A GROUP which represents businesses across South Wales says it is vital that Severn bridges tolls are cut and work begins on the redevelopment of Newport city centre as soon as possible.

South Wales Chamber of Commerce says if the redevelopment doesn’t happen soon, Newport is in danger of being left behind.

The call has come in the organisation’s new Assembly manifesto, which asks politicians to focus on Wales’ economy in the run up to May’s elections.

Proposed measures include reducing or even scrapping tolls on the Severn crossings, reviewing commercial property rates, taking steps to reduce the cost of development and building up the green energy sector.

The manifesto says Newport should look to position itself as the alternative to Cardiff with a mix of independent and small retailers “that provide something slightly different”.

“The example of Bath would be an excellent one to follow,” the manifesto reads.

The manifesto says: “It is vital that work on the proposed Friars Walk project in Newport is started as soon as possible, as Newport is in danger of being left behind.”

Commuters and freight users find the Severn Bridge a daily challenge, it adds, with the toll is seen as a barrier to entering Wales for many.

The manifesto suggests tolls can be varied or reduced during night hours.

But it says: “The tolls should be used as a source of finance for infrastructure projects or scrapped in their entirety.”

Congestion along the M4, especially around Newport, is a major concern for many of the chamber’s members, the document said, calling for the scrapped-relief road idea to be revisited with more innovative ways of paying for it explored.

David Russ, managing director of the chamber, said growing the private sector should be a key focus for Assembly political campaigns.

He said: “The Welsh economy is in dire straits. Wales is the poorest region in the UK, while south Wales currently contains some of the most economically deprived sub regions in the country.

“This is a situation that we cannot afford to let continue.”