NEWPORT City Council gave itself an “amber” rating for making the city centre seen as a safer place at night.

In a review of 2014-15 due to be considered at a cabinet meeting next week officers said: “Newport holds a negative reputation for early evening and night-time use which is not borne out by reality.”

They said a survey by the Citizens’ Panel showed that people do not feel safe in Newport city centre at night and so are reluctant to use it, adding this perception needs to change.

A report said: “A vibrant, safe, clean and well managed early evening and night-time economy can help to boost the local economy by attracting visitors and stimulating culture and creative activity.

"Evidence suggests that city centres with lively streets and people moving around in them make people feel safe.

"However, a combination of regeneration and regulatory activity is required. This will encourage and enable people to live, work and socialise in the city centre while ensuring an appropriate level of regulatory control to reduce perceptions of heavy drinking, crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.”

The report considered solid progress had been made in changing perceptions with an amber rating overall meaning "good".

On the scale, amber comes after green and before orange and red.