DRINKING AND DRIVING: TWO OF NEWPORT'S THREE MAIN CONCERNS

Most people feel safe in the Isle of Wight’s county town, according to a recent community survey carried out by Hampshire Constabulary. Of the 321 questionnaires completed in last month’s street survey, 89% of visitors and 81% of residents said Newport’s a safe place to be. Even after dark, only 17% of visitors feel unsafe, compared to 30% of Islanders.

The survey also asked people what they felt were the biggest problems in the town, in a bid to make sure they’re tackled. Those who took part in the survey cited drinking/drunken behaviour (79%), traffic congestion (75%), and groups of young people in public places (58%) as their main concerns.

The Isle of Wight Council’s pledging to tackle congestion and groups of youths, while the authority and the police are planning a joint approach to stopping drunken behaviour in the town.

20% of those who responded were aged 55-64 and 18% were aged 17-24 years. 58% of those questioned were female.