THE acting vice chancellor of Newport University Professor Stephen Hagen said proposals for a Cardiff City Region should boost Newport’s strengths, rather than see them overshadowed.

Prof Hagen said concerns on the region were “perfectly understandable” although there was much to be said for collaborating with Newport’s neighbours.

He added: “What needs to happen now is for this plan to be developed further in a way that allows Newport’s strengths to be enhanced, rather than overshadowed or diminished,.

“Much like in the discussions about the university’s future, if a model that can guarantee that would be developed then there may well be a compelling case, otherwise we would risk Newport’s unique character, identity and its areas of strength being weakened.”

A Welsh Government report this week proposed a city region approach to issues like the economy to help the region’s towns and cities complement rather than compete with each other.