8+ mon, 2+ week ago (445+ words) A charity shop in Newport that specialises in helping people with disabilities is closing. Scope Newport located on Commercial Street has announced that it will be closing its doors. The charity has been operating in the area for more than 30 years and provides support for disabled people and their families.Scope Newport's closing down sale is now on (Image: NQ) In a post on social media Scope Newport confirmed its store closure with an emotional statement reading: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of our Newport Scope charity shop. "For more than 30 years this shop has been more than just a place to find great bargains'it has been a hub of generosity, community, and support for scope. "We are incredibly grateful for the donations, the volunteers who gave their time, and every customer who stepped…...

9+ mon, 1+ week ago (311+ words) The'Community Pub Hero Awards 2025 finalists have been revealed with two pubs in Newport among those shortlisted. The national pub awards celebrate "incredible pubs and individuals that have gone above and beyond to support their communities". This includes by fundraising,'fostering grassroots sports, championing sustainability, and making a real difference in people's lives. Event organisers said: "The competition was fierce, and we are incredibly grateful for the passion, dedication, and community spirit that pubs continue to show. "Without you, our local communities would not be the same!" Categories in the'Community Pub Hero Awards include: The Welsh finalists in the'Community Pub Hero Awards 2025 are: Events organisers added: "We are incredibly proud of all the finalists and the inspiring work they do to make a difference. "Congratulations to all our finalists!" Finalists will be invited, along with their MPs to attend the'Community Pub…...

11+ mon, 3+ week ago (245+ words) SRK Scaffolding and Industrial Services won the Scaffolding Design of the Year after being shortlists for two prizes. The ceremony was held in Belfast and celebrated the achievements of the ... A Newport-based scaffolding firm has won a top award at the NASC 2024 Awards. SRK Scaffolding and Industrial Services won the Scaffolding Design of the Year after being shortlists for two prizes. The ceremony was held in Belfast and'celebrated the achievements of the scaffolding and access services industry. Graham Sims, regional director of SRK, said: "The last three years have been incredible, and the growth of SRK has exceeded our expectations. "This award is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We are proud of what we've achieved, and we look forward to continued growth and contributing to our local community through our sponsorships and…...

9+ mon, 2+ week ago (496+ words) Barry's famous Festival of the Seas'sea shanty event'has been moved to Newport for 2025 to the disappointment of locals. Locals were devastated to learn that the popular event will no longer take place in the town. In a post online, the event directors wrote: "We understand the frustration of the festival not going ahead in Barry. "After the brilliant event last year, we followed up on all avenues within the Barry Island area and council members to discuss 2025. "The response was underwhelming and left us in a situation where the festival would be unviable commercially. A shanty festival by the sea was our goal and 2024 was special in many ways including the efforts by the RNLI Barry. "This is not to say it will never happen again in Barry, but for now we have to look at the best possible options…...

10+ mon, 2+ week ago (279+ words) A SEMI-DETACHED Victorian villa with "rich history and ornate detailing" at the heart of Newport is for sale for "450,000. The property on Victoria Avenue has been listed by agents Fine & Country, who state it is "completely renovated to a high standard". "Upon entering through a characterful porch, you're welcomed into the main hallway, featuring high ceilings and striking iron radiators that pay homage to the property's rich past," reads the listing. "Two elegant reception rooms invite you to relax or entertain. The main living room boasts a wood burner, bay window, and original cornicing, offering a sense of period grandeur, while the second reception room, currently used as a home office, showcases similar period features. "The heart of the home is its stylish and functional kitchen-diner. With sleek cabinetry, a generous central island, double Belfast sinks, and integrated appliances, it's…...

6+ mon, 23+ hour ago (229+ words) NEWPORT County AFC will make the short trip over the Severn Bridge to face Weston-super-Mare in their preparations for the League Two season. The Exiles will head to the Optima Stadium on Tuesday, July 15 (kick-off 7.15pm) as new boss David Hughes continues to put his squad through their paces. Weston finished eighth in National League South last season and boast former County midfielder James Waite in their ranks. The 26-year-old from Sebastapol returned to the Seagulls last season after being released by the Rodney Parade club and featured 12 times after recovering from a serious injury suffered in August. County also loaned Josh Seberry to Weston but the Irish defender was listed by both clubs among their leavers. County won 4-0 at Weston in July, 2022 when Lewis Collins, Chanka Zimba, Harrison Bright and Matty Dolan scored goals for James Rowberry's side. It was…...

8+ mon, 3+ week ago (498+ words) A bid to convert three floors of a building into flats has been refused. The proposal aimed to transform the upper three floors of 143-144 Commercial Road, Newport, into 12 flats, including an extension to the third floor and the roof. However, planners at Newport City Council have rejected the application, citing various reasons. The development was proposed as a car-free scheme due to its proximity to local amenities and public transport. A Transport Technical Note was submitted, estimating the parking demand would be for seven cars, and claiming there was sufficient capacity in the area. A night-time parking survey was also conducted, confirming the availability of spaces. Additional measures proposed included a free annual bus pass for each flat for the first year and the provision of 24 cycle parking spaces on the ground floor. The application also cited other car-free developments…...

10+ mon, 3+ week ago (376+ words) One of Newport's special schools is expected to open a new Key Stage 2 base later this year after becoming oversubscribed. Ysgol Bryn Derw has capacity for 96 pupils but there are currently 112 students on the rolls, a city council report shows. Some 40 extra places will be created if the expansion goes ahead " meaning more children could receive an education within the city, rather than needing to travel out of county on expensive placements. Newport City Council believes the plan "represents the best and most achievable solution to the local pressure for specialist education placements for pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The local authority has proposed opening the new Key Stage 2 base in September at the former Caerleon Lodge Hill infant building, which is currently occupied by Welsh-medium school Ysgol Gymraeg Nant Gwenlli. However, the building will become available from April,…...

9+ mon, 1+ week ago (450+ words) A city centre office block is to become an eight-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO). The change of use has been approved for the rear ground floor, entire first floor, and second floor of the three-storey building at 56 Bridge Street, Newport. Each bedroom will have its own bathroom, and there will be separate entrances for commercial and residential uses. The building is located near a Grade II listed building and within an archaeologically sensitive area. The ground floor was previously an education and training centre, while the upper floors were used as offices. The development will also include rear amenity space with two Sheffield bike racks and designated waste storage areas. The application was approved with conditions, subject to a Section 106 Agreement, which states that developers must contribute towards infrastructure and services such as community facilities, public open space, transport…...

7+ mon, 3+ week ago (410+ words) Plans have been resubmitted for the upper floors of the vacant West of England Hotel on Mill Parade to be converted into five self-contained apartments and two bedsits. The ground floor will be ... A former hotel in Newport city centre could be set to be transformed into homes and a community facility. Plans have been resubmitted for the upper floors of the vacant West of England Hotel on Mill Parade to be converted into five self-contained apartments and two bedsits. The ground floor will be utilised as an unlicensed community facility. The application comes as the building, currently in disrepair, was previously used as a public house and hotel. The proposals also include sustainability features such as bike storage, high-efficiency boilers, and aerated taps. Efforts have been made to address previous grounds for refusal, which was made back in January....