Newsletter May 2017
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Summer is just around the corner, and the gardens will soon be in full bloom.
As a part of the normal maintenance regime, the gardeners will be actively working around Loftus Gardens, these services will include;
Hedge cutting. This has started with some of the more established hedges already done. The newer, smaller hedges are in the process of being gently pruned to encourage them to bush out.
Grass cutting. Due to the recent lack of rain the grass is not in it’s best condition. Grass cutting has not taken place as regularly as it would in a normal spring to reduce the stress on the turf. We have also had an unfortunate attack of leather jacket grubs (The larvae of the Daddy Long Legs) and this has been treated with an organic nematode solution. A maintenance regime of spiking and feeding will be taking place shortly.
Shrubs. The shrubs planted last year are establishing fine however the new ones planted over the spring have suffered with this driest April for twenty years despite being fed and watered regularly with the hose pipe. This recent rain should help no end but they are still vulnerable, especially to the children who think it’s fun to pull them out. Please keep a watchful eye and ring 101 and report them to the police or stop them yourself as one helpful resident has already done. The wildflower meadow has thickened out and is growing well this year. Although it might not be as colorful as some would like, it is bursting with a wide variety of native grasses and flowers which is paradise for the bees and butterflies. This will not be cut until the end of the summer.
Following a number of weeks without rain, the pond level is low. We are keeping watch on this and may need to top up the water levels.
Our assistant gardener, Henry will be leaving us for a sunnier climate at the end of May and we are in the process of finding a replacement. The gardening service will be unaffected by this change.
If you are interested in this post, please contact 01633 233876.
Neighborhood Watch
Over the past couple of weeks we have had several incidents where children have been damaging the gardens, including breaking trees and pulling up plants. Residents have been actively involved with the identification and preventing damage to the public open space. If you are interested in creating a neighborhood Watch at Loftus, please email Rachel Lloyd to and give your contact details. Rachel email address is Rachel.Lloyd@Poblliving.co.uk.
Community Police
Your Newport Ward is Always. Gwent Police work with partners such as Newport City Council and Newport City Homes to make the area a safer place to live, work and visit.
- Call 999 to report emergencies
- Call 101 to report non-emergencies
- Call 01633 838111 for general enquiries
Call Neighbourhood policing teams direct on:
- 01633 245289 (Newport City Centre)
- 01633 245484 (Newport East)
- 01633 245477 (Newport West)
101
101 is a 24-hour telephone number provided by some police forces and local councils to deal with non-emergency crime, community safety and anti-social behaviour issues. If you have a non-emergency problem to report but the 101 service is not available in your area, you should contact your local police force. Calls to 101 from standard BT lines cost 10p for the entire call. The cost of calls to 101 from other networks and mobiles may vary. Check with your telephone company for details.
Newport Warden Service
To speak to a community safety warden anonymously telephone (01633) 656656 between 3pm and midnight or email incidents.wardens@newport.gov.uk
Although you do not have to give your contact details, please note that if the service is unable to resolve the issue using informal routes they will not be able to take formal action or update you on our work unless they have your details.
Your report will be handled in confidence and your details will not be given out to members of the public but may be shared with other agencies who may be able to help resolve your problem.