Newport’s council leader cautions Cardiff against complacency as local growth continues
Newport: Graffiti showed up on the fence at Rodney Parade. It’s said to be from Cardiff fans.
In rugby, Newport Dragons lost again to Cardiff. That makes it 20 losses in a row.
Newport County isn’t doing well either. They lost five straight games in League 2.
But Newport City Council leader, Dimitri Batrouni, isn’t focused on sports. He said, “With Newport’s growth and our plans, I wouldn’t get too cocky if I were Cardiff. Newport is coming.”
Last December, Newport city center saw more visitors than in previous years. Footfall increased by over two percent, with 312,213 visitors counted.
Cllr Batrouni called this great news, crediting the council’s efforts for a festive boost.
Still, there are calls to fill empty shops in the city center. Opposition leader, Cllr Matthew Evans, asked about plans to address this issue.
He pointed out that Cardiff has high office space take-up and questioned why Newport can’t fill its units.
Newport won’t get a share of the latest Welsh Government funding for town center regeneration.
However, Labour councillor James Clarke said the council is committed to reviving empty properties.
Cllr Clarke mentioned they didn’t apply for new Transforming Towns funding because interested parties wanted grants, not loans.
He added that the council is still seeking funding for its projects and helping other developments.
