21 hours ago
What people in Caerleon said about Roman Lodge hostel plans
After the Argus reported the plans last week, Facebook's Open Caerleon page contained strident opinion about improvements at the hostel, which has been granted by Newport Council.
The Argus therefore went out to gauge Caerleon opinion on the town's openness, its tolerance to the homeless and whether those who opposed the hostel would speak openly.
Those agreeing with some of the strong opinions shared online would not go on record. Whereas those being more supportive were more willing to be identified. Many doubters made comic descriptions on comments online: 'They're in public, swigging from cans and in dressing gowns, it's just not Caerleon." Another added: 'Grown up crack babies are not good for property prices."
Meg Preston (Image: NQ)
Those prepared to speak openly took a different approach. Meg Preston, who works at Coffiology, wants to see people get along and not engage in social media wars. She originally comes from southern California, the home of social media:
'My accent marks me out as different. Here, I'm 'American' and in America I get called 'Brit.' I came here 26 years ago and I lost my accent when at school. I think the internet's rekindled it.
'It's an emotive issue and we all need to take time before we comment. I understand reservations and I really do understand people being singled out too. We all need to stop and think before we post. I am not on social media.'
Ann Barnes was a bit more forthright: 'I remember it (The Roman Lodge) way back. We used to call it 'The Old Rising Damp'. I have no problem with it being improved and used.
'As for Open Caerleon, I don't look at it, it doesn't reflect Caerleon. My favourite phrase for it begins with an 'f!'
"It's poison. I did some allotment work during lockdown and posted it on there. The abuse followed and I've never gone back.'
Health worker Joy said 'it breaks my heart' (Image: NQ)
Health worker Joy, said: 'It breaks my heart that there are homeless people.'
She continued: "As I understand it, someone has invested in it and that's a good thing for us all – probably. Someone's invested and they deserve a reward, don't they?'
Visitors Andrew and Lucy Stephens (Image: NQ) Andrew and Lucy Stephens, tourists from South Africa, said: 'Wales is lovely, green and welcoming. I don't know about local animosity, but all we've seen here is welcome, openness and trust.
'We see a lot of homelessness and poverty back home and we all need to find a way forward,' said Andrew.
