Help may soon be at hand for the long suffering residents and shopkeepers in the Pont Faen area fed up with the unsavoury antics of the 'cherubs'' who hang around the shopping centre in the evenings.

Subtle changes to the paving and canopies around the shops should help discourage large groups gathering in the area and the subsequent (often alcohol-related) antisocial behaviour that follows.

The proposals are the result of teamwork between the ward councillors, police, council officials.

The work is dependent on an Assemblygrant aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour and the cooperation of the building owners and the shop keepers themselves.

Many of the materials needed to complete the works have been made available by local paving specialists Marshalls. Good design and engineering can make a huge difference to antisocial behavioural problems in any area but the most effective tool in the fight against this modern day problem is a good Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

There is no doubt that the people who cause these problems fear the ears and eyes of a united community more than any other weapon.

Planning Issues: There are two developments in planning issues of major interest to Lliswerry residents.

First. Residents living in the vicinity of the old Pirelli site will be pleased to learn that following an active campaign by the ward councillors supported by many residents in the area the planning application for a new bus depot has been withdrawn.

Second. Residents of Corporation Road will be pleased to hear that the public enquiry against the decision of the planning committee to refuse permission for the re-siting of the Robert Price builders merchants at the far end of Corporation Road went againstthe applicant.This application also attracted much opposition from residents and ward councillors.

The Most Beautiful Sound in the World: Last week Jane and I played host to a small group of children from Chernobyl.

As most people will be aware the area of their birth is some of the most polluted land on this planet. They and their families will suffer the consequencesfor many generations to come.

They visited us at the Mansion House along with their local hosts. Where we treated them to a birthday party-style tea.

Following their tea the children, joined by my grandchildren Jack and Daisy, played on the lawn.

If I remember nothing else from my year as mayor the sound of joy and laughter from those children as they noisily did what all children do, will remain with me forever.

Congratulations and thank you to the host families and organisers of their visit to our country.

Dragons at the Wetlands: Another (free) treat is in store at the wetlands on August 8, at 10am to 12 noon with Dragons and Damselsa fascinating search for the 16 species of dragon and damselfliesknown to frequent the reserve.

Many people reading this may not know the difference between a dragonfly and a damselfly (to be honest before I went on this guided walk neither did I).

Within minutes of starting the walk you will not only know the difference but will be able to positively identify many of the different species of these most beautiful and fascinating of creatures that inhabit the reserve.

Who knows you may be the first to discover a few more species.

Fire Dangers:With the school holidays upon us the fire in the former Brittania car showrooms has sent alarm bells ringing in more ways than one.

Those responsible for this act of mindless vandalism paid no regard to the danger they put themselves and the firefighters who attended the incident in.

For the safety of everyone in the area, anyone who has any information about this incident should inform either the police or the ward councillors before we have a real tragedy on our hands.

Time to Relax: Anyone who has ever taken part in a properly conducted relaxation session will know the positive health benefits that this simple technique can bring.

Anyone who hasn't will not know what you are missing. We live in a world where everything is rushed and our health suffers as a result. To anyone following a rehabilitation programme following heart-related illness, relaxation sessions are invaluable.

Learning to relax could also reduce stress and potential heart problems in many otherwise healthy people. In short, everyone could benefit from proper relaxation sessions.

Due to an act of incredible generosity by former patient Alan Waite the staff at the St Woolos Cardiac Rehabilitation have produced CDs that encourage deep relaxation. It features the voice of Eileen Knight.

Alan himself gained great benefit from relaxation sessions following a minor heart attack. With the help of his daughter-in-law Jennifer Johnston (a professional voiceover artist) Alan had the motivation and contacts to put Eileen's relaxation sessions onto CD to enable as many people as possible to gain access to the power of relaxation. The rest they say is history. Copies of the CD are available from the Cardiac Rehabilitation department at St Woolos Hospital (238398) for a minimum donation of £3.

The cost of the CD is used to produce more CDs.