Latest news with #NewportCityCouncil
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Newport: Shops closed after vapes and tobacco seized
Operation Frost, led by Newport City Council's trading standards team, resulted in the seizure of more than 10,000 illegal vapes, 250,000 cigarettes and nearly 75kg of hand-rolling tobacco in the last six months. A total of 27 closure orders have been granted by Newport magistrates, forcing shops to shut for a minimum of three months. Councillor Mark Spencer, cabinet member for trading standards at Newport City Council, said: "Our officers are doing sterling work by disrupting the sale by criminals of these illegal, and potentially dangerous products and by providing assistance to retailers following the introduction of the law banning disposable vapes." In May and June, GG Vape #2, 7b Westgate Buildings, 17 Church Street, City Vape at 58 Commercial Street, and Yum Yum at 60 Commercial Street were all closed by the courts. Mood Vape at 424 Chepstow Road and Chepstow Mini Market at 145 Chepstow Road were closed for the second time this year having previously been subject to closure orders in February. All the premises were found to be selling illegal tobacco or vapes. Newport has also acted as a collection point for illegal vapes seized by other trading standards teams in South Wales, with more than 16,000 disposed of in May. Since June 1, single-use vapes have been banned across the UK due to environmental concerns. Trading standards officers have visited more than 80 retailers in Newport to offer guidance on the new regulations.
Business News Wales
a day ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Artist to Transform Salvaged Leisure Centre Glass for City Centre Project
Glass salvaged from the former Newport Centre is set to become an integral part of the city's new leisure and wellbeing facility. Thanks to the skill and artistry of a specialist company, the waste glass will be transformed into key details in the new building in the city centre. Award-winning designer Dr Tyra Oseng-Rees explained: 'In total, around 100 square metres have been salvaged from the old leisure centre and some of the glass has already been collected and is now at the studio, where it is undergoing research and development. 'The fused recycled glass material that is made is a unique, sustainable material made entirely from waste glass. It doesn't look or behave like traditional glass—it's often compared to stone or marble. 'We're currently exploring possibilities for colours, patterns, textures for the use of it as a decorative or aesthetic application. The material could be integrated into interior features such as a backlit reception desk, privacy screens, or decorative wall cladding.' Based in Wales, Dr Oseng-Rees is known for her commitment to sustainability through innovative design using recycled glass. With a PhD in material development and the aesthetics of fused recycled glass, Tyra transforms waste glass from demolition sites, construction, and bottles into striking, sustainable artworks. She is the founder of Oseng-Rees Reflection Ltd, a consultancy and design studio creating bespoke fused recycled glass pieces for architectural and interior installations. Her work has received wide recognition, including being named winner of the Surface Design Award with exterior surface of the year 2025, and she was a finalist for the Net Hero Award at the 2025 Small Awards. Councillor Emma Corten, Newport City Council's cabinet member for culture and communications, said: 'Using former materials from the old leisure centre is fantastic for so many reasons. 'It is very fitting that the glass is being repurposed for the new centre which will be meeting very high environmental standards but it also provides a link between the new centre to the old one, which many people remember fondly. 'I'm looking forward to hearing what the glass will be used for and watching as work progresses to transform them into beautiful works that will decorate our new centre. Work began on the construction of the new centre earlier this year. Due to be opened to the public next year, the new centre will include a modern leisure pool, with elements including a 'lazy river', slides and play equipment, as well as a teaching pool for children's swimming lessons and exercise sessions. It will also have modern changing facilities, a café and relaxation area, fitness suite and large active space for community use, group activities and children's birthday parties. The new centre is expected to be among the UK's first net zero facility of its kind, powered entirely by electricity from renewable sources. More than 55 per cent of the costs are being met by external funding including the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns programme and from the UK Government.
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
ALN sessions at Newport splash park face offensive comments
The splashpad runs specific sessions for children with disabilities and additional learning needs to enjoy the space - one hour every morning is dedicated to these groups, with a two-hour session on a Wednesday afternoon on a booking only basis. The purpose of these sessions is to give those with additional needs who struggle in large groups the opportunity to use the splash park without the stress of having 50-60 other children around them. Parents of those with ALN have voiced their concerns and highlighted the discriminatory comments that have been overheard and directed at these sessions. Laura Lacey, cabinet member for social services in Newport, said: 'These parents fight every day for their kids and they can't even enjoy these sessions because of a handful of individuals. 'These children are called names that I don't even want to repeat by other parents. 'It's traumatic for parents to hear these comments and after getting such good feedback on how these sessions work and how accommodating staff are parents are now nervous about going. 'It's the minority, but unfortunately this minority is more vocal.' These sessions have allowed ALN children to play and allows their parents the chance to socialise, yet they are facing prejudice over a two-hour session at the splash park. Parents and families have been reportedly harassed staff at the park because they are unable to attend the ALN specific session and have subsequently 'jumped the fence' to bypass the rule. As the summer draws in, parents are concerned that this behaviour will continue during the warmer months. Niicol's son is able to enjoy the splash park during ALN sessions (Image: Supplied) Parent Niicol Rogers, 34, says: 'It's horrible because we deal with this constantly, and it's the last thing you need when you go to an ALN session.' Niicol campaigned for these sessions with other ALN parents, but now says she feels anxious to attend after witnessing the actions and attitudes of some parents. 'We're all different but we're the same. This is an opportunity for other parents to get together and socialize too. I want to watch my child play, but I don't want to hear people shouting nastiness. 'It's horrible because we deal with this constantly, and it's the last thing you need when you go to an ALN session.' A spokesperson for Newport City Council said: "The relaxed sessions offer a chance for those who children with additional needs to enjoy the splash pad in a quieter environment. "Following feedback, we set up a booking system for the Wednesday afternoon session, so that only those with a valid booking are permitted entry. "We ask that visitors to the park respect the space while the relaxed sessions are running. "Splash 'Port is open to the public from 11am-3pm on Wednesdays, 11am-5pm all other weekdays, and 10am-5pm on weekends, so there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to enjoy the space. "If anyone has experienced any issues when attending a relaxed session, we would ask them to let a member of the parks team know if possible, or if not to contact us when they can to report this."
South Wales Argus
6 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Newport City Council offices 'not fit for purpose'
Newport City Council has previously looked into relocating from the Civic Centre to a smaller premises, details released under a Freedom of Information Act request show. A council spokesman said a potential relocation is no longer on the cards – but Conservative councillor David Fouweather claimed the local authority should give serious consideration to the benefits of finding a new home. He said any new council HQ would 'have to be' a central location in Newport, which would have the added bonus of helping 'boost city centre trade at lunchtimes'. The historic Westgate Hotel or the former Admiral building could both prove to be suitable locations, he suggested. A recent Freedom of Information Act request, by Conservative campaigner Michael Enea, found it cost the council around £1.05 million to run the Civic Centre last year. The response also showed there were typically between 200 and 350 staff working daily at the building – which has around 380 'office rooms'. 'I think the Civic Centre is not fit for purpose anymore,' said Cllr Fouweather. 'The running costs are horrendous. But what do you do with the building? That is a major problem. A lot of it is listed.' On the condition and current use of the building, he added: 'If you go down where the staff canteen used to be, it's totally abandoned. There's nothing there. It fell into a state of disrepair. Staff have to rely on vending machines.' Moving to a new, more appropriately-sized building would streamline the council's running costs – and should also spell the end of current remote working policies, according to Cllr Fouweather. 'There's absolutely no need now for working from home', he said, claiming that if more people worked in the office, 'you get a better service, deal with people directly, the public are able to come in rather than [deal with] remote staff where you've got to wait and wait for a response'. But a council spokesperson defended current working arrangements. 'The majority of Newport City Council staff have fixed places of work and do not work remotely,' they said. 'The council, as a modern and mature employer, has enabled those staff who can work from multiple locations to do so. 'While we keep all operational decisions under review, there are no plans to revert to a pre-pandemic position. There is no evidence that remote working from multiple locations has had a negative impact on productivity, while there are clear benefits to it around recruitment and retention, congestion and climate change.' The spokesperson said the previous consideration of relocating from the Civic Centre was part of its 'routine management of our estate… to ensure all of the office space we maintain is fit for purpose for what we need as an organisation'. 'We can confirm that at this moment, the council has no plans to relocate from the civic centre to another location,' they added.
South Wales Argus
7 days ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
Caerleon School pays tribute to victims of Air India crash
Akeel Nanabawa, Hannaa Vorajee, and their four-year-old daughter Sara Nanabawa were returning to the UK from a surprise trip to India when their plane crashed into a residential area, hitting a hospital and a student hostel. Mr Nanabawa was a former pupil of Caerleon Comprehensive School and the University of South Wales before moving to Gloucester with his family. Head teacher of Caerleon Comprehensive School Lucy Purcell said: 'We at Caerleon Comprehensive School are deeply saddened to hear of the death of former pupil, Akeel Nanabawa and his wife, Hanna Vorajee and young daughter. 'Akeel is fondly remembered as an excellent student and someone who was well liked by staff and students. We send our deepest sympathies to his family.' A spokesperson for Newport City Council said: 'We were saddened to hear that the victims included a former Newport family - Akeel Nanabawa, his wife Hannaa Vorajee and their four-year-old daughter Sara Nanabawa - and our thoughts are with their loved ones at this terrible time. As a mark of respect, the flag outside the Civic Centre will be flown at half-mast today.' More than 200 people including many Britons were on the flight when it crashed. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this "incredibly painful period," thanking the community for their support and solidarity. The family have asked the media and public not to contact them at this time and have said that any verified updates will be shared through the appropriate channels.
