REDUCING crime is the top concern of Newport residents - whereas improving employment opportunities comes way down their list of priorities.

Members of the citizens' panel set up by the city council were asked to identify their most pressing needs.

Nearly 300 people wanted crime tackled, while 235 wanted improved shopping facilities and 238 said they would like traffic congestion reduced.

Improving the cleanliness of the city centre (167) and improving employment opportunities (160) were bottom.

Cabinet members discussing the Wales Programme for Improvement - a statutory plan setting out objectives for local authorities - were given key findings from the last panel.

People appeared to be satisfied with Newport and supported the council's priorities for improvement.

However, 37 per cent said quality of life in their neighbourhood had got worse over the last five years, with 53 per cent saying it had stayed the same and seven per cent believing it had got better.

The council set up the citizens' panel - 1,000 voluntary members from across the city - in 1999.