Great Western Coffee Shop

Wales's disability rights commissioner is taking legal advice on whether the absence of a lift breaks the law (link below.)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_east/6953760.stm

Newport station is undergoing a ^22m revamp to give it a space-age feel in time for the Ryder Cup golf tournament.

The 11 month project will see the venue almost double in size with a platform extension to cope with longer trains and an entrance on the northern side. The new look station will be clad in a material developed for the space industry and used on the Eden Project.

Arriva Trains Wales head of stations Peter Northcott said the station would be a "landmark building for the city".

Engineers have begun the work increasing the station's size to 2,100 sq m (22,500 sq ft).

Network Rail claims accessibility and safety are at the heart of the new design, with two new terminals and an additional new entrance to serve passengers from the northern side of the city. A station footbridge will connect passengers to all platforms while the station will also have three lifts, CCTV, a modernised customer information system and new waiting shelters. Both terminals will also have improved ticketing and information points and more shops.

The car park will have an additional 250 spaces and platform four will be extended by 50m (160ft).

The building will be clad in ethylene tetra fluoro ethylene (ETFE). Network Rail said ETFE, originally designed for the space industry, was chosen because it is extremely lightweight compared to glass and will require significantly less steel to support the structure.

In addition, the material provides better insulation than double glazing, does not degrade under ultraviolet light or atmospheric pollution and its non-stick, self-cleaning design means that grime can be easily removed by rain, said Network Rail.

What's wrong with Newport as it is. They've just fitted the floodlights at the Cardiff end of the platform, who needs station lights when you've got LED signals!

Talks bid to save Newport footbridge plans

Urgent talks are taking place about the refurbishment of Newport station^s Victorian footbridge after Network Rail warned the city council it may not be ready for the Ryder Cup.

Plans to refurbish the footbridge were part of the ^2.8 million city centre redevelopment scheme, after proposals to build a brand new bridge were scrapped due to a lack funds.

The cash for the Victorian footbridge was provided by Network Rail, the Assembly, and Newport Unlimited, and the council hoped that once the refurbishment was complete the unpopular subway between Devon Place and Queensway could be closed.

But leader of the city council Matthew Evans said Network Rail had informed the local authority that work on the bridge was unlikely to be finished before October 2010 when the Ryder Cup comes to Newport.

High level talks are now under way between the council, Network Rail, the Assembly, and Newport Unlimited to find a solution.

Cllr Evans said: ^Understandably, I was unhappy when I found out there could be potential delays. But I am hoping we can resolve the situation and I sincerely hope we can still achieve a positive outcome.^

He added it was very important to improve access to the city from Goldtops, and that the refurbishment of the footbridge was an "integral" part of wider plans for the city centre.

In February this year, Mr Evans told the Argus the subway under the railway station was an ^embarrassment^ to the city.

Gareth Beer, interim CEO of Newport Unlimited, told the Argus the ongoing talks were of the ^highest priority^, and all options were being explored to get the footbridge fit for purpose and the subway closed.

No one at Network Rail was available for comment.

ECO-FRIENDLY NEWPORT STATION GETS BUBBLE WRAPPED

Work to clad the newly-built Newport station with 31 futuristic air-filled plastic cushions - a look made famous by the Eden Project and the ^Water Cube^ from the Beijing Olympics - has started.

This marks the final major installation in the construction of south Wales^ greenest station and the new station is set to be ready for passenger use this September.

Over the next few weeks, 925 square metres of the two occulli steel structures will be covered in ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene), which will be inflated with air to form the roof of the main concourse buildings. 

These lightweight ^cushions^ are created using two layers of film measuring 250 microns, around two to three strands of hair in thickness, to form a distinctive bubble wrap effect. 

ETFE is among the most cutting-edge materials in the world and this is the first time that it is being used to construct a railway station in Wales.

Mike Gallop, principal programme sponsor, Network Rail said: ^Our innovative approach will produce a distinctive station that is cost-effective to build and maintain, eco-friendly and fit for the 21st century and beyond. Our work has been non-stop since the scheme began last year and we are progressing on track with all the major installations nearly completed now.  We will continue to work hard to complete the transformation in the next coming months.  Passengers will soon have the station they deserve and Newport city will have a landmark to be proud of.^ 

Ian Bullock, customer services director at Arriva Trains Wales commented: ^This is a very exciting project. Newport station is now leading the way in terms of its green credentials and we hope that it will become a flagship of how to construct in an environmentally friendly way."

Chris Pembridge, project design director, Atkins, said:"As the final cladding is installed, the true form of the building becomes apparent and visitors will appreciate the combination of engineering excellence and a building that is also highly visually appealing. A key consideration was how to minimise the building^s energy demands and carbon emissions and that meant using state of the art design tools to optimise the design. We believe the building will provide an outstanding feature for the people of Newport as well as proving a highly efficient and interesting station for travellers to enjoy.^

The station is now standing tall with the majority of the steelwork now completed; engineers will now be focusing on interior constructions in the next few months.  Refurbishment work on the existing canopies on the station platforms has also started.

Newport station is a joint project by Network Rail and the Welsh Assembly Government, with support from Arriva Trains Wales and the Newport City Council.

Notes to Editors:

Please log in to http://www.lobsterpictures.tv/docs/newport_1006_slomo.zip to access a time-lapse video of the construction of Newport station in the last month.

Originally designed for the space industry, ETFE is recyclable, does not degrade under ultra-violet light or atmospheric pollution and its unique non-stick, self-cleaning design means that grime can be easily removed by rain.

It is only 1% of the weight of glass and transmits more light.  It costs 24% to 70% less to install and is resilient enough to support 400 times its own weight.

The station is also built with facility to harvest rainwater for re-use.

Newport station is jointly designed by Atkins-Grimshaw and constructed by Gallifords Try.

Newport's 'bubble wrap' railway station roof laid

It is a futuristic look made famous by the Eden Project in Cornwall and the Water Cube at the Beijing Olympics.

Now Newport railway station is following their lead by installing a "bubble wrap" roof.

The 31 futuristic air-filled plastic cushions are being used in the concourse of the redeveloped station.

Network Rail says the material, which is eco-friendly, will create a "distinctive look" for the station.

Work on the new roof, created using two layers of film measuring around two to three strands of hair in thickness, marks the last phase of work at the station, which is due to open to passengers in September.

The cushions, which give a "bubble-wrap effect", were originally designed for the space industry.

The material is recyclable, does not degrade under ultra-violet light or atmospheric pollution and its unique non-stick, self-cleaning design means that grime can be easily removed by rain.

It is only 1% of the weight of glass and transmits more light, while Network Rail said it is also cost-effective as it means less steel is needed to support the roof.

The work, which is part of a ^22m station revamp, will provide Newport with a "landmark to be proud of", according to Mike Gallop, principal programme sponsor at Network Rail.

"Our innovative approach will produce a distinctive station that is cost-effective to build and maintain, eco-friendly and fit for the 21st Century and beyond," he said.

Ian Bullock, customer services director at Arriva Trains Wales, said: "Newport station is now leading the way in terms of its green credentials and we hope that it will become a flagship of how to construct in an environmentally friendly way."

NEWPORT BEGINS FINAL COUNTDOWN TO NEW TRAIN STATION

The brand new Newport station building will open its doors to passengers for the first time on 13 September.

The construction of the landmark Newport station has moved on to the final programme of work to bring passengers a bigger, brighter and modern station.  In the next two weeks, up to 100 engineers will be working to build pavements, tile the floors and fit out the interior facilities, including information points and ticket offices.

Mark Langman, area general manager, Network Rail said: "Work continues on schedule to meet our deadline and we will keep working hard over the next two weeks to deliver this scheme for passengers.  Wales relies on rail and the brand new Newport station is a great example of how rail industry partners are working together to bring Wales^ stations into the 21st century, encouraging even greater use of the railway network.^

Spokesperson from Arriva Trains Wales said: "This new development marks a huge step forward for passengers in Newport. This program of work will provide a more welcoming environment and a much brighter passenger experience, encouraging more people to try the train."

Councillor Matthew Evans, leader of Newport City Council, said: "I^m looking forward to the opening of the new railway station, which I believe will create a lasting legacy for the benefit of all Newport residents as well as further enhancing the city^s position as the main transport gateway for South Wales.^

Mike Otlet, technical director, Atkins, said: ^Newport Station is an iconic example of clever design and engineering excellence.  A key consideration of the design was how to minimise the building^s energy demands and carbon emissions and that meant our experts using state of the art design tools to optimise the design. We believe the building will provide an outstanding feature for the people of Newport as well as proving a highly efficient and interesting station for travellers to enjoy.^

The station measures 2,100 square metres and is nearly twice the size of the old building.

Passengers will benefit from two new concourses and an additional new entrance to serve passengers from the northern side of the city. A station footbridge will conveniently connect passengers to all platforms.

The station will also be equipped with three lifts, CCTV, modernised customer information system and new waiting shelters. Both concourses will also have improved ticketing and information points and more shops.

The scheme is jointly funded by Network Rail and the Welsh Assembly Government, with support from Arriva Trains Wales and Newport City Council.

The new station is jointly designed by Atkins and Grimshaw and is constructed by Galliford Try.

Notes to Editors:

The new station is the largest station investment in south Wales and it is built with the environment in mind.

Its roof is built with a special material - ethylene tetrafluoroethylene - that is also used by the Eden Project.  ETFE is originally designed for the space industry, it is recyclable, does not degrade under ultra-violet light or atmospheric pollution and its unique non-stick, self-cleaning design means that grime can be easily removed by rain.

It is only 1% of the weight of glass and transmits more light.  It costs 24% to 70% less to install and is resilient enough to support 400 times its own weight.

The station is also built with facility to harvest rainwater for re-use and the space in the public concourses is naturally ventilated.

NEWPORT'S NEW STATION: A NEW GATEWAY TO WALES

The benefits of the brand new Newport station will be far-reaching and lasting, says local government and transport leaders as the concourses of the new gateway of Wales open to passengers today.

The transformed Newport station - the largest station revamp in Wales ^ marks a step forward in achieving the vision of regenerating the city into a dynamic, thriving and business-friendly city.  The investment also leads the way for a successful partnership between local government, businesses and the rail industry in improving rail infrastructure to support social and economic developments, especially in time of spending cuts.

Today, Newport station serves more than 2m passengers - an increase by around 30% over the last five years.  Twice the size of the old station, the new station building is poised to cater to future passenger growth and an expected influx of 2,000 more passengers per day during the Ryder Cup.   

Mike Gallop, principal programme sponsor, Network Rail said: ^Investment in rail is a necessity and not a luxury, Wales relies on rail.  The country has an aspiration to become a leading destination for top-class events, such as the Ryder Cup and the Olympics, and a robust transport infrastructure is vital to meet that. Newport station will play a significant role as a transport hub during the international golfing event, but its benefits go far and beyond.  The landmark station will transform passengers^ travel experience and more importantly, it will help open up new opportunities for the city as it becomes more attractive to businesses.  Sustained investment in rail will be vital to help unleash the economic potential in Wales.^

Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport said: "I am delighted that this remarkable station has now reopened. It will improve the experience of passengers and provides striking entry for people as they arrive in Wales. World class facilities like this is central to making Wales an attractive place to live, work and visit. Our new approach to economic development focuses on creating a high quality infrastructure so that businesses, large and small,  are well connected within and beyond Wales. This station will certainly play a huge part in connecting Wales to the world."

Councillor Matthew Evans, leader of Newport City Council, said: ^We are now less than three weeks away from hosting one of the world^s most popular sporting tournaments and the opening of the new station is another sign that we are ready for The 2010 Ryder Cup and welcoming thousands of visitors to the city. Newport is the gateway city to Wales and the station^s increased capacity will play an integral role in our growth. It will provide an excellent first impression for passengers arriving in the city."

Peter Northcott, head of stations, Arriva Trains Wales, said: ^The new train station at Newport is fantastic for not only local residents but also visitors to the area and businesses. We are pleased that Network Rail has delivered this unique building providing a really welcoming and brighter environment and a much improved passenger experience. The new and improved facilities contribute to a station fit for the 21st century and will we hope encourage more people to use the railways to and from Wales.^

Mike Otlet, technical director, Atkins said: ^Newport Station demonstrates a successful fusion of innovative engineering and iconic design. The station^s unique architectural concept and geometry created some interesting challenges, which called for some inventive technical solutions. Atkins^ technical team worked hand in hand with Grimshaw^s architects combining creativity with practicality, and this was particularly evident in the solution for the unusual terminal building.^

The opening of the concourses today marks the first stage of completion with the second stage of completion focusing on snagging as well as putting the finishing touches to the footbridges, car parking and staff offices.

The station measures 2,100 square metres and has two concourses, equipped with CCTV, real-time customer information system, improved ticketing and information points and more shops.  Passengers will be able to access the station from an extra new entrance on the north of the city.  In addition, passengers with luggage, prams or wheelchairs will benefit from easy access onto all the platforms using lifts within the station building.

Network Rail and the Newport City Council have also carried out extra work to spruce up the existing platform canopies and refurbish the taxi rank outside the station.

Notes to Editors:

To download the time-lapse vide of our construction work from start to finish, please log on to - http://www.lobsterpictures.tv/docs/newport_100910.mov.zip

The scheme is jointly funded by Network Rail and the Welsh Assembly Government, with support from Arriva Trains Wales and Newport City Council.  It is jointly designed by Atkins and Grimshaw and constructed by Galliford Try.

The station is operated by Arriva Trains Wales and owned by Network Rail.  Train operating companies that travel through the stations include Arriva Trains Wales, First Great Western and Cross Country.

The landmark station represents a step forward in transport design with a featherweight plastic covering that is a hundred times lighter than glass and requires a fraction of the steel and concrete support of a normal structure.

The design embraces the divide between the two distinct halves of the city, caused by the bisecting railway tracks.  Passenger facilities, ticket offices and platform access are split equally between the two concourses either side of the tracks.

All elements are situated within terminal buildings constructed of structural steelwork and covered in continuous ETFE (Ethylene TetraFluoroEthylene) cushions with aluminium-clad spirals.

The spiral design mirrors the route passengers take within the station and helps to ease traffic flow by guiding customers from ground level up to the connecting bridge and back down onto the platforms.

Key sustainability features of the design include:
^         ETFE is recyclable, unaffected by ultra-violet light or atmospheric pollution and is self cleaning
^         ETFE is only 1% of the weight of glass and strong enough to support 400 times its own weight
^         Less structural steel required due to the lightness of ETFE
^         Space heating to accommodation blocks is provided by condensing boilers feeding under floor heating
^         Natural ventilation in the concourses and footbridge
^         Fresh supply air to the ticket office is drawn in through an underground Awadukt system to facilitate preheating
          and pre-cooling of the incoming air supplies
^         Rainwater harvesting is utilised for toilet flushing in both public and back of house areas

Bignosemac, more information posted on the forum for idiots, includes 2 of my written complaints.

http://www.wnxxforum.com/interactive/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14249&start=50

You need to be a member to view though.

I've probably already said it, but what an utter eyesore!

Yawn. I'm sure you have. Do you like anything that has been built since 1900  :P ;)

RAILWAY TEES UP FOR THE RYDER CUP

The railway has been readying its game in a drive to help serve one of the world^s largest golf tournaments.

Its success will affirm the readiness of Britain^s transport infrastructure in supporting top international events, says Network Rail.

Chris Rayner, western route director, Network Rail said: ^The 2010 Ryder Cup is a chance to showcase Wales on the world stage and our railway will play an important role. More than 45,000 visitors from around the world are expected to make their way into Newport this week and the railway is prepared to support the influx of fans from around the world.

^The Ryder Cup has brought tremendous economic benefits to Newport and its robust rail link was among the key factors for it to become the preferred host city. If Britain has ambitions to stage more top-class events, including the economy-boosting football World Cup, we must continue to invest in a railway on which Britain relies."

In a bid to support the Ryder Cup event, there will be no planned disruptive engineering work on the Great Western main line during the event period. This arrangement has also helped train operating companies provide extra train services for visitors travelling between London and Newport. The brand new Newport station has also been transformed in time into a modern and welcoming facility. The station will serve as the transport hub, where visitors can conveniently hop onto a shuttle bus and straight into Celtic Manor.

The value of hosting the event in Wales is estimated to be over ^70m. The Ryder Cup is broadcast into 750 million homes in 100 countries and covered by 2000 journalists around the world. The value of golf tourism in Wales had increased by ^18m since Wales was selected to host the tournament, to ^34m in 2009.

Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones, Officially Opens Newport Train Station

The Welsh Assembly Government invested ^8.5m in a ^22m scheme with Network Rail to modernise the station.

Speaking at the launch Mr Jones said,

    "The redevelopment of Newport train station - through close collaboration with Network Rail - marks another step forward in building a more accessible and effective rail network and is testament to the ambitious programme that we have  to develop an improved rail infrastructure in Wales.

    "A modern integrated transport system is vital for a vibrant Welsh economy and we warmly welcome the development of this important station." 

Passengers at the station now have improved accessibility, with step free access from both terminals onto all the platforms. The station also benefits from increased and improved parking facilities.

Open in time for the 2010 Ryder Cup in October the station played a significant role in welcoming the World to Newport and Wales.

The investment also brings long-term benefits as it plays an instrumental role in the regeneration of the city.

Plans are now underway to complete the second phase of modernising the signalling system at Newport area. This scheme is part of a ^400m scheme to renew the signalling system in south Wales and once completed, it will significantly improve the reliability of rail services and the prospect of introducing more trains.

Councillors slam rail bosses over Newport station

Leading Newport councillors launched a stinging attack on Network Rail yesterday over the way it has handled complaints about the city's railway station - hours after its official opening.

Deputy council leader Ed Townsend branded Network Rail "singularly unhelpful" after the authority raised numerous complaints from members of the public about the ^22 million new station which opened in September.

The catalogue of complaints include the leaking roof, lack of an information desk, the fact there is only one ticket desk, the cafe and WH Smith are too far away from platforms two and three to be of any use, lifts are often not working, there is a lack of signs.

On December 4, we reported how Newport council's managing director Tracey Lee and Newport Unlimited chief executive Gareth Beer were calling for an urgent meeting to address the problems.

Speaking at yesterday's full council meeting, Cllr Townsend told fellow member Ray Truman: "I share your disappointment about the station. I do not like it."

He said he has had discussions with Network Rail about the site's accessibility and added: "I think they are being singularly unhelpful with every dealing Newport City Council has...It's about time they responded to the people of Newport not to the shareholders or their board."

Cllr Townsend said that leader Matthew Evans has raised the problems with deputy first minister and transport minister Ieuan Wyn Jones, in Newport yesterday to officially open the station, and first minister Carwyn Jones.

"We are desperately serious that Network Rail responds to our needs," he added.

Cllr Truman said: "It's about improving Newport city centre. The station has a big role to play in that and needs to be service-friendly for people."

A Network Rail spokeswoman said: "Feedback from passengers are important to us and we take them very seriously.

"Improvements, which include improving signage and facilities for disabled passengers, were made to the station as soon as any issued were raised to our attention as we were determined to make it right.

"Our doors remain open to discuss any further concerns that the council may have. "Whilst we recognise that there is always room for improvement, we should also not lose sight of the benefits that the improved station has brought and mostly, boosting the competitive edge which the city needs."

At the opening, Mr Wyn Jones said he hoped the station, part-funded with ^8.5 million Assembly money, would act as an incentive to attract investment.

This month saw the passenger numbers coming through the new station pass the 900,000 mark and Network Rail are expected to hit one million within the next four weeks.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We put your concerns over new station 
 
At the official opening yesterday, the Argus put our readers' complaints to Mr Jones and rail bosses. Mr Jones referred our reporter to Network Rail. Here is what it had to say:

1. Lack of information desk and one ticket desk

Response: Access to information has changed, people using phones, internet and smart phones to get info and book tickets. "This is a modern, forward-looking station designed for now and many years in the future, it's a shift in demand."

2. W H Smith too far away

Response: Location of W H Smith was up to the store itself. "W H Smith was given the opportunity to go to certain locations - if they want to move somewhere else, there is a way they can do that."

3. Lifts don't work

Response: Network Rail said they had a minor technical fault with the lifts shortly after opening, but it was rectified straight away.

4. Lack of signs

Response: After the station opened, Network Rail had a walk through with some disabled people to highlight any issues, as a result of what was said, they added more signs, including one for the short-stay car park and for the lifts and added extra handrails in the toilets.

5. The leaking roof

Response: Network Rail's principal programme sponsor Mike Gallop said the leaks in the roof were teething problems which have been addressed

Can anyone bag me one of the InterCity Sleeper posters that are still on display in the disused ramp down to the old subway? Must've been there since the early 1980s!!!  ;D

No, they are MINE!!!

Am i  the only person to be pretty un impressed with the upgrade it just appears to be steps ,steps and more steps.
And the lift shaft effort on the island platforms has reduced sighting considerably thus increasing safety risks for HSTs

Can anyone bag me one of the InterCity Sleeper posters that are still on display in the disused ramp down to the old subway? Must've been there since the early 1980s!!!  ;D

Newport^s station a 'travesty' - clothing boss Laura Tenison

The founder of a multimillion- pound baby and maternity wear company has called Newport^s new ^22 million railway station a ^travesty^.

JoJo Maman Bebe founder Laura Tenison MBE, who frequently cycles between the station and her head office in an industrial estate in Lliswerry, said it would have been better if the money spent on it had gone towards renovating the old building.

She said she was not involved in city politics but ^it appears to me a lot of money was spent on making Newport cosmetically better without really addressing the underlying problems^.

I was appalled by the money spent on the preparation for the Ryder Cup,^ she said saying that the new railway station is an ^ostentatious folly built in a hurry^ for the competition. The businesswoman, who is a 44-year old mum-of-two, said that she notices every time she gets off the train that the building has weathered ^a little more^.

^When I cycle from the office back to Newport and I want to buy a cup of coffee I have to go to the end of the station, which when you are in a rush for the train the shop is in an inconvenient place,^ she said.

She added she thought the bike racks were inconvenient as well.

The businesswoman, who regularly cycles from the station to the office and back, said the older facilities were charming and historic: ^The awnings over the railway lines was a beautiful way to arrive in South Wales.^

The original station is currently being converted into a council information centre.

However she said there were many great things about the city, commending the lighting on the castle, Newport Market and the renovation of the Transporter Bridge.

She told the Argus the company may double the number of people that work for it in Newport over the next three to five years as it continues its UK retail roll out and builds international sales.

It currently employs 110 people at its head office and warehouse in Lliswerry and expects to employ another 20 in Newport over the next 12 months.

The firm is planning to open five new stores before Christmas, bringing the total number up to 42.

Is it time to close Newport's danger subway?

As officers continue to investigate an alleged double sex attack in the subway below Newport railway station, we ask whether the underpass is too dangerous to keep open. AILSA CHALK reports.

RUNNING from Devon Place at the rear of the station to the front of the old station on Queensway, it is easy to see why some people may find this subway intimidating.

The entrances are shielded from viewby steps on Queensway and a ramp on the Devon Place side and a bend in the middle prevents a clear viewthrough the subway itself.

Although it is lit, many of the lights are broken or out and graffiti covers much of the walls.

Lisa Weaver from the Gaer, said: ^I don^t use it very often. It^s normally well lit, but it^s still scary when you are on your own. It^s not very safe. It would definitely be better there was a footbridge.^

Peter Griffiths, 68, of Rhiwderin said: ^It doesn^t bother me, but I knowit does worry some women. I think it was safer when it went all the way through to Cambrian Road.^

Irene Warden, 54, from Newport, said she tries to get through the subway ^as quickly as possible^ whenever she uses it.

Newport council leader Cllr MatthewEvans said he has campaigned for the refurbishment of the old station^s Victorian footbridge, which is currently closed, for a number of years.

He said the refurbishment was included in original plans for the newstation, but was put on the ^backburner.^

Mr Evans said: ^It has been a hobby horse for me to ensure that a footbridge replaces the subway. It^s not an ideal situation. I^m not an advocate for shutting things down when there is nothing to replace them, but I think it^s in everyone^s interests that it closes.^

He said the height of the ceiling in the subway meant it was not high enough for CCTV and the onus was now on allocating funding for a bridge.

A Network Rail spokeswoman said responsibility for the maintenance of the subway lies with the council and discussions were still being had to allocate funding to refurbish the old footbridge.

BRITISH Transport Police were last night continuing to examine CCTV footage from the train station itself and the city centre in connection with the incident.

A spokesman confirmed a woman contacted Gwent Police at around 4.10am on Sunday to say a man attempted to sexually assault her and shortly after 5am another woman reported she had been attacked.

Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040, Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

EDITORIAL COMMENT: Avoid this dark subway

WE HAVE believed for a long time that the Newport subway which was the scene of two sex attacks at the weekend is a dangerous place.

We realise it is a direct link from Devon Place to the city shopping and nightlife area and vice versa.

We visited the subway yesterday.

The entrances are shielded from view by steps in Queensway and a ramp on the Devon Place side.

There is no clear view through the subway itself.

While there are lights for those using it at night, many are broken.

People we spoke to said they would never use it alone.

Some people clearly do though.

For two sex attacks to be carried out in the same place on the same night is extremely worrying.

It quite clearly shows that this is not a safe place at quiet times.

We believe now is the time to close it off at night.

It may cause some inconvenience but safety concerns outweigh that, surely?

There has been talk of the old Victorian footbridge being refurbished and reopened.

In the meantime we would urge people to simply not use the subway late at night.

It is not worth the risk.

MAN CHARGED IN CONNECTION WITH NEWPORT SEX ATTACK

A man has been charged in relation to an incident on Sunday, 20 November 2011, in a subway which runs underneath Newport rail station.

Nicola Rees, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS Cymru-Wales, said: ^The Crown Prosecution Service has been working closely alongside British Transport Police and Gwent Police, in relation to their investigation into two incidents that occurred in Newport city centre in the early hours of last Sunday morning.

"We can now confirm that, having carefully examined a file of evidence provided by British Transport Police, we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to charge Wayne David Jackson in relation to these incidents and that it is in the public interest to do so.

^Accordingly, we have advised British Transport Police to charge him with one count of rape, one count of attempted rape and one count of robbery.

"The defendant now stands charged with serious criminal offences and has the right to a fair trial. It is important that nothing should be published that could prejudice that trial.^

Jackson, aged 23, of Newport, was arrested on Monday, 21 November, as part of an investigation which was launched by British Transport Police (BTP) and Gwent Police following a report of a sexual assault and a separate attempted sexual assault involving two women in the subway in the early hours of Sunday, 20 November.

He is due to appear at Caerphilly Magistrates Court tomorrow (Friday, 25 November).

Officers have moved to reassure the residents of Newport that the city is a safe place to live and work.

Detective Inspector Mark Cleland, who has been leading the investigation for BTP, said: ^I think it^s important to realise that this was an isolated incident. Newport city centre is well policed, and is largely a safe and secure environment. It is also well lit and has a good CCTV system to protect the community. Incidents such as this are extremely rare. On this occasion, officers worked long and hard to ensure the suspect was arrested and charged as quickly as possible.^

DI Cleland added: ^Our officers will be out in Newport on Saturday night to reassure people in and around the rail station and to appeal for any witnesses who may have been in the area last Saturday night or early Sunday morning.^

Pictures  in the December's Modern Railways showing glass panels which have slipped on the platform canopies. Apparently clips weren't strong enough and are being replaced meanwhile there is quite a lot of sticky tape in view. Also comment that the  footbridge still leaks.

...Newport is going to have an "Eden project style" plastic roof and lots of curved lines and silver pannels which will be dirty, damaged, vandalised and worn out in a few decades time. What is wrong with just giving the station a lick of paint, some hanging baskets, and a tidy up? ...I agree. We moan about 30s, 60s and 70s station architecture, and then replace it with another contemporary design that will be hated in 30 years!

Heavily edited quotes from Tim and Btline that appeared near the start of this thread back in 2009.

Well, I think the 30 years bit was an overestimate!

Surely Newport is manned whilst trains are running, where do they hide?

Officers brand rapist a ^predatory sex offender^

(http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/resources/images/2000604/?type=articleLandscape)
SCENE OF ATTACKS: A woman walks alone through the underpass near Newport railway station Picture posed by model

A Newport man jailed indefinitely for a double sex attack in a city subway was described as a ^predatory sex offender^ by the officers who caught him.

Wayne Jackson, 23, of Commercial Road, Pill, was imprisoned for the public protection at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday, after admitting attacking two women in the subway underneath Newport Railway Station in the early hours of November 20 last year.

Detective Inspector Mark Cleland, who was in charge of the British Transport Police investigation, said: ^This was a brutal and shocking attack where both victims were subjected to horrific ordeals.

^Jackson is a predatory sex offender and a danger to the public, and although it is some comfort that he will not be in a position to offend again, it has left the victims with emotional scars that will last a lifetime.

^Officers worked tirelessly on this investigation, and their absolute determination to give both victims justice in this case meant that Jackson was tracked down and arrested within 48 hours.^

The court heard Jackson^s first victim was walking through the subway after having an argument with her boyfriend during a night out in the city centre. Jackson dragged her through a doorway and sexually assaulted her before she persuaded him to go to back to her house. Once inside the woman alerted her housemates and Jackson was thrown out of the house.

He returned to the city centre, where he encountered his second victim outside Marks and Spencer in Commercial Street. The woman was looking for a taxi home and Jackson offered her a lift. As they walked through the subway, he dragged her through the same doorway and violently raped her before threatening to kill her.

Sentencing Jackson, who smirked throughout the hearing, Judge David Wynn Morgan described him as a ^very dangerous criminal^ and said he must serve a minimum of six years before he will be considered for parole. If he is ever released he will be on licence for life.