CITY RETIREMENT FLATS TO START WORK NEXT SPRING

Newport Housing Trust is funding a the construction of more than 50 retirement apartments in Treberth Crescent that could start work in the spring if planning permission is granted.

The whole project is worth in excess of £8 million and planned facilities for the site include a restaurant, fitness suite and hairdresser. It is hoped work will start in the Spring and that the site will be finished by late 2011.

Already, a Community Living Club was also set up by the trust which now has 250 households as members.

The scheme will allow owners to transfer the equity from their current home to the apartments so they can purchase a 75 per cent equity stake at a cost of around £150,000.

The remaining 25 per cent will then be made available through a payment free loan from the trust.

Chief Executive of the trust, Phil Toms said: “This is all about delivering a service to older people which they are asking for.”

POLICE APPEAL OVER INCIDENT IN BAR

Police are seeking witnesses to an assault in a bar in Newport city centre in which a 36-year-old woman suffered serious leg injuries. Officers say she became involved in a dispute with a man in his late teens who tripped her and pushed her over.

The incident took place about 2330 GMT in Lloyds Bar on Bridge Street on 16 December. Police say the man was white, of skinny build, about 6ft tall, with short brown hair which was scruffy and gelled. He had jeans and a blue and white large checked shirt with long sleeves. He was clean shaven and spoke with a Newport accent.

Anyone with information is asked to call Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

CALLS FOR SAFE DRINKING ON BLACK FRIDAY

The Friday before Christmas, Dubbed “Black Friday”, from when it one of the busiest nights of the year for city centre pubs and clubs, Gwent Police and safer Newport are urging people to be responsible while out celebrating on the last Friday before Christmas.

Increased officer numbers taxi marshal's and street pastors are being brought in to deal with the expected numbers on Friday night

Inspector Bob Thompson, of Newport Local Policing Unit, said: “Our officers will be out in force on busy nights to help keep everyone safe, but we also want people to take responsibility for the amount they drink and their own actions.

Councillor David Fouweather, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for environment and community safety, said: “Together, with our partners we have a range of initiatives aimed at reducing crime and disorder this Friday, and other nights, and to try and ensure everyone has an enjoyable, but safe, time.”

With numbers on a Friday and Saturday night in the city centre falling over the past few years, many licensee's will be hoping for a boost in trade this year.

With taxis in demand the council have pointed out that if punters are in need of a safe lift, they can text CAB to 83222 to receive a text back with the numbers of three randomly-picked and regulated private hire/hackney carriages closest to their location.

Health bosses also pointed out that the Royal Gwent Hospital is always under increased pressure over the Christmas period so ask people to consider the following advice before attending please Accident and Emergency or dialling 999 for an ambulance.

If you are feeling unwell call NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 and speak to a nurse advisor. It you have a loss of consciousness, difficult breathing, suspected heart attack, heavy blood loss, serious injury or severe burns call 999.

For more information about Safer Newport contact 01633 656656