The best and worst of 'pleasant' Shropshire market town, according to locals

From its friendly community and independent shops to growing traffic and concerns over development, Newport residents share what they love - and what they fear losing - about their town.

For many people living in Newport, the town’s greatest strength is something that cannot easily be built: its sense of community.

Friendly people, independent shops and a pleasant atmosphere all feature among the reasons residents enjoy calling Newport home.

But as the town continues to grow, concerns are emerging over traffic, parking, the loss of green space and the pressure new housing could place on local services.

For 83-year-old Barry, it is the people and character of the town that make it special: “It’s the people, the independent shops and the area,” he said.

However, he believes Newport’s growth is beginning to change some of the things that make it attractive.

He added: “Although it is getting larger and there’s less room on the roads. Parking is a problem sometimes.”

Barry also raised concerns about the loss of open space caused by new housing developments that have sprung up in recent years.

Yet the town’s atmosphere remains a major attraction for its residents.

Brian, 89, described life in Newport simply: “It’s the atmosphere, it’s very, very pleasant.”

Although he recognises that increasing traffic is part of modern life, he is less inclined to view it as a reason to complain.

“Everything else - the extra traffic - that’s the normal way we live today. So we can’t complain about that, really. You’ve got to accept these things.”

For other residents, however, the town’s future is about more than roads and housing. Access to essential services and a sense of security are also important.

Audrey, 65, praised Newport’s education provision, saying: “The schools are very good in Newport.”

But she expressed concern about the lack of visible police presence in the town, particularly for older people who may value having a familiar officer to approach.

“Not having the police around - you very seldom see a police officer, which is slightly off-putting for older people,” she said.

“Nice to have someone that you could talk to, know somebody who you can talk to is in the police force - we just don’t see it now.”

Healthcare is another area where residents are considering the consequences of Newport’s growth.

Audrey said she had no complaints about her own experience at the doctor’s surgery, but worried that an increase in housing could eventually put services under greater strain.

“I can’t complain about the service I get when I use the doctor’s surgery, but with all the new houses going up, I think it probably will become an issue.”

Brian, meanwhile, was keen to defend the standard of care currently available, despite the pressures faced by healthcare staff.

“I find the doctors surgery excellent for the amount of pressure that they’re under,” he said.