CITY bosses are unhappy with the latest proposals for Newport Railway Station.

Last week we revealed the futuristic designs for a new multi-million pound building to be created to the west of the present station and closer to Bridge Street.

But the council has written to the Assembly voicing strong concerns about the current plans.

It saw the railway station project, and development of Station Yard as an office district, as a key part of the city's regeneration.

Originally, it was proposed to refurbish the existing station, some of which dates back to 1850, and build a new footbridge to replace the unpopular subway, which runs from Devon Place.

But now it is understood a desire to cut costs has led to a much-reduced scheme with only the new concourse being built.

It appears that preservation of the Victorian parts of the present station does not feature in the latest proposals and that the footbridge scheme has been shelved.

Other objectives including the Station Yard scheme and a bus/rail interchange also do not figure any more.

Council leader Matthew Evans said the subway was in an appalling state and it was "criminal" not to proceed with the footbridge as promised.

It is also feared that the £22 million new station would not be completed in time for the Ryder Cup in 2010 when thousands of visitors are expected to arrive in Newport by train.

Cllr Evans said the most logical step would be to refurbish and enhance the present station with its "wonderful facade" before embarking on a new scheme which was also created further away from the city centre. This would be both achievable and a better use of the money, he said.

In a joint statement from the Assembly and Network Rail, a spokesman said they were committed to a major scheme to regenerate Newport Station and Network Rail before the Ryder Cup.

"As part of the detailed planning process there are ongoing discussions between all interested parties - including Newport City Council - seeking to maximise the benefits for rail users and ensure their harmonisation with the broader regeneration of the city centre. The final detail of the scheme will be announced in due course."