THE ANNOUNCED closure of Newport Panasonic and the transfer of necessary operations to Cardiff is yet another indication that Newport would be losing out in any economic upturn that might follow the recession.

Though the number of jobs lost is relatively small, Panasonic symbolises the hi-tech industries which came to Newport in the wake of large scaling-down of heavy, steel and coal-based industries. While the economic outlook remains gloomy, there is real concern that other similar manufacturing companies might consider similar moves. Panasonic should serve as a wake-up call to the city council, Newport MPs and AMs as well as the Welsh government that Newport needs considerable help and intervention to stop its decline. It appears that WG movers and shakers have turned away from Newport in favour of Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham. I also fear that Newport identity will be weakened and subsumed in an economic region centred on, and led by, Cardiff. Should that materialise, Newport would lose on both inward investment and job-relocation opportunities.

Cllr Miqdad Al-Nuaimi, Cae Perllan Road, Newport