A WOMAN has questioned the decision to put a gate on a small tunnel in Stow Hill which the homeless used as a shelter.

Newport City Council has said it has installed the gate amid fears that anyone using the space could fall into the path of oncoming traffic.

But Leysha Davison, 23, of Cwmbran, who used to be homeless herself, says a man who used the tunnel had been left heartbroken by the decision.

Ms Davison, who is now involved in a new charity that will help those sleeping rough in Newport, said: “The nickname of the man who used to sleep there is Taffy and he was safe there.

“He is on the streets now but the weather is not nice.

“When we saw him over the weekend, he was heartbroken. He doesn’t know what to do.

“His sleeping stuff is still in there and it was tossed about while the gate was being fitted.”

Miss Davison said that they have been given different reasons as to why the gate was installed, including because of gas pipes.

“I have been in this place before and I didn’t see any pipes present or any dangers,” she said. “I would like some answers as to why this has been done.”

Miss Davison is currently working with new charity Food For Thought.

They go round the city every weekend and give the homeless food and hot drinks, as well as providing two meals over the weekend.

A Newport City Council spokeswoman said: “Newport City Council has installed a gate to the opening of a small tunnel off Stow Hill amid fears that anyone using the space could fall into the path of oncoming traffic.

“Newport City Council has a duty under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014 to help a person who is homeless.

“If a person has nowhere safe to stay the council will do all it can to find the person somewhere to stay on a temporary basis while he or she works with the council to find a solution.

“When someone has a priority need and cannot be provided with a permanent solution in the short or medium term, the council will always try to provide temporary accommodation.

“If a person is homeless or threatened with homelessness they can contact the Housing Options team in person at the information station in Newport city centre, or by calling 01633 656656.”