NEWPORT city centre is home to a number of developments and renovation projects, but while there are a number of positives to be had, the area remains plagued by a major problem.

Simply put, parts of the city centre are an eyesore, with graffiti covering shopfronts, buildings, and other parts of the area.

This includes empty retail spaces which are subject to plans to be brought back into use.

But, until such a time when they can see a new lease of life, they currently serve as a sad reminder of what used to be.

Now, plans are under way to improve the situation.

This week Newport City Council has announced that it is working with Newport Now, the Business Improvement District (BID), to tackle graffiti in the city centre.

It has been confirmed that businesses in the city that have signed up as members of the BID can have graffiti removed by the council – free of charge, providing that they contribute to the BID levy.

This comes as a result of funding from Newport Now.

According to the council, it comes as part of plans to make Newport city centre “a more desirable place to shop, live and work and promote the local economy.”

Businesses who pay the BID levy who have issues with graffiti on their property can report it by contacting info@newport.gov.uk.

What has been said about the scheme?

Cllr Roger Jeavons, Newport City Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for city services, said: "Removing graffiti comes at a cost for hard-working businesses so we are delighted to be working with Newport Now which has stepped up to help its members in this way.

"Unfortunately, some people have no respect for their environment or care how their actions impact on others. We would urge anyone who sees anyone defacing property in this way to contact the police as it is a criminal offence."

Newport Now BID manager Kevin Ward said: "We're pleased to be working with the council's cleansing teams to provide an additional free service to our members.

"Graffiti is a blight on many commercial properties and removal can be expensive. This new service provides BID members with the opportunity to get graffiti removed from their premises free of charge.

"One element of our five-year business plan is making the BID area a more welcoming place, and the removal of graffiti will help towards achieving this goal."