TODAY'S launch of Newport: Now Business Improvement District proposal is another piece of the jigsaw in the city's regeneration.

And it is one which we fully support.

The BID proposal, in our view, is a perfect addition to the major regeneration schemes currently going on in the city.

But this time the ideas, the drive and the vision will come from businesses already working and operating in our city centre.

If Newport Now is successful in persuading city centre businesses to back a BID then we believe it could be a game changer.

Businesses have already been asked their views on what improvements or services or facilities are needed in Newport city centre.

So an action plan for the next five years has already been drawn up and is available for anyone to see.

Now all that is needed is the drive to go ahead.

City centre businesses will pay a levy on their rates to fund the BID, which means they will all have a vested interest in making things happen and seeing projects through.

The amount they pay will be based on their size, but they will all get a vote.

We will be encouraging all those businesses with the defined area of the BID to vote yes.

Such districts have proved successful in other cities and it is in the best interests of Newport that this gets ofi thp ground.