NEWPORT’S Bus is set to move its travel and sales centre staff into the city’s indoor market.

Newport Transport, which runs buses under the Newport Bus brand, is working with the city council to renovate two units within the market hall.

The units will be used as Newport Transport’s main travel and sales centre while the redevelopment of the bus station takes place.

It is hoped the initiative will increase footfall into the market hall with almost a 1,000 customers using the travel centre, currently based at the Newport bus station, every week.

Some 170 operational staff are also expected to be based at the units.

The market itself is currently undergoing a redevelopment.

Jon Powell, of the Kiosk, which is temporarily on Bridge Street but is due to be moved into the market, said he was ecstatic about the news: “It’s fantastic!

“More people walking around would equate to more sales, eventually.”

Tony Turner, of AD Turner and Sons butchers, said the market would welcome the bus company with open arms. We’re so quiet here now. Everyone has been against us. Anything to add to the footfall will be brilliant,” he said.

He added that traders needed the redevelopment work in the market to be finished.

The council has said it expects the work to be complete in September.

A statement from Newport Transport said the firm is working closely with Newport council to renovate two units within the market hall while the bus station is redeveloped.

“These units will be used as Newport Transport’s main travel and sales centre during the redevelopment period, and also provide restroom facilities for its operational staff,” a spokeswoman.

“These initiatives will substantially increase footfall area into the market hall, with not only near a thousand loyal customers using the travel centre each week, but also with up to 170 operational staff based at these units daily.”