I WAS born in Pill in 1933 and have seen a lot of changes during the years, some good and some not so good.

I call on the people of Newport, local traders, councillors and AMs to stop one last historic building, namely The Kings Hotel, from being converted into apartments.

There are enough being built at Shire Hall, the art college and elsewhere.

What we need is more shops and businesses in that part of town near the train and bus stations and Newport market.

A first class hotel is needed in the city centre.

If the Iranian businessman who has made a name for himself in Cardiff would also like to leave his mark on Newport, instead of building more apartments, a good hotel would be ideal there.

We have a really good hotel on the outskirts of Newport, but not one suitable — or as convenient — for visitors to Newport by train or bus.

Cliff James, Roath Court, Cwmbran