A plea to a local pub for help during last week’s bomb scare when residents were evacuated from Castle Close and surrounding streets saw the best in human spirit shine through.

Paul Ingram was one of the families evacuated from the 80 houses adjacent to the Link Road when police called in the bomb squad for an alleged suspicious device.

The nearby Premier Inn was also shut down and Paul became concerned for those elderly who were scared and at a loss for somewhere to go.

He asked the owners of the Robin Hood on the corner of Monnow Street if it was possible that they could put them up for what they hoped was a few hours “but could be all night due to the issue” he said.

The owners knew about the ongoing situation but said it wouldn't be a problem and opened up their function room at the side and provided the elderly with some blankets as everyone was “pretty much rushed out of our homes”.

Paul said on social media that friendly staff brought tea, coffee and offered full bar drinks and their entire menu knowing that some hadn't eaten saying they could have whatever they wanted and there was no charge for the food and drink.

They even offered full accommodation if it was needed if residents couldn't return home that night, again with no charge and came to check on everyone throughout the evening.

Paul added that thankfully later that night “after all of us had been fed, watered and really looked after, the police informed us it was safe to return to our homes.

“I offered to pay for the countless drinks and all the food that everyone had had as we were all grateful and willing to cover the cost but Claire the landlady totally refused payment”.

He paid tribute to the landlord Mark and his wife saying, “this totally unselfish approach says a lot about the integrity and sense of humanity about the couple who run this establishment and myself and several of the local residents are eternally grateful for their extremely kind and generous hospitality and not to mention the lovely food they bestowed on us.

“Thank you to all at the Robin Hood for your kindness and generosity,” he added.

The recent bomb scare on Saturday, October 3, disrupted the quiet residential area when Gwent Police supported an operation by Avon and Somerset Police force following reports that explosive items had been discovered inside a property.

Due to the potential threat, emergency services immediately implemented a strict 100-meter safety cordon around the area. As a result, nearby residents within the zone were evacuated..

Specialist personnel from the Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit quickly arrived to handle the situation. It is thought the bomb disposal experts conducted a controlled explosion to destroy one of the items safely. Two additional items were safely removed from the property for further testing.

A man has been bailed without charge to allow for further investigations.