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South Wales Argus
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Pill residents hit out at Mail's rundown city story
The issues covered in the report are familiar to Argus readers, and the figures are ones we have reported before. 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.
South Wales Argus
14-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
New support hub to open in Newport to meet rising demand
With living costs continuing to rise and donations and volunteers becoming harder to come by, Newport Support Network is finding new ways to meet growing demand. Located on 192 Commercial Road, Feed Newport and Cultural Food Hub is a buzzing community hub offering far more than just standard food parcels. Handing out baby essentials, cultural foods and hot meals, this organisation has become a lifeline for many. Founded in 2020 by Tariq Khan, the food hub started with the goal of supporting ethnic minority communities but has since evolved into a vital support network for anyone in Newport who needs it, from domestic abuse victims to refugees and families living in temporary accommodation. They also offer a soup kitchen every Friday from 11.30am to 1.30pm, funded by the National Lottery. Mr Khan's motive for starting Newport Support Network 'sounds cliché', he said, "but a support worker helped me in the past and, when I was able to, I wanted to give back. "Fast forward 20 years, I became a qualified support worker and started Feed Newport." The organisation now operates as a cultural food hub, soup kitchen, baby bank and 'everything in between', said Mr Khan. Services run throughout the week, providing catering to a diverse range of dietary needs, including halal, vegan and gluten-free. Newport Support Network is now expanding further. A new site at 92 Commercial Street is set to open in the coming weeks, offering what Mr Khan describes as an "open table and pantry, which is a space for families, providing them with English lessons, cooking lessons and community workshops." They also provide baby food, nappies and other essentials to new mums and families in need. This initiative supplies essential items for infants and toddlers to ease some of the pressures of early parenthood, especially for families experiencing poverty, homelessness, or crisis. "We're creating a space where people can access everything under one roof," he said. Mr Khan is also working with Asda's community scheme and local farm shops to ensure food sustainability, while making new investments, including a £35,000 Comic Relief sponsor, which aims to create jobs and reduce the number of empty shops in Newport. "It's just good people coming together," Mr Khan said. "When you see so much negativity on social media, it's important to show that there are still people out here who care." How You Can Help Newport Support Network welcomes all kinds of support. They're currently accepting non-perishable food items and monetary donations and are looking for volunteers. You can also self-refer through their website if you need support. Every contribution helps build a Newport where everyone feels welcome, supported and seen. To get involved, visit the Feed Newport website, or stop by their centres at 192 Commercial Road, NP20 2PP, or the soon-to-open 92 Commercial Street.
