RESIDENTS from the Lighthouse Park Estate in St Brides in the Wentlooge levels are being evacuated from their homes as a 'precautionary measure', as their homes are at risk from coastal flooding.

A flood warning for the area has been issued as a tidal surge is expected to hit the area early tomorrow (Friday) morning.

According to a South Wales Fire and Rescue spokeswoman, the flood warning for the overall Wentlooge levels could affect up to 3,500 properties.

Inspector Huw Jones from Gwent Police, who are assisting in the evacuation, said: "The flood warning triggered Newport City Council's emergency plan for a precautionary evacuation to ensure the safety and well-being of residents."

Those evacuated will be directed or taken to a central meeting point before being provided with overnight accommodation.

Meanwhile, the Fire Brigades Union has announced firefighters in Gwent are due to strike again tomorrow morning between 6.30am and 8.30am, despite flood warnings being issued for much of the area.

The strike is the latest in a series of strikes over firefighter's pensions.

Strikes will take place across England and Wales, and will affect services in Gwent as firefighters from South Wales Fire and Rescue take part.

However, a spokeswoman said the strikers will resume work if there is a large emergency or major incident with a serious risk to public safety. She added the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) is monitoring reports from the Environment Agency about the threat of flooding and discussions are also underway with fire and rescue service principal managers.

FBU General Secretary, Matt Wrack, said: “We will monitor the situation closely and liaise with the management of the fire and rescue services involved. In the event that the situation develops as predicted then we will respond in line with our major incident agreement.

“We have previously shown that where safety is significantly threatened firefighters have set aside their differences with government to put the public first."

The government plans to raise firefighters' retirement age from 55 to 60 and increase their pension contributions.