A PETITION calling on Newport City Council to schedule a public meeting to discuss the "problems" in the city centre has amassed nearly 1,000 signatures.
The petition, which at time of printing has 970 signatures, claims that people are avoiding visiting Newport city centre in favour of Cardiff and Cwmbran.
Christine Davies, who started the petition, claims that reasons for the area being overlooked include "aggressive begging, wide scale homelessness, drunken fights, people relieving themselves in doorways and general anti social behaviour".
Mrs Davies said that she has made Newport City Council aware of her intentions to present 1,000 signatures to a public meeting in the near future. She also hopes a city business will get on board with her efforts.
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Mrs Davies said: "I set up the petition and wrote the letter because I care for the city centre. We need action now to stop the problems.
"I am not the only person who is very concerned with what is happening - as the petition shows hundreds of people have signed it.
“I am really grateful to everyone who has supported the petition. When it does reach 1,000 I will print it out and present it to the council.
"I think that is a sizeable amount of signatures. Then hopefully a meeting can take place. We need a meeting because we need answers.
“I do think that a public meeting is justified. Believe me I have every intention of making sure a public meeting is full. I don't normally comment on these issues but I am fed up of the disgrace Newport has become."
Mrs Davies went on to say that she believes the issues are being caused by a minority of those in the city centre.
"Believe me I am sympathetic towards homelessness and I know that it can happen to anyone at any time," she said.
"However, the unacceptable behaviour of a minority is beyond comprehension. This really does need addressing immediately."
Newport City Council have stated that they will consider the petition when it is received.
Councillor Debbie Wilcox, leader of the council, said: “Sadly, homelessness is on the rise across the UK and there are no easy answers.
“However, we certainly have not been sitting back and doing nothing. A range of work is being carried out in the city centre.
“We are have to try and strike a balance between dealing firmly with those who are being abusive or threatening – and any criminal behaviour should be reported immediately to the police – and those in genuine need and desperation.
“However, the reasons why people beg and sleep rough are complex. Forcing people to move on would not make the problems disappear; it would just transfer them to another location.”
For more information about homelessness services visit newport.gov.uk/homelessness
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