GWENT Police has confirmed the force has hired Rodney Parade for the duration of the Nato Summit.

The home of Newport Gwent Dragons, Newport County AFC and Newport RFC is in lockdown with no public access allowed.

The rugby and football clubs have had to close their ticket offices and shops for the duration, with County opening a temporary shop in the Kingsway Centre.

The lockdown period will end on September 7.

Previously, the Argus has only been able to report that the lockdown was a result of security operations surrounding the Nato Summit.

But we are now able to report that the police service has hired the venue from Rodney Parade's owners.

A Gwent Police spokesperson confirmed today: "To help ensure a safe and secure Nato Summit for those attending and for local residents, the police service will be using a number of local venues as part of the policing operation.

“One of these venues will be Rodney Parade. The venue will be used  for various activities including booking officers on and off duty, briefings, and canteen facilities to name but a few.

"Venues which are being used by the police service, such as Rodney Parade, are being paid for from the Nato security operation budget."