A GROUP has been re-launched to tackle a Newport area hit by fly-tipping.

People dumping their rubbish and fly-tipping across Bettws left one councillor in the area infuriated.

And this week Cllr Kevin Whitehead re-launched Pride in Bettws to "sort out" the persistent problems.

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"The group had stopped functioning for a while," said the leader of Newport Independents.

"I decided this week to get it back up again because of the problems that I have seen."

The independent councillor had come up with the idea after watching the work of Pride in Pill, which is a similar organisation operating in Pillgwenlly.

Following the re-launch the group is now planning monthly litter picks, in a bid to "clear up" the vicinity.

Cllr Whitehead said: "Pride in Pill do an absolutely smashing job in Pill.

"They really have turned around the whole of that area. I think it is wonderful that people, like Paul Murphy, volunteer to help their area.

"Once I saw Pride in Pill I then decided to set up Pride in Bettws. Everything we do is based on what they do.

"Pride in Bettws does not just tackle fly-tipping but also general rubbish and waste which have been dropped."

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So far, the group has managed to sign up 20 volunteers - and the founder now hopes to build on this.

"Pride in Bettws can make Bettws a much better place," he said.

"We have got quite a few people willing to help us. But we need more.

"Recently we tidied up a lane which was covered in rubbish."

An agenda is currently being put together for future events this week.

For more information on the group, visit the Facebook page Pride in Bettws 2019.