RESIDENTS of a Newport street fear their homes could be a victim of plans to transform the city centre.

Colne Street is in the middle of a proposed development area on the east bank of the River Usk - and residents are worried their small community will not fit into the plans.

Last week, the Argus revealed that Bellway Homes was ready to submit a planning application for 300 waterfront homes, as part of a £40 million project.

But for Colne Street residents, it was the latest in a line of revelations that made them fear for their homes.

In May last year, one side of the street received compulsory purchase orders from the Welsh Development Agency and residents thought half the residents were about to lose their homes.

But the WDA then explained that the order was simply for the back wall and some of the gardens.

Resident Arthur Buckler said: "All we want is to be told what's going on. For the last year we've been told this, then that, we just want to know what the council intend to do with our street."

Mr Buckler said they were still unsure what was to happen to the land being compulsory purchased.

He said: "The WDA and Newport council can't make up their minds whether the land is for a flood defence or a cycle track."

Susan Richards, who has lived on Colne Street for 19 years, said: "Will the council be happy building their new smart city centre and arts centre across the river, only to be looking out over our back gardens?"

Neighbour Sue Holloway added: "The backs of the house are all different sizes, different shapes and filled with washing lines.

"It's not going to work is it? The Gateway to Wales overlooking that." A Newport council spokeswoman said: "The council is looking forward to an application for the building of new homes to be submitted for the area.

"The proposals were the subject of a public exhibition in 2000, and the views expressed by residents have been taken into account in discussions with Bellway Homes.

"We hope to take the opportunity that comes with a redevelopment proposal to clear derelict buildings, improve flood defences and establish a new public footpath and cycle way." When the Bellway Homes application is submitted, the people living in the area will be invited to meet the council and an exhibition will be staged to show the detailed plans.

No-one the WDA was available to comment.