These homes, which initially were given a very short projected lifespan, have seen the arrival of young families after the trauma of war and displacement, settle, grow and flourish.

New communities have formed and become established. There was, and still remains a certain independence and group identity within Newport's prefab people.

The post war housing shortage was as desperate in Newport as anywhere, with 3,300 names on the council waiting list in August 1945, 1,600 of whom were ex-servicemen and women.

Despite all efforts made to house them, this figure rose to 5,500 in two years and was growing at a rate of 25 per week. This resulted in many radical ideas, including tower blocks, and even prompted large scale squatting at Malpas army camp.

Of a total of 750 prefabricated bungalows eventually erected in Newport, 671 were of the Arcon Mark V type, and they have proved to be extremely durable.

It was stated at the time that the prefabricated type of bungalow gave accommodation superior to 60% of houses in Newport. It was not until May 15th 1948 that the project was finished, with a total of 750 prefabs completed and let.

As Newport council finally replaces the prefabs with proper bungalows, there is genuine sadness and concern for the future among many prefab residents.

It is no wonder that there is so much interest from writers, photographers, and documentary film makers, who realise that it is important that the story of these remarkable buildings and their occupants should be recorded for posterity.

The book Prefabrications is a sample from a collection of hundreds of photographs of Newport's prefabs, together with a potted history, including contributions from some of the residents. It is published to commemorate the prefabs as they finally disappear.