly demanding role which he performs with ease and without complaint. In 2001 Nigel was awarded an MBE for his welfare services work in support of retired police officers.

Below is just one comment from those who have worked with him;

“Nigel can be the avuncular listener, the skilled counsellor, the paternal advice giver and the shoulder to cry on. He shrinks neither from listening to the distressed person nor from giving firm advice to those who have lost their way.”

The forces Neighbourhood Officer for Alway PC 1202 Elaine Newbury is also in the running for the award.

Elaine has worked in the Alway area for her entire 10 year career and has a vast knowledge of local criminals and their tactics. Officers regularly turn to her for advice and guidance. Younger officers have also been allocated monthly postings to work alongside her, after which they return to their teams with enhanced skills in respect of interviews and prisoner handling.

PC Newbury detected 132 offences in 2008/9 and 199 offences in 2007/08, the highest individual rate in the force for both years. Her work has led to a number of prolific offenders being imprisoned.

Other awards that will feature on the night are;

TEAM OF THE YEAR (Two nominations)
Offender Management Unit Blaeanu Gwent & Caerphilly;
The Offender Management Unit was set up to co-ordinate and deal with all Prolific and Priority Offenders (POPOS) and the management and execution of all Forensic Identification packages within Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly.

The impact upon the community has been extremely positive with prolific offenders being arrested for offences at an early stage, minimising their ability to commit further crime. The OMU has also developed innovative approaches to dealing with offenders through an accommodation project which provides them with some stability and responsibility through running their own home. The Probation Service has applauded this scheme and further work is ongoing to extend the project. The team has significantly reduced turn around times for forensic identifications and this has had a positive impact on performance in terms of crime detections. As a result of the success of the team in the Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly the model has now been rolled out across the whole of the force.

General Purpose Vehicle;
A group of officers have been nominated for their work and commitment to proactive policing with the Newport area. As a team, working on the General Purpose Vehicle (GPV), they take an extremely positive approach to any task asked of them and their seniors regularly receive praise for their performance.

In just over 8 months the General Purpose Vehicle made 438 arrests, submitted 417 stop and search forms and seized 91 vehicles that were either being driven dangerously or involved in crime.
In addition to their statistical results they provide a regular uniformed high visibility presence in local communities.

CHIEF CONSTABLES COMMENDATIONS:
These are awarded to members of staff in recognition of praiseworthy and notable acts over and above what is normally expected of them;

During the second half of 2007, there was an increase in dwelling house burglaries in Newport. With no particular modus operandi or significant lines of enquiry officers worked tirelessly, seeking out investigative opportunities and collating all possible evidence.

Four prolific offenders were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit dwelling house burglaries. In August 2008 they all pleaded guilty which reflected the hard work undertaken. In total 186 dwelling house burglaries were detected and the arrests dramatically reduced the number of such burglaries that were blighting our community. At the conclusion of the trial the judge congratulated the officers for the professional manner in which the evidence was presented and for their attention to detail. This team are being recognised for their work with a Chief Constables Commendation.

Commendations are being awarded to two officers for their actions in dealing with a man who was firing an air rile in Graig y Rhacca, Caerphilly in February this year. Acting to ensure the safety of the community they surrounded the man and when he ran off chased him, disregarding their own safety. The offender was caught before anyone was seriously hurt, he later pleaded guilty and received a custodial sentence of 18 months.

Two officers are being recognised for their roles in a kidnap and rape investigation in the Newport area in October 2007. They worked tirelessly, both on and off duty, in ensuring a thorough investigation was conducted and support was given to the victim which gave them the courage to give evidence. Working over an extended period of time, the officers continued to demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm. At the conclusion of the case the offender was convicted or rape, kidnap and theft and received a total sentence of nine years in custody.

Paul O'Borne is Planning Manager for Mental Health Services for Caerphilly County Borough Council. He has chaired several groups in Gwent set up to address the needs of people with mental health problems who come into contact with the criminal justice system, as witnesses, victims or offenders. He is receiving a commendation for his efforts in ensuring that Places of Safety are provided for those people detained by the police under the Mental Health Act. Mr OBorne has been a determined activist in progressing the issue for Gwent. His knowledge, energy, tact and determination were key in these provisions becoming a reality.

PC Mike Gunter is receiving a commendation for his sustained commitment and proactive approach to policing within the Newport area whilst working on the General Purpose Vehicle (GPV). With exceptional local knowledge he has achieved an extremely high arrest and process rate and colleagues regularly request his assistance to identify offenders and witnesses. PC Gunter has arrested nearly three hundred people in just over 2 ½ years. These include offences from robbery to possession of controlled drugs. In addition to this he has seized 175 vehicles under the road traffic act, demonstrating his sustained achievement and commitment to policing.

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Newport County third round preview

Newport County take a break from league action on Saturday when they entertain Braintree Town at Spytty Park in the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

After opening up an eight point gap at the top of the Blue Square South, County will be looking for a successful cup run after their failure at the same stage in the FA Cup last month.

Their opponents are currently seventh in the Blue Square South and only one point of the play-offs; Braintree will, therefore, present a challenge to high-flying County, having only lost one match on their travels this season.

Confidence is in abundance at Spytty Park following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat of Bromley. It took time to break down their well organised visitors, but Danny Rose struck the opening goal when Scott Rogers found him in space on top of the penalty area, and his powerful strike found the bottom-right corner. The points were confirmed in stoppage time when Ashan Holgate weaved wonderfully well into space down the right flank, and his cross found Kerry Morgan who’s diving header sealed the win.

With a testing match in prospect, County will look to their home form to see them into the first round proper and the incentive of drawing one of the major clubs in the Blue Square Premier. The likes of Oxford United, Luton Town, York City or Cambridge United could be install should the Welsh club overcome Braintree on Saturday, ko. 3pm.


There sad news for Newport followers this week, however, with the news that Richard Walden, who played for the club during the glory years of the late 1970’s and early 80’s, passed away. “Rolls Royce”, as Walden was known, had been suffering from myeloid leukaemia and was considered the best right-back to have ever played for County. Sympathies go to his wife and family.

By Alex Winter

read more... “Newport County third round preview”

Appeal after road traffic collision: Usk Way, Newport

Gwent Police are appealing for information after a collision occurred between a pedestrian and a Black VW Bora car at approximately 8.12pm last night (Wednesday November 18th) at the A48 Usk Way, Newport adjacent to the Transporter Bridge.

The car was travelling towards Spytty Road when the collision occurred

The pedestrian - a 12 year old local girl - was seriously injured and is currently in Frenchay Hospital in a critical condition.

If anyone has any information about the collision they are asked to call Gwent Police on 01633 838 111 or the Collision Investigation Unit on 01633 642 404.

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New look Chiefs cross the bridge

Exeter Chiefs have fielded a new-look side to play their first game in the new British & Irish Cup against Newport on Friday night.

Chiefs' head coach Rob Baxter has used the break in the league to his advantage to give game-time to players returning from injury and who have not featured heavily in the last 11 weeks, as well as first chances for some young players.

Academy player Michael Stupple, who goes by the name of Herbie, will make his first start for Chiefs at Rodney Parade, and may well be followed onto the pitch by potential debutants Jack Andrew, Lewis Calder and Dave Ewers off the bench. Adam and Ewers are also part of Exeter Chiefs' academy while Calder, son of Lions and Scotland player Jim Calder and nephew of rugby legend Finlay Calder, is on load from Redruth.

Baxter said: "We are really looking forward to this game. We have made a lot of changes by including some guys who deserve more game-time.

"Herbie is one of our academy players and has been training with us all season and has been playing quality rugby down at Redruth."

Stupple, who played at centre for Redruth at the weekend, said: "I have been looking forward to this all season; just hoping to put a No 8 shirt on for Exeter. I have been playing for Redruth, which has been good, but this is what I have wanted to do. Rob has given me a chance and I want to show him what I can do." Sean Tomes will start at lock on Friday and will be armed with a certain amount of inside knowledge after playing for Newport last season. He said: "I know a little about Newport as I played a little bit for them when I was involved with the Dragons. South Wales is massive for rugby; it's their main sport and they take a lot of pride in their rugby. They like to play an expansive game while keeping the emphasis on tough forward play. We'll definitely be playing some rugby up there!" Newport v Exeter Chiefs
British & Irish Cup

Friday, November 20, 2009 - KO 7.30pm

Rodney Parade

15 Sean Marsden 14 Nic Sestaret 13 Bryan Rennie 12 Tom Bedford 11 Paul McKenzie 10 Danny Gray 9 Clive Stuart-Smith 1 Ben Moon 2 Saul Nelson 3 Ruaidhri Murphy 4 Sean Tomes 5 James Hanks 6 Alan Miller (capt) 7 Andy Miller 8 Michael Stupple
16 Jack Andrew 17 Sam Blythe 18 Toby Freeman 19 Lewis Calder 20 Dave Ewers 21 Richard Bolt 22 Matt Cornwell

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Winning Big in Newport

Congratulations to the winner of the Newport Libraries Big Read competition, the Jones family, whose local library is Maindee.

Newport Community Learning and Libraries celebrated the Big Read event at the Riverfront Theatre in October. Authors, illustrators, playwrights and storytellers came from far and wide to entertain, inform and inspire Newport families.

The competition, in conjunction with libraries across the city, involved reading four books by any of the Big Read authors and illustrators who were taking part in the Big Read event.

The Jones family received a prize of books signed by the Big Read authors and illustrators, which was presented by Community Library Manager at Maindee Library Frances Lewis. The Jones family said they were thrilled by the number of books they had won and couldn't wait to read them all.

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Appeal for information regarding missing Newport man

Police in Newport are appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of 37 year old Jason Kerr, who lives at an address in the City Centre. Jason was last seen in the Cwmbrân area on Monday November 9th.

Jason is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, of medium build with short dark hair and hazel eyes. When he was last seen he was wearing a black hooded top with gold writing on it, light blue denim jeans and a Manchester United top.

It's believed he could be in the Maindee area of Newport where he has connections but he also has connections in the Senghenydd area.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Gwent Police on 101.

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Who would win if a Tiger fought a Dragon: a Tiger at the moment

Gareth Aldred's report from the Dragons' official site.

Newport Gwent Dragons put up a spirited fight against Leicester Tigers losing 29-20 at a blustery Welford Road. The Men of Gwent proved a constant threat as they appeared dangerous in attack and were very unfortunate to not leave with a sensational win, deserving a brace of bonus points at the least.

The Dragons battled back from an 11-point deficit to take a 12-11 half-time lead thanks to fantastic tries from young starlets Jason Tovey and Aled Brew both converted by captain, Shaun Connor. The home side responded with an early second-half touchdown for Anthony Allen, followed by a controversial penalty try to put Leicester in command. Paul Turner’s men didn’t lie down as a late interception try by Rhodri Gomer Davies provided a tense finish.

The region started brightly forcing Leicester into a mistake from the kick-off, but Connor was unable to convert a difficult penalty as it bounced off the upright. The Tigers response was immediate as they raced into the opposition half, only for Tovey to save the Men of Gwent twice in early exchanges.

Leicester’s attack looked dangerous, but the Dragons defence held firm with Rhodri Gomer Davies orchestrating the resistance. The region couldn’t prevent Staunton slotting the opening points though, as they strayed offside at the fringes in their own twenty-two.

Further ill-discipline at the ruck area allowed Staunton to double his tally as Tigers took a 6-0 lead after 16 minutes. Three minutes later Dragons were penalised for ‘diving in’ but the Irish outside-half was unable to convert in the strong winds.

The visitors were always a threat in attack, but were struggling to capitalise on their pressure as Leicester’s forwards proved too powerful. The home pack began to heavily dominate as they drove the opposition over the try line from eight metres out giving Jordan Crane the simplest of touchdowns.

Leicester hunted for another score, but the hard hitting Davies turned over ball and released Will Harries down the right wing. Summer signing Harries showed real gas to accelerate away from the chasing Tigers before assisting Tovey. Connor converted to leave them trailing 11-7 after 30 minutes.

The hosts were comfortable in their traditional forward authority and again flirted with the line as they elected for a scrum from consecutive penalties. However, Tigers were adjudged to have wheeled the set-play and gave Dragons the chance to escape unscathed. The Dragons decided to turn adventurous from the scrum as they released Brew. The magnificent solo effort from his twenty-two left four defenders trailing as he slid in the corner.

The Rodney Parade outfit continued to worry their opponents with the flair of the backs creating gaps in a normally solid Tigers defence. The first-half finished 12-11 to the visitors.
The interval sparked the Englishmen into action as scrum-half Ben Youngs crafted an opening in the Dragons line. Quick ball from the break down allowed Allen to score a straightforward try which Staunton failed to convert.

Dragons searched for an instant reply with Will Harries claiming a try after a tight chase with Lote Tuqiri, but the match official was unable to award the score. Leicester attempted to change the pattern of play as they kept the ball tight not allowing the visitors to play after continual scares. The Tigers crowd boosted their side as they camped on the Dragons line, their pressure handed them a penalty try in the 55th minute as the Dragons received harsh punishment for their apparent persistent offending.

Staunton slotted the conversion before making his departure for the return of Toby Flood, but the international couldn’t change the flow of the game as Dragons ripped through Tigers in broken play. Leicester were cynical in defence as they killed quick ball resulting in Connor adding to his score with a simple penalty to trail 23-15.

Gomer Davies piled extra pressure onto Richard Cockerill’s players as he intercepted a Scott Hamilton pass to score which Adam Greendale failed to convert. The heat was securely on the Tigers but the immensely talented Youngs broke free to relieve the Black tide. The scrum again proved the stumbling block as Flood struck a vital penalty to edge further ahead.

The Leicester forwards dictated the ruck area till the end as they earned a further three points from the boots of Flood and shrink Dragons hopes of a spectacular scalp. The region finished on the front foot, but were unable to capitalise on an eight phase play sending them home with nothing to show for their brave efforts.

Newport Gwent Dragons: Jason Tovey (Martyn Thomas 71), Will Harries, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Tom Riley, Aled Brew, Shaun Connor (C) (Adam Greendale 59), Wayne Evans (Alex Walker 63), Hugh Gustafson (Dan Watchurst 59), Duane Goodfield (Steve Jones 59), Peter Bracken (Pat Palmer 17), Rob Sidoli, Adam Jones, Hoani MacDonald (Toby Faletau 59), Gavin Thomas (James Harris 63), Grant Webb.

Leicester Tigers: Scott Hamilton, Lote Tuqiri, Andy Forsyth, Anthony Allen, Will Hurrell (Matt Smith 51), Jeremy Staunton (Toby Flood 59), Ben Youngs (James Grindal 72), Boris Stankovich (Robbie Harris 72), George Chuter (Mefin Davies 59), Dan Cole, Geoff Parling, Ben Kay (C) (Callum Green 59), Craig Newby, Ben Pienaar, Jordan Crane.
Referee: Tim Wigglesworth Assistants: Don Helme and Robin Goodliffe
Attendance: 16,297

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High-flying County open up eight point gap

Two second-half goals saw Newport County open up an eight-point gap at the top of the Blue Square South against Bromley on Sunday.

Danny Rose broke the deadlock before a stoppage time diving header from Kerry Morgan sealed the points for County.

The win – County’s seventh home success this season – coupled with Dover’s defeat at Weston-super-mare, has seen the Welsh side develop a significant advantage and they have a game in hand over their nearest rivals.

A magnificent 2,026 supporters watched a sound and professional performance by the home side, who needed patience and persistence to break down a spirited Bromley outfit. The visitors battled hard and it took two moments of excellent football to take the three points.

Just after the hour mark, Scott Rogers found Rose in space, and his sweetly struck shot found the back of the net to relive the hosts’ frustration. The points were wrapped up in injury time when Ashan Holgate’s neat play enabled him to cross and Morgan swooped to double the advantage.

It had been a nervy first half for County, whose defence was tested as Bromley demonstrated why they have picked up eleven points away from home this season; but the back-line remained well organised and kept their tenth clean sheet of the campaign, before the second-half goals completed a hard-fought win.

journalism student Alex Winter edits Gloucestershire cricket blog, The Shire Blog

Catch his Newport County News every Friday on Welsh Icons News.

read more... “High-flying County open up eight point gap”

More than 100 arrested in Newport during drugs crackdown

Over 100 people have been arrested as part of a dedicated two month crackdown on criminal activity, particularly the illegal use and supply of drugs, in the Pill area of Newport.

Launched in September, the objectives of Operation Prudent were to; prevent, investigate and bring to justice those involved in acts of violence, criminality or disorder associated with the unlawful supply of drugs, protect and reassure local residents and develop community intelligence within the Pill ward area.

A total of 113 arrests have been made so far during the operation. These include:

11 arrested for possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply
13 arrested for possession of controlled drugs
5 arrested for possession of an offensive weapon
1 arrested for possession of a firearm
1 arrested for possession of firearm ammunition
7 arrested for robbery
4 arrested for burglary
12 arrested for theft/fraud
3 arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol
2 arrested for criminal damage
27 arrested for public order offences

Quantities of drugs seized include:

1 kilogram of heroin
1 kilogram of cocaine
1 kilogram of amphetamines
1/2 kilogram of crack cocaine

plus, 2 cannabis factories were discovered and dismantled.

In addition to this £28,000 worth of assets were seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act, part of this money will now be used to fund further policing activity. Over 120 motoring offences were also detected and 424 people were stopped and searched.

Pill residents have told us that as a result of the increased police presence and positive action on their streets they now feel more confident and safer in their neighbourhood.

DCI Ian Roberts, leading Operation Prudent is encouraged by this and believes Prudent is having the desired impact;

"This kind of feedback from our communities shows we are really tackling the things that matter.

Drug dealing has been a prime concern for people living in Pill this year and by targeting this we have identified offenders responsible for further criminal activity in the area. I want to assure residents that we are taking a very hard line on illegal supply of drugs and are working closely with the organisations that help those who want to leave drug taking in their past and turn their lives around.

Anyone concerned in the use or supply of illegal drugs in Gwent should know that as well as the arrests and seizures made during this operation, officers have also gleaned a lot of information and intelligence about drug related criminal activity in our communities. Using this we will continue to tackle the issue, and prohibit profiting from illegal drugs in Gwent.”

Information from the public is vital to the police to help tackle drug related criminality. Anyone with information can assist officers by contacting their local policing team on 101 or providing information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

read more... “More than 100 arrested in Newport during drugs crackdown”

Huge Newport Data Centre Project secures support from Lombard

One of the largest data centre facilities in Europe, to be established at Newport has received a significant funding boost.

Next Generation Data Europe, which is behind the project for a 75,000 square metre facility, has secured financial support from Lombard.

The money will help support the investment required for infrastructure equipment to fit out data halls inside the massive building for the company’s first major blue chip customers – which are moving their extensive data operations into NGD Europe from early next year.

The data centre will create 100 jobs.

read more... “Huge Newport Data Centre Project secures support from Lombard”

Newport Business Support Team Exhibiting at New Start Wales

Newport’s Business Services Team will be exhibiting at the New Start Wales business show at Cardiff International Arena on 13th and 14th November.

The team is joining forces with the University of Wales, Newport to provide information on the business support available in the city.

The Council and University will be on Stand G17 to handle enquiries and outline the support they can provide to existing businesses and those wishing to start up in Newport. There will also be help available for businesses wishing to relocate to the city.

The Business Services Team can provide start up support, financial assistance, business advice and help in finding premises. It has helped well over 1,000 businesses in the city in recent years.

For further information on the support available telephone 01633 232543; email inward.investment@newport.gov.uk

Further information on the New Start Wales Exhibition can be found at http://www.newstartwales.com/index.php

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Newport County News: Bromley preview

NEWPORT COUNTY will be looking to consolidate their position at the top of Blue Square South on Sunday when they entertain Bromley at Newport Stadium.

The Exiles opened up a five point lead with last Saturday’s superb 2-1 win at second-placed Dover and it is essential they don’t suffer a big-game hangover and drop points against the type of side they have regularly dismissed this season.

Having only lost one league match in the campaign, Dean Holdsworth’s men will be hoping to defeat a side currently lying ninth in the division and who have picked up just three wins on their travels. The south east Londoners will have sour memories of their last venture into South Wales, when they were soundly beaten 3-0.

County will be hoping striker Craig Reid continues his goal scoring form; it was his brace last week that produced the memorable victory over Dover to open up the gap at the top of the table. A weave into the penalty area was finished with a delightful chip to put County ahead before an instinctive touch and volley into the bottom right corner regained a lead the Exiles never relinquished as they took a vital three points off their south-coast rivals.

The club will be hoping for a bumper Sunday crowd, with children gaining free entry to the ground when accompanied by an adult. Manager Dean Holdsworth is expecting his side to thrive in the atmosphere: "Everyone is buzzing at the club; we’re unbeaten at home and we’d love to break the 2,000 mark," he said.

Alex Winter is a journalism student and editor of the Gloucestershire cricket blog, The Shire Blog

Catch his Newport County News every Friday on Welsh Icons News.

read more... “Newport County News: Bromley preview”

'No cold calling zone' introduced in Ringland

The Safer Newport Partnership has launched a ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ in an area of Ringland to put a stop to bogus callers.

Residents of the Treberth and Bishpool area will soon see an end to unwanted callers at their front doors after a ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ was authorised by the Safer Newport partnership with input from Gwent Police, Newport Housing Trust and Newport City Council. Action was taken after Newport East Neighbourhood Policing Team listened to concerns from residents on the estate complaining about suspected rogue traders and distraction burglars.

Every resident of Treberth and Bishpool will now be given an information pack on the ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ and a window sticker to deter unwanted callers. Signs marking the zone will also be displayed on lampposts around the estate.

A Neighbourhood Watch group has recently been set up in the area and PCSOs have spoken to residents who are predominantly elderly and vulnerable to make them aware of how to deal with bogus callers on their doorsteps.

Pc Leanne Pole, of Newport East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
“Many of the residents in the area are elderly and vulnerable and this ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ gives them a clear authority to turn people away from their doorsteps. It’s not designed to stop legitimate callers such as the milkman or gas board representative - it’s to stop bogus callers. People should always check the identity of people who call at their home and if that means shutting the door on them while you call the company they work for, so be it. The zone is a result of residents calling us, reporting suspicious behaviour and expressing their concerns.”

Phil Toms, chief executive of Newport Housing Trust, said:
“We welcome and fully support the ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ idea. Our residents want to feel safe and secure in their own homes. We have worked with Gwent Police in the past to design out crime on our estates and this is an excellent extra step.”

read more... “'No cold calling zone' introduced in Ringland”

Welsh Open Snooker returns to Newport for 2010

Defending champion Ali Carter is looking forward to reviving happy memories when snooker’s Welsh Open comes back to the Newport Centre from 25-31 January 2010.

Some of the world’s best players, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, Stephen Hendry, Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson, Mark Selby and local players Mark Williams and Matthew Stevens will be competing for the trophy in the world-ranking event.

For tickets call 01633 656 757.

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Renovated mansion is business booster

Beechwood House is breathing new life into the economy says Newport City Council.

Using European funding, Newport City Council oversaw the renovation of the mansion, which recently won the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Conservation Award for Wales.

It is now being managed by business support agency Venture Wales and offers 26 high quality offices, five craft workshops, conferencing facilities, a café and community facilities.

Phil Cooper, Chief Executive of Venture Wales, said “Beechwood House has been sensitively restored to its former glory and offers local businesses first-class amenities.

“The building will appeal in particular to companies working in the knowledge-based industries looking for a base in south east Wales. We already have seven diverse businesses on-site and we’re continuing to attract interest from other companies.”

Businesses already at Beechwood House include P&M Photography, Re-cycle Project which refurbishes second hand bikes, Beechwood Music School, Eyedently, CP Training offering food hygiene courses, Monoi which is a holistic therapy service and Marenghi’s Café run by bereavement charity Hold Out A Hand.

It is also the new office for Venture Wales’ Newport regional business support team which is working with SMEs in the Newport area. The team also runs a wide range of business seminars from Beechwood House for local firms.

For more information about facilities at Beechwood House contact Venture Wales: 01633 273502; www.venturewales.com

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Dangerous parking near schools

Newport City Council would like to hear your views on traffic and road safety near schools.

The young people’s services overview and scrutiny forum are looking at ways to stop dangerous parking near school gates and improve our children’s safety on their way to and from school.

Dangerous parking includes parking on yellow lines, on footways and verges, on or near pedestrian crossings, at bus stops, and blocking driveways.

We have already made a number of improvements to the roads near schools to prevent dangerous parking and increase road safety, with more works planned for the future. The forum would like to find out whether these improvements have been a success and if there is anything else we could do to tackle this problem.

Chair of the forum, Councillor Stephen Jones, said: “Highway safety around schools is a concern for the whole community. We are seeking your support, views and ideas on how the initiatives undertaken by this authority can be further enhanced.”

Is dangerous parking is a problem near your local school? Do you have concerns about children’s safety around the school gates? Where are the main problem areas? What else could we do to increase road safety and prevent dangerous parking?

Please send us your comments by 30 November 2009. You can email them at info@newport.gov.uk with ‘FAO Overview and Scrutiny Officer’ in the title. Or alternatively, you can write to them at:

Overview and Scrutiny Officer
Law and Standards
Newport City Council
Civic Centre
Newport
NP20 4UR

Fore more information about this review and the work of the forum, visit www.newport.gov.uk/scrutiny

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