PILL has become an unofficial red light district, say furious residents and traders.

Street sex work isn't being monitored by the police and is getting out of control, according to those who live there.

Gwent Police say they are aware of the issue and continue to work with partners to tackle this. They also say officers regularly patrol the area and have conducted numerous operations in recent weeks.

But residents and business owners claim women are now selling sex in Commercial Road at all times of the day.

Pam Glover, 67, of Adeline Street, said: “The other day, at 7am, there were three prostitutes within a few metres of each other.

“There was one on the corner with Potter Street, one of the corner with New Street, and one by the toilets on Alexandra Road.

“It’s getting to a point I believe they’ve designated Pill as a red light district."

Ann Barton, 71, owner of AB florist in Commercial Road, called the situation "very bad", adding that sex workers are seen up and down the street outside her shop from the early hours of the morning.

Tina Addie, owner of KC store, in Ruperra Street, said she often has to ask women lingering outside her shop to move on.

“It’s not acceptable, but it’s quite common," she added.

“The lack of police patrolling is having a big effect, they seem to do what they want.”

The news comes more than a year after Gwent Police outlined plans to allow people to work as prostitutes in a specific area of Pill, away from houses.

The suggestion was met with an angry response.

Pill councillor Omar Ali said: “We’re all concerned about the prostitution and the drug dealing in the area – and one feeds the other.

"We’ve talked to the police about this on a regular basis.

“Soliciting and kerb crawling are a crime. The chief constable wouldn’t turn a blind eye to kerb crawling and soliciting in the area where he lives.

“We, as a community, are no different to any other community and, if there’s crime, we think it should be prosecuted.

“Police need to be more proactive.”

Gwent Police local superintendent Glyn Fernquest said: “We are aware of street workers operating in the area of Pill and we are continuing to work with our partners to tackle this.

“We aim to reduce sex working, reduce vulnerability of sex workers and improve the quality of life for the community and local residents."

He said that there are also plans for further proactive monitoring, and that they are tackling the issue with a multi-agency approach.

"It is vital to have relevant specialist services involved to tackle the range of complex needs and issues around vulnerable sex workers," he added.

A Newport Newport City Council spokeswoman said that council is aware of a range of issues in Pill and that they are actively working with public sector partners, including law enforcers Gwent Police, to tackle them.

A consultation is currently underway to tackle street drinking, drug use and anti-social behaviour in Pill with a public spaces protection order.

The consultation closes on January 15.