But on Thursday, the overcast, misty grey weather appeared to mirror the mood of residents.

The view of Llanwern from Alway

Lunchtime conversations at the Red Rooster pub tailed off as television news reiterated the news that nearly 3,000 steel jobs were to be axed in Wales - 1,340 on the doorstep.

Among the small crowd was 65-year-old Ron Thacker. He moved to the area in 1959 and helped build part of the gigantic site of Llanwern.

"All my four sons work there now," he said. "They're all married, with two kids with mortgages and cars to pay for.

"It looks like they're all going to lose their jobs. My eldest son Ian, who's 43, said he will try to get a warehouse job driving a forklift truck but it will be for a third of the wages he was getting at Llanwern."

But Mr Thacker insisted the ripple effect of the 1,340 jobs losses announced at the plant would affect far more than steelworkers themselves.

I really wouldn't like to say what will happen now. This will test people

Resident Margaret Everett

"Think about all the materials that go into the plant - right down to the toilet rolls," he explained

"It's surprising the small firms that will be hit by this.

Mike Green, a local butcher agreed.

"It's not just the closing of the plant that will affect Alway - what will happen to other businesses like ours? I've no doubt that some will go under."

Predictions of a steel industry nearing crisis point has been talked about for many months in estates such as Alway.

Margaret Everett: 'This will test community spirit'

While there is a general air of resignation, there is an underlying fear that the worst is yet to come.

Shop worker Margaret Everett, who has lived in Alway for 42 years, said: "I feel very sad when thinking what will happen to the community now.

"Llanwern is part of people's lives unless they can come up with something round here the community will got down hill fast. People may even move out to find other work.

"I really wouldn't like to say what will happen now. This will test people."