CONCERNS have been raised about the state of a park and play area in Newport, with a regional Assembly Member backing calls for improvements from residents.

Roderick Hughes has lived by Glasllwch Park and play area for 62 years and says a number of issues need addressing, but most pressing is the need for a new fence to separate the site from a cemetery next door.

He said the current fence was first installed on what was said to be a temporary basis, nine years ago.

“The fence was supposed to stop people entering the cemetery after dark, but it hasn’t been repaired or maintained so all the panels are falling down.

“The park is also situated on an old ash tip. What is underneath has rotted away and is subsiding.

“What it needs is resurfacing and levelling. “The whole park needs a bit of TLC.

“We once had 17 benches here and now we only have two. They go for repair but never come back.”

Tanya Lowe, who lives near the park, said: “I would like to see better facilities for the children.

“They took the slide away about two months and it hasn’t been put back. The children were disappointed when it went.”

Steffan Lewis AM said: “I got in touch with the council to request they remedy the state of benches, the chained play area and the general condition of the park. It’s very sad to see a local facility in such a condition.

“I have been assured by the local authority that addressing the state of the park is a high priority and I look forward to it being restored to its former glory as soon as possible.”

Newport City Council recently closed the play area following vandalism.

A spokeswoman for Newport City Council said: “Works have recently been carried out to Glasllwch Park following a number of incidents of vandalism. The play area is safe to use and the area is in generally good condition, with the grass cut and football pitch available for use.

“An inspection has identified some minor maintenance issues including a split slat on a bench, which is being addressed.

“The council is also looking to make further improvements to the boundary fence that separates the park and the cemetery. This has been added to a list of city-wide repair works and will be completed subject to finance being available.”