The clean-up organised by Maindee Action Group cleared the path from Corporation Road to Maindee Primary School. It was a great example of community spirit, but three weeks later the footpath was as bad as ever and there were still hypodermic needles in the undergrowth. This is by a path used by schoolchildren. Needles used by drug users are regarded as a major health issue,

especially in the spread of AIDS and hepatitis. Lib Dem Mike Hamilton said: “This land is owned by Newport City Council’s education department who have a duty to keep it. It is urgent that this land is properly cleaned. It is a scandal that we can find needles by the side of a primary school. We need the Labour council to take responsibility for the safety of children and to keep this area cleaned and safe.”