Jessica Morden MP on Underwood, housing and stations
I've taken these concerns to Parliament and am meeting directly with one of these companies to press for change. I'm also pleased that the UK Government has launched a consultation titled 'Strengthening leaseholder protections over fees, charges and services.' Amongst other points, it focuses on making service charge demands clearer and easier to challenge, with standardised forms and annual reports and increasing transparency around buildings insurance costs so leaseholders can better understand and contest charges.
These proposals are part of wider efforts to reform the outdated leasehold system. A draft Leasehold and Commonhold Reform Bill is expected later this year, and I'll continue to keep residents updated as this progresses.
Another issue raised by residents is the former Underwood Leisure Centre. People have told me about anti-social behaviour at the site, its poor condition, and the missed opportunity for community use. I've contacted local policing teams and Newport City Council to ask what's being done. The police have confirmed they are aware of the issues but are concerned that incidents are going underreported.
So, I'd encourage all residents to report any anti-social behaviour in Underwood or elsewhere via 101 or the Gwent Police website. This helps ensure officers can be deployed where needed. My team and I will also be holding an anti-social behaviour advice surgery in early autumn with local partners – keep an eye on my social media for more on this soon.
I've also raised the issue of the empty leisure centre directly with the leader of Newport City Council. Although the building is not council-owned, I'll continue to push for it to be brought back into use.
On transport, I was really pleased to hear that the UK Government has allocated funding for two new stations in Newport East – one in Somerton and one in Llanwern. These will help reduce congestion and provide direct links around the city, and to and from Cardiff, Bristol and elsewhere for residents and visitors alike.
Many residents and the T.R.A.C.S campaign group have also contacted me about the case for a new station in Caerleon. I fully support this – it would be a huge boost for the area, especially with growing housing developments and plans to expand local tourism. I've met with the campaign group previously and look forward to continuing to work with them to move the campaign forward.
In the city centre, the UK Government, Gwent Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner are launching a 'crime blitz' this summer. Newport is one of 500 towns and cities taking part in the scheme, which will see increased police presence and stronger enforcement to make the city centre safer for shoppers, businesses and visitors.
This, along with the recent deployment of more officers across Newport East, is a key part of delivering the government's Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. Policing, crime and concerns about the city centre are issues residents and businesses raise with me regularly, so I welcome this action and look forward to seeing the results.
To mark the 97th anniversary of the Equal Franchise Act, I welcomed a group of seamstresses who are based at Re:Make in the city centre to Parliament to present every woman MP with a personalised suffragette sash. Centenary Action was behind this project, which also marked the fact that 40 per cent of MPs in the current Parliament are women.
To see all the sashes being worn on the steps of the historic Westminster Hall was quite wonderful, and it was also fabulous to hear the Prime Minister thank them for their efforts in PMQs.
Thanks to all the women from Newport for their hard work in creating these wonderful mementoes. You can see a short clip from the day on my website at jessicamorden.com
Finally, a huge thank you to all the brilliant volunteers, organisers and community groups who make our local events such a success. The Maindee Festival was a joy, and the Caerleon Festival has once again delivered a fantastic programme of art, literature and music. This weekend, The Big Splash will take over the city centre, and the Medieval Ship Open Day is also on the calendar. In August, the Urban Beach and other summer holiday activities return, followed by Pride in the Port and the Newport Food Festival in the autumn. I was also pleased to see the announcement of the 2026 Newport Music Trail, set for next March.
These events bring people together, boost our local economy and showcase the best of Newport East. Thank you to everyone involved.
If you'd like to raise an issue or get in touch, my team and I are here to help. Call 01633 841725, email jessica.morden.mp@parliament.uk or use the contact form on my website.
Jessica Morden is MP for Newport East.
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