COUNCIL leaders in Newport have pledged to work alongside business chiefs to improve the fortunes of the city’s indoor market.

The Argus has previously reported traders in the market, which is run by Newport Norse on behalf of the city council, have complained about high rent costs in comparison with other premises elsewhere in the city centre, while a number of long-standing stalls have closed down in recent months.

Speaking at a meeting of Newport City Council’s full council on Tuesday, July 26, leader of the city’s Conservative group Cllr Matthew Evans passed a motion calling for more to be done to support the businesses.

“This administration has had over four years now to sort these problems out and I see precious little to be proud of,” he said.

“Hopefully this motion will focus the mind and gain cross-party support because the market traders and Newport deserve better.”

But leader Cllr Debbie Wilcox said she and council officers had met market traders and representatives of the city’s Business Improvement District Newport Now earlier this month to discuss the issue and were continuing to engage with them.

“I don’t want to give the message that we are doing nothing,” she said.

“But there is a role for the traders too.”

Independent member for Rogerstone Cllr Chris Evans said market traders and other small businesses in nearby arcades were in “dire straits.”

Gaer ward member and former mayor Cllr Herbie Thomas said business owners themselves had a part to play in improving the fortunes of the market.

“It may be hard work for them but that is what it is going to take to get the market working properly,” he said.

Speaking after the meeting Newport Now manager Adrian Evans said he and his colleagues believed a thriving market could bring footfall to the town centre and help the local economy.

“It is no coincidence that those towns and cities with a healthy market are generally doing better than those whose markets have declined,” he said.

“Markets are a great opportunity for future traders to start up their business in an environment without some of the significant costs and risks associated with renting a property.”

He added setting up dedicated business start-up schemes in the market could help entrepreneurs set up new enterprises before moving into the high street area.