An opposition councillor in Newport has said more needs to be done to help keep the city centre prosperous, after a number of different businesses have left the area in recent months. Pubs, bars and restaurants have all closed in Newport in the last year, but the council have said there are fully committed to helping the city centre.
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00:00 Councillors in Newport have been discussing the state of the city centre, with opposition
00:07 members saying that more needs to be done to help the centre stay vibrant and prosperous.
00:14 The comments come as a number of businesses have left the town in recent months, including
00:17 cocktail bars, a local brewery and pubs and restaurants.
00:23 The area around the city centre has seen plenty of development over the last few years, but
00:27 that hasn't fully translated into a thriving hospitality sector in Newport, with businesses
00:32 struggling to maintain a long-term stay.
00:37 Some businesses are doing well in Newport, with a new venue opening recently, but with
00:40 so many businesses closing, questions are being raised to the council, who say there
00:44 is plenty of help in place for businesses.
00:49 Council leader Jane Mudd says that over £1 million has been given out in business rates
00:53 help over the last year, with relief rates available for some city centre businesses.
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