PLANS to partially close a Newport underpass plagued by anti-social behaviour have split residents' opinion.

Residents in Dawson Close, Ringland, pleaded with council bosses to take action to tackle ongoing problems caused by gangs of up to 50 drunken youths gathering in the underpass that links the street with Llanwern Village.

Newport Council is proposing to shut the underpass between 7pm and 7.30am after the Argus highlighted the plight of the Dawson Close residents.

But locals living in Llanwern village say they have not been fully consulted on the plans and claim the route under the SDR provides them with vital access to much-need shopping and transport services. The official consultation period ends tomorrow.

Llanwern resident Alan Whiting, 65, of Dockwell Terrace, said: "This underpass is the only safe and convenient pedestrian route from the village and until an alternative safe and convenient route is provided, it must remain open."

Buses to the city centre stop from Llanwern at 5.25pm and Mr Whiting said residents would face a three-quarter-of-a-mile diversion around unsafe crossings to get to the nearest bus stop in Ringland.

Llanwern councillor Carole Atwell said she understood the difficulties of the Ringland residents but was disappointed residents had not been more thoroughout consulted.

"It is a public right of way and should not be closed without a proper consultation. In the interests of fairness, the residents in Llanwern should be allowed to have their say.

Dawson Close resident Wilf Harrhys, 73, welcomed the plans, which he believed would be implemented within the next three weeks.

"They should done it years ago. In fact, it should have been filled in.

"It has taken a lot of struggle and hard work."

Cabinet member for engineering and transport Ken Critchley said a pedestrian crossing to replace the subway would be part of the proposed Llanwern development, subject to planning permission.

"The gating order will help tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour in the area and improve the quality of life of local residents," he added.