Newport City Council has passed a resolution confirming this year's budget and Council Tax levels (see report below - Feb 12). The Council has a budget of £227,438,000 and the Council Tax (Band D) for the City Council not including police or community council precepts has been set at £714.98.
BOBBIES ON THE BUSES SCHEME UNVEILED
Gwent Police has announced that Newport Transport have agreed to sponsor four Police Community Safety Officers who will begin policing onboard buses on March 1st. The new officers will provide a reassuring presence on Newport's bus network with the aim of reducing crime and antisocial behaviour. PCSOs can also use their traffic enforcement powers, similar to those of a traffic warden, to help with the smooth running of roads used by buses in the city. Newport transport will initially sponsor the PCSOs for three years, with an option for both parties to extend the deal at the end of the term. In total, Newport Transport will pay £180,000 over the three years for the PCSOs and services from police officers when required, with no cost to Gwent Police. Newport Bus carries nearly 8m passengers a year and it is hoped this initiative will make people feel safer using public transport in the city. Managing director of Newport Transport Trevor Roberts added: "The very visible presence of the PSCOs will generate a safer environment for public transport in Newport. The closer cooperation between the two organisations through this partnership will benefit not only bus users and the staff delivering the service but the community in general."
FRIARS WALK CONFIRM NEW SIGNINGS
Modus, owners of Newport's new Friars Walk shopping scheme has confirmed that their retail line up will be boosted by new stores for Boots, New Look, River Island, JJB and Passion for Perfume. The New Look store will occupy a 29,510 sq. ft. at the northern end of the mall opposite anchor store Marks and Spencer. The restaurant quarter will include Pizza Express and Nandos. In addition, deals are nearing completion for new stores for Next, Republic and Starbucks. Las Iguanas will also be added to the restaurant line up. Vue Cinemas will provide a new 9 screen multiplex on the upper level of the shopping mall. A further eight units are currently the subject of negotiation. Work on the project is expected to begin shortly with completion expected in the spring/summer of 2010.
MISSING MAN FOUND SAFE AND WELL
19 year old Mohammed Shahidur Rahman, known as Shahidur, who had been missing from his Newport address since September 23, 2007 has now been found safe and well.
MURPHY PRAISES CITY
Paul Murphy, Secretary of State for Wales lavished praise upon Newport City Council in a keynote speech to the Welsh Labour Party Conference at Llandudno today. Murphy congratulated the City Council for its recognised achievements in raising education standards, encouraging economic development and for its approach to the environment and sustainability. Murphy (MP for neighbouring Torfaen) stated the upcoming local authority elections are of crucial importance. His reference to Newport underlines Labour's commitment to retain Newport City Council despite its indifferent showing nationally.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
