To ask whether you are aware of the NATO summit taking place in Wales in September?

[emsiewill]

If you live in South Wales you are probably aware that 82 of the world's leaders, including Obama will be at the NATO summit taking place at the Celtic Manor in Newport on 4 - 5 September.

If you aren't local, you probably aren't aware that this is the largest security operation ever undertaken in the UK. That steel fences have been erected around the Celtic Manor and all around Cardiff, already causing traffic chaos.

And that this is taking place a mile from my house, I am on the route of one of the "peaceful" protests, and, with the current conflicts taking place in Gaza, Iraq and Syria, I am shit scared that the summit will be targeted by militants of one persuasion or another, and I and my family and neighbours will be directly in the firing line.

So, if you are not local to me, have you heard about this summit?

[scaevola]

Yes, because I'd heard of the possible school closures.

There was a huge security operation around Gleneagles for the summit there too.

[BolshierAyraStark]

Yes but purely because I could've volunteered to assist at said event through work.

[EBearhug]

Yes, partly because I'm thinking of visiting family in S Wales in September, but it should all be over by then.

[emsiewill]

Everyone I've spoken to who isn't local has looked at me as though I've gone a bit funny in the head when I've told them. You can see them thinking "NATO summit, Newport? Yeah, right"

[saladfingers]

The security is terrifying.How much is it all costing?I don't understand the fencing along the motorway or through the city centre?

[emsiewill]

From what I've read, I don't think the costs are being covered by the council, thank goodness.

The fencing is all around the Celtic Manor, although it's not very high & there are "access points" so I think it's more as a visible deterrent. I think the police men with guns & the helicopters, snipers on the roofs etc are where the security will happen.

They are having a meal in Cardiff on the Thursday evening, so that's what all the fences etc are about there.

[emsiewill]

Lol! There is a picture doing the rounds on Facebook showing Obama looking out of the window of Air Force One saying "but that's Newport. Please don't make me go out there"

[emsiewill]

It is a real concern, though. We were originally told "no real disruption, go about your business as usual" & now it's all "rethink your journeys, close the schools, watch out for the protesters..."

[SomethingAboutNothing]

Yes, a police officer relative will be heading there on duty. Hadn't heard about it before they mentioned it.

I have distant family in newport and we visited when I was young, I remember it being a strange place, seems a very odd choice for a NATO summit. I wonder who decides where they take place and what they look for in a venue.

[emsiewill]

I've heard a number of different stories about how / why it was chosen. One things for sure, the owner of the Celtic Manor has a lot of clout locally; having got the Ryder Cup here in 2010, he does seem to have carte blanche to do what he likes & is probably loving the prestige that comes with an event like this.

If it all goes wrong, though, it could be a disaster for his PR.

[Fiddlerontheroof]

Some schools in Newport are having an extra week off!

It looks crazy!

[Hopefully]

I just every time I think of the person/committee who thought, "now which place do we want to represent the UK, to show the world's leaders that the UK is a place to be reckoned with? I know, Newport!!"

[hellymelly]

is this the official song of the event?

[meglet]

yes, because someone I follow on twitter was on about the Sat Nav signals all being shut down (?!) and all the rental cars in the area have been booked.

I had a double take when the words Newport + NATO were used together though.

[Ruhrpott]

I'm flying from Cardiff airport on the 4 th. Hope I can actually drive there and not miss my flight!

[softlysoftly]

Really wish people would stop attacking Newport. The city centre is a total shithole full of scumbags yes but that's not all of Newport is it? Its like basing all of Cardiff on Canton. We live on the outskirts and its a lovely area, beautiful views, great family neighbourhood, outstanding primary and transport links. I'm not actually "from" here and neither is DH so no motive to defend really. Celtic Manor itself isn't even close to Newport centre it's in a lovely area (though the building itself is ugly I think! ).

Anyway having said that we are fleeing for the NATO summit, back Sunday and no my family in Yorkshire had no clue until I said why we were going away.

[emsiewill]

Oh dear Rurhpot I don't fancy your chances I'm afraid...

[BestIsWest]

We,re being advised to work from home if possible on those two days. DD is already having problems getting to work in the Bay because they've changed the bus routes.

[emsiewill]

I do agree softlysoftly neither dh nor I are from here, although dh is Welsh, & we've been really happy here. Never regretted moving here.

However, I really do worry about the protest march coming down my road and directly past my house.

[MyrnaLoy]

I'm not in Wales Emsie and I had no idea this was happening.

That's just to answer the original question and not because I think it adds to the discussion....

[softlysoftly]

I wouldn't ve worried I think it could be quite interesting to be in the area and close to something so important. It's more likely to just be disruptive than dangerous.

Having said that you can squeeze in our suitcase if you liked

What are they doing in Cardiff that requires all the fencing around city hall etc?

[DoristheCamel]

Yes we are aware because dc school is closed to some year groups and on reduced hours.

I was told by some one that thete will be rolling road blocks and even some council workers have the day off to help reduce traffic in thr area.
I have also been wondering about the terrorist risk.

[TortoiseUpATreeAgain]

Yes, because Peachy's home is being cut off and her DSs can't get to school. I've not seen any actual coverage of it, though.

[TinklyLittleLaugh]

I lived in Newport a long time ago. I remember they had Police horses on the streets to control the revellers on a Saturday night. It was a proper party town. Lasers, TJs .....happy days.

But seriously, they are probably having it at Celtic Manor cos Obama likes his golf.