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The Shopping Centre Bettws
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Bettws and the LEP
Bettws is the second largest estate in Europe. It
is quite settled, having been in existence for over 40 years.
Many people came from Pill - an area near the Docks - when
it was demolished and from Maesglas. The number of people
from ethnic minorities is small on the estate. It is a Communities
First area, and the LEP is represented on the Partnership
Board, which has an office in the shopping centre. It does
have some problems with anti social behaviour - but these
are caused by a minority of youngsters and others (difficult
if one lives next door). By and large it can be a very pleasant
place to live. Property prices are on the low side for the
city because of the perception that it is an estate. However
other areas of the city which are regarded as more salubrious
have many more problems than Bettws. Locally there is a NHS
Dentist and a Doctor’s Surgery - as well as local shops
such as the Butcher, the Baker, the Spar and the chippy (excellent!)
- see the community web
site.
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The URC Church building was closed
about two years ago, and is a sad sight at present. However,
planning permission has just been obtained on the site, and
it is up for sale (to the highest bidder, as charity law demands).
Currently, Community Associations are hoping to purchase it.
Next door to that building in Tone Close is the Koinonia
House. It has now been put to work as a Community House
for the Church and others.
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The Old URC Church
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Koinonia House Bettws
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The Anglican ministry for Bettws is
currently provided by Revd Canon Henry Davies, a retired
priest. Mrs Rosie Buxton is the United Reformed Church
Church Related Community Worker. Her husband, Andy,
is the URC Lay Preacher. Mrs Mary Beckley is the Anglican Reader
in the parish. She has been a Methodist Lay Preacher. She was
involved in setting up the local Credit Union. It is envisaged
that eventually on the Anglican side of things the Parish of
Bettws will be linked with the Parish of Malpas next door, with
two paid clergy looking after the two parishes.
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Tone Close Bettws
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