NEWPORT council leader Bob Bright has said the authority will approach Newport Transport to discuss changes to bus routes in the city centre.

Conservative councillor Matthew Evans, wrote to Cllr Bright earlier this week to address concerns of traders on High Street and asked whether or not he would be working with Newport Transport to get the decision overturned.

In his response, Cllr Bright said he was not consulted about the proposed changes and said that remarks made by local traders “concerned” him.

He said: “I saw the remarks made by local traders about the impact of the changes in the bus routes and of course that concerned me.

“With this in mind, I have asked for some research to be done on the effect of the change on footfall in that area and have asked the strategic director to make a further approach to Newport Transport on this issue.”

Following Cllr Bright’s response, Cllr Evans said he finds it “difficult to believe” that Mr Bright was not consulted over the bus route plans.

He said: “I find it difficult to believe that he was not consulted over such a major decision to take buses away from High Street.

“The council need to act quickly and show some leadership rather than acting months down the line where traders could potentially be closing down their business because of a lack of footfall.”

In order to campaign to bring buses back down High Street, Rogerstone councillor Chris Evans, dramatically resigned from the board of Newport Bus today.

Cllr Evans, who was part of the board for four years, said his decision to step down was made after a meeting held on Monday with local traders discussed the severity of concerns over recent footfall.

“I warned the current leadership of the devastating effect that the removal of buses from High Street would have, and my worst fears have been realised," he said.

“These local traders are the lifeblood of our city and that’s what makes Newport so unique, and I am willing to work with anyone, from any party or none, who campaigns to bring these buses back because without them, independents will severely struggle.”

Since the removal of buses from High Street, a number of traders have voiced their concerns.

Alessandro Rimola, who runs Love Fresh stall in Newport’s indoor market, said his business trade has 'significantly decreased' since the new bus route.

He added: “Since the buses have stopped, my business trade has significantly decreased and I’d like to think it’s just a phase, but I do believe that these buses are the main reason for it."

Newport Transport were contacted for a comment, but refused at this time.