THE chairman of Newport Transport says he wants buses to return to High Street.

Councillor William Routley, who is chairman of Newport Transport, said his firm would like to see buses return before the redevelopment of the market is complete, if possible.

“It’s definite that the buses are coming back,” said Cllr Routley, who is also city cabinet member for regulation. “It’s a matter of when.”

Previously the council said buses could return to the street, which passes Newport Market, once a £750,000 revamp to its entrance was complete.

Under the council plans a new central entrance would be created from the current office access into the Newport market building, flanked by new units covered by a new canopy.

Cllr Ed Townsend, cabinet member for regeneration, said the authority needed three elements to come into play before moving ahead with new routes through the street - agreement from Newport Transport and details of the requirements of the John Frost Square and Cambrian Centre redevelopments.

He said the kiosks on High Street would need to be moved first - plans are for kiosk businesses to be moved into units in the Market building - before buses could start.

Further details on the two redevelopments would also be needed so routes can be designed around them.

But he welcomed Mr Routley's comments: “We will now have to make sure this happens as quickly as we possibly can.”

Mike Turner of AD Turner and Sons at Newport Market, said buses on high street would be welcomed with “open arms.”

In his opinion buses could start running now: “If you have a bus with 50 people coming off we have foot fall straight away.

“We need the buses back as they always were.”