RESIDENTS of Newport's post-war prefabs watched yesterday as work began to replace their homes with new bungalows.

The oldest residents of the Bishpool and Treberth estates had mixed feelings at the ground-breaking ceremony, while members of the local community group said it was "a really good day".

Elsie Saunders said she would be sad to say goodbye to the prefab where her eight children were all born.

The 83-year-old, who moved into her home in 1944 when the prefabs were first built, said the building held many happy memories for her. "It's a sad day really," she said. "But if my husband was still alive it would be one of my happiest days."

Mrs Saunders added: "I've spent many happy hours here. It was lovely and they were all good neighbours."

Minnie Owen, one of the Treberth Estate's oldest residents at 86, said she had mixed feelings about moving into a new bungalow.

Mrs Owen said: "I've got good memories and it's sad they're coming down. After I moved here 52 years ago I said I'd never move again, but I hope I live to see my bungalow.

"I've got good neighbours, never a cross word has been said." But Mrs Owen admitted that she was looking forward to moving into one of the new, more secure, homes.

"I've had nine break-ins since I've been here," she said. "Each time it's happened while I've been on holiday except for two months ago when it happened while I was in bed. I was nervous after that. I know we've got to go."

Mrs Owen's friend, June Macdonald, has lived on the estate for nearly 55 years. She said: "I was 18 when I moved in with my mother and father and sister. Now I'm 72. "I'm looking forward to moving into the new bungalow, but not the thought of moving and lifting everything, with my osteoporosis."

Diane Page is secretary of the Bishpool and Treberth Community Group (some of whose members are pictured) , which has been fighting for the new bungalows for the last three years.

She told the Argus: "This is a really good day and I hope everything goes smoothly. We wish the workmen good luck and look forward to seeing the first house."