Pill residents hit out at Mail's rundown city story
But we also report the many positive things happening in the city (not town as the Mail called it), and we will covering in more depth a number of issues raised in the Mail in the coming days. Today we started by talking to the residents of Pill, which had been highlighted in the report as "in a state of decay", with "drug addicted residents wandering the streets".
Here is what we found...
Rachel Clark, who works at Newport Support Network (NSN), said: 'I'm Pill, born and bred. The place has had some troubles recently but so has everywhere. Pill is on the up because people are positive here and here at the Newport Support Network, we are aiming to get more positivity.'
Tariq Khan, her colleague, also dismissed the Mail's account: 'They took a snapshot of a few chronic problems that are in many places. I'd rather concentrate on the positive things going on in Pillgwenlly.'
Nostalgia: Pill, Newport, the oldest community in Newport
Councillor Phil Hourihane, who was visiting Tariq Khan's new self-help initiatives hat serve all Newport, earlier gave me a tour of Pill. We walked for 20 minutes and he asked me about our uneventful stroll on busy streets: 'Do you see any drunk people lying in the streets? Any drug deals? Any anti-social behaviour? The Mail is just printing sensationalist rubbish!"
New 2025 Pill carnival queen and her attendants chosen
Zenab Farzal said: 'I was born and raised in Pill, which has long been seen as a multicultural area. For me it has always represented community and safety and the ability to live your life in your community. There are shops, services and two mosques that served and supported us. All the things we could want were here.
'Things have changed in recent years and it has become different. However, Pill is a vibrant and happy place and negative changes do happen and they can be overcome."
Mark Hayes said: 'The Mail is a Tory rag and I don't read it or believe it. I just wish they'd do reports on real issues, like why they can't cut taxes for local businesses, so they can compete with big corporations and make things better and serve their communities.
'Moving big stores to out-of-town is bad news for local businesses because it reduces visitors on foot and that should be in the news, not these political hit-job stories designed to provoke a reaction."
Mason Mathias, said: 'Well, who knows what's going on? I didn't take the report seriously. Maybe more police to sort problems, who knows? As for empty shops and no hope, Pill is buzzing compared to the centre of town. I'm only 19, rescuing Newport is for the politicians and businesses, not me Just ignore hype and don't react.'
A man who gave his name as Richard, said: 'Our problems are spiritual. We cannot survive without God in our lives. If you want to make a difference, bring it through building God's word in your communities and families. I go to Emmanuel Church, join me there and make things better.'
Pill has benefitted from a number of developments in recent years including the £17m Pill Primary School on Mendalgief Road, alongside the Victoria Court housing scheme by Lovell. There's also new play equipment next to St Michael's Primary School.
The regeneration of Constable Close by Linc Cymru is nearing completion and Kirby Daniel Court, homes for the over 55's, have been fully redeveloped.
In 2023, Newport Council revealed a new 'masterplan' for regenerating the Pill neighbourhood.
Commercial Road will be rejuvenated at 'the heart of Pill', with 'quality public services' and a mixture of business, shopping, leisure and community uses.
A new 'green corridor' will be developed around Pill Park, bringing together outdoor play and sports areas and serving as a home for community gatherings.
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