Residents split on Newport's great balls of steel

The steel water features were installed on Friday as part of a £3.8 million city enhancement programme funded by the Assembly, which aims to improve public areas for residents and visitors of the October golf tournament at the Celtic Manor Resort.

But not everyone is happy about the new additions to the square with some fearing they will be vandalised.

Newport resident Paul Webb said: "It would be better if they put more money into creating jobs and training. I can't see them being of much use. I wonder where they get the money from."

Dave Winterfeld from Abercarn said: "As if one wasn't bad enough. I hadn't even noticed until my friend said there were two of the things."

But others are looking at the positives.

Craig Pumford, of Pumford & Sons fruit and veg stall, said: "They look lovely. There are more people in the square coming to have a look at them so it's good for us."

David Rees said: "They're OK actually. The water effect is good".

John Mercer added: "They're quite nice but it's a pity they cut down the trees we used to have.

"It needed to have something done to it as it did look a bit bare. Whether it's the right thing I'm not sure."

Other work completed in the square includes the painting of disused shops and newly laid yellow tarmac to brighten up the area as well as new benches and bins.

A new walkway between John Frost Square and the bus station has also been completed and will be open in the next few weeks.

The foundations and other artwork will be removed from the area and put elsewhere in the city to make way for the city centre redevelopment once a developer is found.

Newport council was unable to say how much the fountains cost.

Your views on the water features

Craig Pumford John Mercer 'They look lovely' 'Pity the trees had to go' Paul Webb Dave Winterfield 'Spend the money on jobs and training' 'One is bad enough'