NEWPORT council has now commented on the good news that controversial gas works in the city centre could finish earlier than planned.

As reported in Saturday’s Argus, Wales and West Utilities were understood to be two weeks ahead of schedule, but still working towards a completion date of December 21.

Some traders and the president of Newport Chamber of Trade, Alan Edwards, said they were pleased with the progress.

A Newport council spokeswoman said: “We welcome the latest positive news from Wales and West Utilities that they are due to finish the utility works in Newport city centre ahead of schedule.

“The council, along with Newport Chamber of Trade, has met and worked with Wales and West Utilities to progress the activity that is taking place and working in partnership has seen good progress with the work achieved.

“This work, along with the other projects in the city, is designed to improve the shopping area and make it a place people want to visit.”