Labour and the Liberal Democrats are fielding a large number of candidates for this May's City Elections. Following the close of nominations on Friday, it emerged that the Liberal Democrats are fielding 47 candidates for the 50 seats - the same as the ruling Labour Group but more than the Conservatives, who are running 40 candidates.
RAIL LINK BUS COSTS £123 PER PASSENGER
The unnecessary delay to the rail link between Ebbw Vale and Newport was underlined by Welsh Assembly figures revealing the replacemnt bus service is little used. The bus takes a circuitous route between Rogerstone and the city centre. Passengers for Newport tend to travel on the train to Cardiff and get another train east to Newport rather than use the bus. The bus journey takes 50 minutes to complete the 4 mile route operating via the Celtic Springs Business Park. An average of six passengers a day are using the service. The Welsh Assembly Government is providing £224,500 a year in subsidy, via Newport Council, for the service. According to the Western Mail, allowing for Sundays and bank holidays, when the bus does not operate, that equates to a subsidy of £122.68 per passenger. It is understood the service has been revised to a more direct journey time of 20 minutes. Work on the necessary signalling to allow a direct Ebbw Vale to Newport service will not start until next year.
CITY VIZION DEVELOPMENT DELAYED BY BREEDING FISH
The George Wimpey City Vizion development has been temporarily suspended to allow the rare Twaite Shad fish to complete its breeding season. A similar reason halted the University development on the opposite bank of the river in the city centre. Work will resume in June or July.
POLICE APPEAL OVER MISSING FAMILY
An urgent appeal has been issued about a family of four which went missing six weeks ago. Police in Newport are appealing for information about the family, who are of Korean origin, and who were living in Cambridge Road in the city. Kum Yer Choi, 34, the mother of the family, was heavily pregnant before she was reported missing and has diabetes. Her husband Guek Foo Han, 36 and their daughter Ar Reum Han, five, and son Yung Kwang Han, four, are also missing. "It's believed the family of four left the address approximately one month before they were reported missing on March 19," a police spokesman said "Concern is growing for the family because Kum Yer Choi was heavily pregnant when the family went missing and it's believed she would now have given birth. She is also diabetic."Gwent Police are appealing for the family to get in touch to let them know they are safe and well. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Gwent Police on 01633 838111.
CITY LEISURE CHARGES REVISED
Newport City Council leisure service charges have been revised following consultation with dissatisfied pensioner groups and bowls clubs. A new charging structure for 2008/9 proposed a separate rate for residents aged 60 plus offering a 20 per cent discont on the full adult price. However, this was criticised by bowlers in particular who had enjoyed a significant concession previously. The City Council have now linked the 60 plus concession with all other concessions leading to a discounted rate of 40 per cent for pensioners using leisure services on production of their free swimming card. Conservative Councillor Matthew Evans stated "The Conservative Group welcome this "U Turn " which should encourage and increase participation in physical activity for the over 60's. Clearly the 67% price increase for Bowlers was totally unacceptable
and we would wish to ensure this amended policy is not just a one off, and will continue in years to come." Stow Hill Labour Councillor Miqdad al-Nuiami had encouraged officers to review the policy following representations from pensioners. He said "I am ..fully in support of the preferred option and wish to congratulate the officers and Cabinet member for listening to the concerns expressed" they had acted "to promote sport amongst the 60+ age group at an affordable cost." All city bowls have expressed their support for the new charging structure
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