Natasha Asghar MS recently met with Football Association Wales (FAW) and residents to discuss plans for a new 3G pitch at Dragon Park after a £1million investment by Welsh Government.
The FAW intends to use the new pitch as the home of the FAW Girls Regional Programme and to support grassroots participation across Newport, alongside improved training facilities.
However, residents who will be living alongside the new site outlined their concerns about access, parking and benefits to the local community. Residents in the immediate area want to ensure that the community’s enjoyment of the area is not disrupted by crowds and floodlights, as well as seeking assurance that women’s safety would remain a priority and adequate CCTV would be available around the site.
Natasha Asghar said: “While everyone is keen to ensure that more women and girls are participating in Welsh football, the FAW must take reasonable steps to ensure that the local community is on board and is satisfied with the new plans. In response to one of my questions, it was clear that the new pitch would only last about 15 years, so my further question is, what happens when the pitch and the facilities need to be replaced?
"I look forward to supporting residents with their concerns, alongside gathering further information from the FAW about whether their plans can be changed to compromise with the community”
