MORE than 300 people have signed a petition calling for work to be carried out to make improvements to an underpass in Newport.

Community group Lliswerry Ward Matters set up the petition regarding the underpass joining the Lliswerry area of Newport with the Alway area, by Lliswerry Road and Moorland Park.

Andrew Sterry, of Lliswerry Ward Matters, said the area - also known locally as “the cattle bridge” – needs to be better maintained.

He said the leaks are so bad that, when it rains, it is like a “waterfall”.

“There is not enough lighting either – only half of the underpass has lights,” he said. “We would like all the overgrown vegetation to be cut back, for the area to be cleaned up and with a new coat of paint.

“They would need to come check it regularly, it would need to be maintained.”

Mr Sterry claimed that the area is a hotspot for drug dealing and drug taking because it is hidden away.

“We would like to see CCTV installed,” he said.

Jane Harley, of Lliswerry Road, said she sometimes walks down the underpass, but that she hates it.

“I am petrified,” she said. “You do not want to walk down it when it is dark. I always worry someone is going to attack me.”

Residents also complained about "intimidating" groups hanging around the underpass.

A Newport City Council spokeswoman said: “Newport City Council looks after the surface area of this underpass and the lights while the structure is maintained by Network Rail.

“The council carries out grass cutting on the verges and cleans the underpass on a rota basis. We will also serve notice on landowners who fail to cut back vegetation near the site.

“During a recent visit the lighting in the area was found to be adequate however in response to complaints staff will revisit to carry out further inspections. A request for CCTV will be considered and responded to once the petition is received by the council.”

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We will work collaboratively with Newport City Council regarding the land ownership and maintenance at Lliswerry and we’d like to thank the community for their patience in the meantime.”

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: “We are aware that there have been concerns from residents about alleged anti-social behaviour in and around the underpass between Alway and Lliswerry.

“The area is in our patrol plan and we would urge anyone with any concerns to contact us on 101, or 999 if a more serious crime is happening at that time.”

To sign the petition, visit bit.ly/2tisBYW