AS WE welcome a new year today, we fix our eyes on 12 months that will be absolutely critical to Newport's future.

The city has been through a tough few years, sometimes as a result of external crises over which Newport's leaders - of differing political hues - have had little or no control.

Sometimes, though, the city's misfortunes have been as a result of poor political leadership and a lack of vision and foresight.

But now is not the time for looking back and apportioning blame.

Now is the time for looking forward with hope and expectation.

Newport has the opportunity to secure its future prosperity in 2014.

Work is likely to start on the construction of the Friars Walk shopping and leisure development before the end of the first quarter. It has £90 million of borrowed public money behind it and it has to be open in time for Christmas next year.

Friars Walk has to succeed.

The Welsh Government will give its response to Re:Newport's proposals in the next few weeks. The mandarins at the Senedd must come up with the cash to make some great ideas a reality.

Newport's traders should get a vote on setting up a Business Improvement District this year. A successful BID has transformed Swansea and could do the same here.

Finally, this year marks the 175th anniversary of the Chartist march on Newport. The city must ensure the past becomes an integral part of its future.