That Newport house? It's not in Newport after all - now petition aims to change that

New families and couples moving to Newport have been making home in a certain area of the town under the assumption they live in Newport - but that is not the case.

A few years ago the borough boundary of the town was changed, meaning it is out of line with the town boundary.

A lot of people living in Chetwynd Aston & Woodcote still believe they live in Newport but that is not the case, and a group have set about changing that.

Led by Councillor Peter Scott, a campaign has begun for the boundary commission to align up the boundaries once again.

First he needs seven-and-a-half per cent of the population to sign a petition before the boundary commission will consider any proposals.

Councillor Scott said: "There is an area in the south of the town which is now aligned up as the borough boundary is different.

"People come here to live in the new builds and they think they're living in Newport, but in fact they are not they're living in Chetwynd Aston & Woodcote.

"We want all the four town wards to align up, and we've been told we need seven-and-a-half per cent of the population to sign a petition, which equates to about 678 people.

"It will take a couple of years for anything to happen, and they will probably have to have a public consultation.

"The petition has gone well, and we are about two thirds of the way there."

The boundary in the south of the town represents big differences in each side of the fence.

People living right next to the boundary on each side vote for different councillors, and prices for some services are almost double if you live slightly in Chetwynd Aston & Woodcote.

Councillor Scott explained: "You vote for different councillors on the other side of the fence, however we want that to change.

"Also if you live in Newport, and you want to be buried in Newport cemetery it will cost about £670, but if you live the other side it is almost double."