As we mark this year’s Armistice Day, we must never forget the sacrifices made by those men and women in our Armed Forces.

All those who have suffered the horrors of war, both recent and distant, deserve our utmost respect. As always, it was a privilege for me to lay a wreath at our Cenotaph in honour of Newport’s fallen. We will remember them.

On November 20, we will remember those in our Merchant Navy who have died at sea.

In the Second World War, it was Britain’s Merchant Navy which kept both the home front and allies supplied with vital resources. Relentlessly attacked by both U-Boats and the Luftwaffe, the Arctic routes the Merchant Navy took were called the ‘worst journey in the world’.

Organised by the City of Newport Merchant Navy Association, the event will see wreaths laid to commemorate the bravery of our merchant seamen and our city’s proud maritime history. Lest we forget.

* The infamous fly tipping spot dubbed the ‘Road to Nowhere’ in Coedkernew was finally cleared this month by Newport City Council.

Along with the Leader and Deputy Leader of Newport City Council, I was pleased to join the small army of volunteers who helped to clear the tonnes upon tonnes of waste and debris that has blighted the area for far too long. The transformation is remarkable, and huge congratulations must go to the local residents who have tirelessly campaigned for action.

Residents are not stopping there though. Plans are already formulating about how to reclaim the area for the community; turning what was once a blight into a place where nature and biodiversity can thrive. A brilliant idea that I wholeheartedly support.

If you would like to help with this project, or for more information, search Friends of the Road to Nature on Facebook or Twitter.

* Retail staff play a crucial role in our communities and have been on the frontline of the pandemic.

Sadly, nine out of 10 retail workers have been verbally abused in the last 12 months and shockingly 14 per cent have been physically attacked.

Each year, during the run-up to the busy Christmas shopping period, USDAW Union, runs its Respect for Shopworkers Week. This year’s campaign takes place this week and urges members of the public to ‘keep their cool’. Workers in retail must be respected and valued – abuse is not part of the job.