CITY HOUSE PRICE GROWTH SLOWS TO 2 PER CENT

Annual house price growth in Newport has slowed to 2 per cent, according to Land Registry figures. House price figures for sales completed in March 2008 averaged £143,392 compared to £140,608 a year ago. Prices fell by 0.7 per cent when compared to February 2008. The price of a detached property averages £261,891.

NEWPORT PROPERTY PRICES March 2001- March 2008
March 2001 £62,232
March 2002 £69,447 (11.4 per cent increase)
March 2003 £87,518 (26.0 per cent)
March 2004 £107,120 (22.4 per cent)
March 2005 £124,880 (16.6 per cent)
March 2006 £130,983 (4.9 per cent)
March 2007 £140,608 (7.3 per cent)
March 2008 £143,392 (2.0 per cent)

TORY WAR OF WORDS CONTINUES IN LANGSTONE

The acrimony concerning the Conservative and Independent campaigns in Langstone has come to the fore in the City Council elections. Sitting councillors David Attwell and Simon Lane have exchanged metaphorical blows in a very personal campaign. Lane was given the order of the boot from Newport's Conservative Group. He has responded with strongly worded criticism of his fellow Langstone councillor (see story April 7). Attwell has now replied with details of his voting record, comparing it favourably to Lane's and a defence of his record as a councillor. City elections take place on May 1.

MAN DIES AT NEWPORT FACTORY

50 year old man from the Wolverhampton area was pronounced dead at the scene of an accident at Sims Metal UK Ltd, Alexandra Dock, Newport, on Apr 28. Next of kin have been informed. Police and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating the circumstances.

NEWPORT SPEEDWAY PROMOTER IS DEAD

The man who singlehandedly brought speedway back to Newport, Tim Stone, has died after a heart attack. The shocking news led to the cancellation of today's fixture between Newport Wasps and Rye House Rockets at Queensway Meadows. Stone dedicated the best part of the last ten years to the revival of speedway following on from its previous incarnation at Somerton Park (1964-1977). He took out a long lease with the Welsh Development Agency on the site of the stadium near Llanwern Steelworks. While the new Wasps have enjoyed more downs than ups they have still enjoyed some successes and their mere existence is a tribute to his commitment and perserverence. Increasingly, the running of the club at every level had become Stone's responsibility. But as he readily acknowledged Newport are a pretty unique club with their own stadium. His passion for speedway included numerous winter training schools, an annual New Year Classic and a determination to develop and assist young speedway riders.