THE number of responses received to an online survey into the future of Newport city centre has been branded "embarrassing".

Newport City Council unveiled its city centre masterplan in January, setting out plans to revamp the area and build on recent developments.

It will see the city centre split into three main areas, with each containing a number of important key sites, as well as setting out developments and improvements which will be carried out between the next three and eight years.

Residents were encouraged to give their views online at the time, in part of a wider consultation.

But it has now been revealed that only 24 people participated.

Conservative councillor Martyn Kellaway, who represents Llanwern ward, questioned the council two months ago on the “vagueness of the document”.

He said: “I asked a question and was told embarrassingly only 20 people had done the survey. I was then told this week that another four had been received.

“Numerous people have commented on how thin on the detail the masterplan actually is. It is too vague and generic - that is why people have not done it.”

He added: “I understand there was also a technical fault so people could not fill it in.”

And Conservative activist Michael Enea added: “Out of the eight pages, three are introductory pages.

“This is the future of Newport we are talking about and the document is far too vague. I believe that is why people have not completed the survey.”

A council spokeswoman said the authority had been in discussion with individuals, businesses and other organisations in relation to the masterplan.

She added council members are also able to feedback individual feedback from residents.

"All the responses will be considered and there will be further opportunities for public consultation as proposals develop," she said.

"The document is intentionally high level as the council is working on the direction of travel and it is not a 'fait accompli'.

"It is an evolving document that will take into account all the feedback we receive as proposals take shape."

She added technical difficulties with the consultation had been resolved, with the consultation period extended for a time. It has since closed.