Newport City Council has expressed its disappointment at today’s enterprise zone announcement but has given a cautious welcome to comments made by the Business Minister.
Edwina Hart today ruled out a bid by Newport to become one of the Welsh enterprise zones.
But she said officials would be discussing other measures with Newport City Council that could assist the city. She told the plenary session that Newport had a good record with jobs and was strategically well placed.
Councillor Matthew Evans, leader of Newport City Council, said: “I believe the minister has missed an opportunity to give Newport the helping hand it deserves.
“I am astonished that once again the city has been ignored despite having a strong case for becoming a ‘digital’ zone. This would have completed the six key sectors approach in its own economic renewal programme.
“We will be pressing urgently for a meeting with the Welsh Government to seek clarification about the possible initiatives that could be available for Newport.
“The minister and her officials must work with us to ensure that Newport is not unfairly disadvantaged as it is squeezed on one side by Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan and on the other by Ebbw Vale and Bristol and Hereford on the other
“In the meantime, we will continue to press ahead with our own programme of regeneration and support for business which is already seeing positive results.”
Councillor Ed Townsend, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Newport has already proved it is open and ready to do business. The recent decision by Admiral to take new offices in the city centre and the opening of Sir Terry Matthews’ Alacrity Foundation shows that companies do have confidence in the city.
“It is a pity that the minister has decided to turn her back on helping Newport to take its place as a digital zone but, once again, we will use our own initiative and skills to continue putting the city back on its feet.
“We also look forward to discussing any ideas the Welsh Government has which will specifically assist us with this.
“Not many weeks ago, the minister said ‘Newport is doing quite well by itself’ but think about how much better we could do with the extra edge available to enterprise zones. We will be asking the minister what she does intend to do to enhance Newport’s prospects and make sure it is not left behind.”
