A GWENT AM has called on Newport City Council to "step up" and "put real investment into the centre of Newport".

Speaking during First Minister's Questions yesterday, South Wales East's Mark Reckless cricitised the council's city centre masterplan, which was revealed in January and sets out plans to revamp the area.

But, as the Argus reported earlier this month, only 24 people responded to the consultation into the document.

Addressing Mr Jones, Independent AM Mr Reckless said: "Unfortunately (the masterplan) contained so little detail and so little in the way of firm proposals it only attracted 24 responses.

"Would he join me in encouraging Newport City Council to step up to the opportunities that the scrapping of the Severn tolls give and put real investment into the centre of Newport so we really, really benefit from those opportunities?"

But Mr Jones replied he believed the Labour-run council has "an excellent record in terms of investment".

"We see the development along the river, the university campus and the Friars Walk, which I was pleased to open some years ago now," he said.

"So, there has been significant development in the centre of Newport and I expect the council's good record to continue."

The masterplan document says it aims for "A revitalised and vibrant heart for the city".