PONT FAEN SHOPS: Work is now well under way on the scheme to re-engineer the area around Pont Faen shops with the aim of reducing anti-social behaviour and groups of potentially malevolent teenagers loitering in the area. (I am the first to admit that they aren't all bad but some of these cherubs were right charmers).

Some of the biggest troublemakers are currently serving sentences for the problems they have caused. All credit to the people who came forward with information that managed to allow the police to get them off the streets.

Pont Faen is returning to being one of the most desirable areas of the city. The people in the area will not tolerate any nonsense from troublemakers.

The work at the shopping precinct involves the removal of the canopies at the front of the shops that were providing cover for the gangs, and resurfacing of some of the paved area that made it less welcoming for troublemakers looking to loiter around.

The work has been designed to provide maximum deterrence to those intent on causing trouble while just hanging around, at the same time making the shops themselves attractive and accessible to shoppers.

The scheme is the result of a collaboration between the ward councillors, police and Newport city council officers. So far the project is receiving support from the shopkeepers and local residents.

CIVIC MASS: Thanks to everyone who supported last week's civic mass held at St Patrick's Church, Cromwell Road. The mass, led by the current mayor's chaplains, Father Brian Cuddihy and Father Ray Bunting, with the resident choir sounding as harmonious as always, was a joy to attend, with readings from me dressed in full mayoral robes (as insisted upon by Father Cuddihy) and leader of the council Bob Bright, the city of Newport had certainly come to St Patrick's.

It is a long, long time since the last civic mass was held in Lliswerry ward. Councillors of all political colours representing wards across the city (and of course all the local ward councillors) were left with a fantastic impression of how well we can do things in Lliswerry.

The only thing missing from the service was our old friend and colleague Joan Jepps. We couldn't see her but we certainly felt her presence.

PREPARE FOR TAKE-OFF: Sharp-eyed observers will notice that one of the most popular buildings in our area, the Lysaghts Institute, is currently up for sale. No, it is not an April Fool wind-up, it is all part of the next redevelopment phase of our area. Work is also commencing on the new residential development behind it.

With the raising of the flood defence embankment through our area work should soon commence on all the outstanding projects such as the King and the former Pirelli site. The scale of the changes taking place is huge and will never be seen again by anyone reading this column.

What is important is that we all keep a watching brief to ensure that the developments are not to the detriment of existing residents.

It will also be interesting to see with the raising of the flood defence embankment if the insurance companies reflect the changes in the premiums they are charging residents in the areas now better protected against the risk offlooding.

THE PRIDE OF OUR CITY: A few tickets are still available for one of the highlights of the year when youngsters representing secondary schools right across the city, supported by performers from the Vanessa Clark Scool of Dance, strut their stuff across the stage of the stunning Riverfront Theatre to perform in the annual Mayor's Charity Gala.

Given the encouragement and opportunity to perform, whether singing, dancing or playing musical instruments, Newport youngsters prove time and time again they are some of the best in the UK.

Don't take my word for it, judge for yourself. Tickets for this amazing night's entertainment, to be held on Tuesday, April 15, commencing at 7pm, are a bargain £6 (concessions £5), book at the box office on 656757 or www.newport.gov.uk