RESIDENTS of a city which is like “Sports Direct built a theme park and Greggs did the catering” have told how they are desperate to leave.
Locals in Newport, Wales say the area is going downhill – and everyone wants to “get out”.
It comes as comedian Leroy Brito laid into Newport during a recent stand-up West End comedy show.
Brito, who is from rival metropolis Cardiff, about 15 miles further west on the M4, said to his audience: "Who's been to Newport? Let me paint a picture for you if you've never been to Newport."
He continued: "Imagine Sports Direct built a theme park and Greggs won the catering contract.”
In Newport this week few locals were laughing and most agreed the city had seen better days.
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One resident, Cath, 77, told The Sun: “Sad to say, I think Newport is, mostly, going downhill.
"All the decent stores seem to have gone out of the town centre like M&S, BHS, Littlewood and Wildings and just recently Wilko, of course.
"There are lots of empty spaces now where there used to be more prestigious stores. When new ones come in, it’s chains like Poundland and Supersavers – and of course Sports Direct!
"The quality of shops has definitely gone downhill. Many of the buildings have also been replaced by charity or coffee shops, but too many are now just blank, empty spaces where a shop used to be. That's why we don't come into town very often any more.”
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Her pal Marion shrugged as she said: "Newport used to be a wonderful place when we were younger, but it’s just not worth making the effort any more."
Teaching assistant Jane Thomas, 50, said: "This is the first time I have come to the centre of town for years.
"The last time I was here I was put off by drunks shouting and messing around. To be honest, I didn't feel at all safe but I decided I'd better try again, so I've come for a day out with my daughter to see.
"My first impression is that the place has improved a little. We've only been here for 20 minutes, but the place is cleaner and tidier than when I was last here and maybe the place has got some hope for a brighter future."
Two business studies students, Zain and Zack, who attend nearby Cwmbran College, expressed their concern for the city.
Zain said: "It's not a place you want to come and visit. It’s a place you want to get out of. Initially we were going to study in Newport, but we didn't like the atmosphere.
"There are bad things going on there and we felt we didn't want to get involved. We want to study to make a decent future for ourselves and don't want to go anywhere that might hold us back from being successful. That means a lot to us so it makes us take careful decisions.”
Zack chipped in: "There are a few decent shops here so we come here if there is something we are looking for, but otherwise we are quite happy to stay away."
Saydi, 35, who was brought up in Iraq, moved to Newport in 2020. He said: "I have been living here with my wife and two small children for three years now. In that time I have concluded this is not a safe place to be.
"Where I live, there are many drug dealers. I have called the police on many occasions to tell them what is going on but they never do anything about it.
"You understand I have to be very careful because I don't want to bring any trouble to my family and as it seems the police don't want to act, so I don't feel I have any protection.
'GOING DOWNHILL'
"There are lots of teenagers doing drugs. Everything seems to be so free and easy and they don't care what happens to them.
"I came here to learn English, get a job, raise my family and become a useful member of society. This should be a great place to live and work, but I wish it felt safer."
Manager of a gents barber shop Luke Sura, 29, said: "I've been the manager at the barber shop for two years and in that time I have seen the place go downhill.
"There are a lot of college kids here which is a good thing, but I don't think the town will inspire them to go on to better themselves. They seem to take to an easy life and live on junk food and fun.
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"The city council should do something to lift the place up and for the town centre to be somewhere to be proud of rather than let it deteriorate.
"They should have higher aspirations than to let the place develop into something like a theme park by putting up a few illuminated Christmas trees and festive lights in October. Is that the best they can do? I sincerely hope not.”
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