NEWPORT will be "an equal partner" in the next major UK economic powerhouse, according to a city leader.

Cllr John Richards, Newport City Council's regeneration and development chief, was speaking at the launch of a new report on the Great Western Cities (GWC) which outlined the potential of greater collaboration between Newport, Cardiff and Bristol.

But the cabinet member refuted suggestions that Newport would play a lesser role compared to its larger neighbours.

He said: "During meetings and discussions, we have been an equal player and both Cardiff and Bristol treat us accordingly.

"We've got a role to play and will continue to do that. Every meeting that takes place, we are part of it and every discussion we are privy to.

"We are not a minnow in the pond. That's how is has been since day one. We meet at a high level and it has progressed that way. I consider us in many ways to be the glue that holds together Bristol and Cardiff, due to our important location."

The report, produced for GWC by Metro Dynamics, examines the the benefits of greater ‘sharing, matching and learning’ between the three city regions, emphasising the need for improved transport links.

The panel at Bristol's Marriott hotel, which included Cllr Richards, Bristol mayor George Ferguson and Cardiff City Council leader Cllr Phil Bale, said they hoped to match the achievements of the Oresund region in Denmark and Sweden, which links Copenhagen and Malmo via a 30-minute rail connection.

Mr Ferguson explained: "We are looking for a half-hour train link between Bristol and Cardiff, and no more than 20 minutes between Bristol and Newport.

"We are already talking about this region to international audiences, such as the European Investment Bank, and we are beginning to use the great critical mass that we represent to have more serious conversations."

Meanwhile, Cllr Richards told the Argus that for a true partnership to work in the region, tolls needed to be axed on the Second Severn Crossing.

He said: "If we are doing this jointly and are looking work together as a true region, there should be nothing to inhibit that relationship - but the toll is doing that.

"Inside two years the bridge's mortgage should be paid off. If we want to bring Newport, Cardiff and Bristol together we cannot continue in this way."

He added: "Overall, I am pleased that today, 12 months on from a similar conference on February 5 last year at Chepstow Racecourse when we met to commission this report, we are still together and have the same enthusiasm for the Great Western Cities project. This report has been widely welcomed and accepted."

Recommendations of the report include the cities agreeing their own devolution deals, development of a GWC marketing and investment plan, and the creation of a 'data observatory' based upon the Office of National Statistics which is based in Newport.