Metal fencing has been put up around an alleyway that’s being used for drugs and illegal dumping

Metal fencing has been installed to block access to an alleyway in Newport which has become a hotspot for drugs and illegal dumping.

The barrier has been installed at the rear of shops on Caerleon Road and Morden Lane in St Julians following concerns raised by residents and campaigners in recent weeks.

The alleyway, located at the rear of the Subway restaurant on Caerleon Road, has been littered with black bags, street litter, discarded pallets, rotting food and needle syringes in recent months.

And now it appears the landowner has taken action on the site after Newport council was made aware of the issues in recent weeks.

Metal fencing has been erected around Morden Lane in St Julians, Newport after it became a hotspot for drug use and illegal dumping (Michael Enea)

Last year, residents in Newport said the issues involving illegal dumping and fly-tipping were becoming a living "nightmare".

Residents, campaigners and local representatives in Lliswerry, Pill and Somerton were among those who raised concerns over what they said had been an increase in dumping issues since the first coronavirus lockdown in March.

Local resident Michael Enea said: "We have a great community spirit in St Julians. Residents have mucked in and regularly cleaned this blackspot over the years.

"We’ve often conducted litter picks. It’s been an ongoing problem, with litter, rotting food, needle syringes and even rats spotted running around. It was a danger to public health.

The alleyway has had problems with drug use in recent months (Michael Enea)

"I’d especially like to thank Paul Murphy from Pride in Pill and local residents Andrew Clayton, Julia Davies, Marie Jermyn and others."

Newport council was contacted for comment.

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