An otter has been spotted metres away from one of Newport city centre’s redevelopment sites, according to website Wildlife Extra. Paul Gallagher, a Landscape Architect for Newport City Council, spotted the otter while carrying out routine assessment work at Newport’s new Riverside Park.
Paul said: ‘It was fitting to see the otter on the site as the park is being designed with a specific emphasis on protecting otter habitat.’ Dr Dolores Byrne, Biodiversity Officer for Newport City Council, said: ‘The main purpose of the Riverside Park is to provide a buffer zone between development work in Newport and the important wildlife of the River Usk. The footage emphasises the importance of this buffer and the need to protect this special habitat.’
The River Usk is one of Wales’ most important habitats for otter. On-going conservation work has been carried out along the river, aimed at protecting these rare and secretive creatures. This work has included monitoring the otter population every six years, carrying out regular surveys through wildlife groups and volunteers and building otter holts and passes.
OTTER SPOTTED NEAR CITY DEVELOPMENT SITE
THUMBS DOWN FOR MEGABOWL RETAIL PLAN?
Newport City Council planners are recommending refusal for plans to redevelop the disused Megabowl site at Newport Retail Park. Johnsey Estates plan to change the use of the site increasing the retail offer with some mixed leisure facilities. It seems that the indoor ten pin bowling facility will be lost entirely. Locals will be surprised to hear that Johnsey claim there is no demand for such a facility. By contrast the Council states it has been approached by a business interested in occupying it within the last year and that the loss of the leisure service from the site cannot be justified.
LANDSLIP AFFECTS NEWPORT - LONDON RAIL SERVICE
A landslide near Chipping Sodbury means all London - Newport rail services in both directions are diverted via Gloucester and not calling at Bristol Parkway. There is a bus link at Swindon for Bristol. The normal half hourly service is hourly until the problem is resolved. First Great Western advise it could be several days before services return to normal.
CHANDLERY RETAINS MICHELIN MEDAL
The Chandlery has retained Bib Gourmand status in the latest Michelin Guide. Bib Gourmand means that it is recognised for serving good food at moderate prices. No other restaurant in Newport or Cardiff has achieved this status.Two restaurants in Wales were awarded a Michelin star including the Crown at Whitebrook where the chef is Newport born James Summerin.
TESCO FINED OVER OUT OF DATE FOOD
All conquering supermarket giant Tesco has been ordered to pay more than £50,000 in fines and costs after an investigation found five south Wales stores were selling out-of-date food. The supermarket chain admitted 25 charges before Abergavenny magistrates. Trading standards officers visited five stores in Newport and nearby and bought food which was a public health risk. District Judge Gerwyn Watkins said it was a "systematic failure" by Tesco. The firm apologised, saying strict procedures were not followed. Trading standards officers from Blaenau Gwent, Newport and Torfaen councils went to five Tesco stores in Pontypool, Ebbw Vale, Newport (Spytty Road and Harlech Retail Park) and Abertillery. A total of 102 items were bought on the visits between August and September 2006.
MAN CHARGED FOLLOWING CANNABIS FIND
A 39 year old man has been charged with cultivation of cannabis following yeserday's find.
