A WEBSITE dedicated to looking for ways to regenerate Newport has attracted more than 50 ideas since it was launched last week.

Simon Gibson, chairman of the Welsh Government-backed city centre taskforce that set it up, has thanked those who’ve taken part so far saying they have shown the potential of the city.

Ideas have included street art, better public transport and making the city a hub for minority sports.

Contributors can ask to present the ideas in a Dragons Den-style event on September 12. At least 51 have been posted so far.

Mr Gibson thanked contributors on the site, saying that the suggestions were “excellent”

He said: “The city has considerable potential, which is demonstrated by the diversity of ideas we have received. We really appreciate your participation.

“Spread the word and keep your thoughts flowing in.”

One idea, posted by former police and crime candidate Nick Webb, said the city could become a hub for some of the minority sports that gained interest during the Olympics.

“Newport has some great venues, especially at the sports village but I get the impression many are under-used. Let's look to make Newport a hub for volleyball, handball or alike,” he wrote.

One writer said: “Bristol has Stokes Croft, Newport needs its own cultural hub to allow the cities artist population to find roots and set up home”.

The SaveNewportArt campaign echoed the sentiment, saying what the city was “crying out for is the sort of cultural quarter which would bring in people, with a fair amount of disposable income and create jobs and buzz at the same time”.

But H Beddow said Newport should “stop trying to compete with Cardiff and Bristol – embrace Newport's alternative side and market the city as an alternative to the larger cities.”

S Halsall wrote there should be “an integrated transport hub centred around the railway station that combines rail, buses and car parking”.

J Gale said he noticed on a recent trip to Bristol how graffiti artists attract visitors to the city, and suggested the city hold a Welsh national open graffiti championship.

Meanwhile M Gane said there should be river trips through Newport that give “a historical narrative on the history” of the city, including Caerleon.

History teacher A Smith said: “Newport needs to become a destination. Such a big amount of heritage and culture and yet little seems to be made of it.”

Mr Gibson told the Argus that the taskforce is looking to hold a Twitter conference, where members of the taskforce will answer questions, later in the year.

It is hoped that the conference will take place after the Newport Market event.

To add your own idea visit www.renewport.co.uk Ideas posted to the website will be included in reports set to go back to the Welsh Government.