PEOPLE fighting to regain control of their community in Newport now want to give local youngsters a chance to have their voices heard.

About 200 residents and business people met police, councillors and community workers last month in a bid to deal with problems in the Pill area, such as getting rid of gangs and drugs.

It followed a number of incidents including the death of local man Lemy Bullock who was found with stab wounds at a Pill pub.

Now a special meeting is being held on Wednesday where children aged ten and up will have a chance to have their say. Parents are also invited to go along.

Ann Barton, one of the campaign organisers, said: "We want them to give their views on the sort of activities they would like to get involved in after school. We really need to hear from them.

"We want to get the kids involved and away from the streets. By giving them something to do hopefully it will avoid any problems."

Mrs Barton, who has run a florist's in Pill for many years, felt things had improved in the area recently.

"I think there is a better police presence at the moment and it makes people feel safer but we can't let it go, we can't just drop it and not do anything," she said.

She is also one of a very small group who organise the annual Pill carnival and said it was intended to go ahead with it this year. The popular summer event is staged without backing from the council or other organisations and she appealed for people to support it.

"If we want to keep the community spirit alive in Pill then there is no point sitting back and moaning. We really do need support," said Mrs Barton.

Wednesday's meeting is being held in the YMCA in Mendalgief Road from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.