Hundreds of people have been marching through Newport this week protesting about the closure of the passport office.
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| Protesters marching in Newport City Centre this week. |
More than 300 jobs will be lost if this closure goes ahead. The announcement comes hot on the heels of Marks and Spencer announcing they are pulling out of the city centre to relocate on the outskirts of Newport; likewise NEXT and Monsoon
The city is undergoing many changes, with many parts being re-developed. The erection of a new university and halls of residence along the river front have been a welcome addition to the city, but people are wondering what there will be to attract potential students into Newport if there is no lively city centre and shopping facilities within walking distance. It's a funny set up here in this small city, on one hand we are having superb additions like the university and campus, new bridges, multi million pound redeveloped railway station and the mass attention that the Ryder Cup brought. On the other hand we have shops pulling out and now the passport office closure (which must have supported the retail outlets with its fluidity of customers) We are overrun with £1 shops & charity shops, which irritates me. I agree there are small galleries and cafes, but little retail to sustain anything. It seems as if its all one huge contradiction of plans. I for one don't understand it all.
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