SHOPPERS surged into Newport city centre in December despite the disruption caused by regneration work, according to new figures.

A footfall of more than 1.3 million was recorded, putting Newport ahead of similar towns and cities during the same period.

A council spokesman said the December footfall recorded 1,359,430 counts, an increase on the previous month of 29.12 per cent.

Unsurprisingly, Saturdays were the busiest on average peaking at 93,843 the Saturday before Christmas.

A method called the Springboard counter is used to measure the number of movements past a set location and is said to be recognised as the most accurate way of measuring footfall in shopping areas.

It was installed in early 2007 so year-on-year figures are not yet available, said the spokesman.

Newport is in a group with Bridgend, Cardiff, Mansfield, Derby and Wakefield.

Newport was four per cent above the average for the group.

Council leader Bob Bright said: "It is pleasing to see that footfall in the city centre is remaining high and more than competitive with similar sized towns and cities.

"It is pleasing to see so many people in Newport and the surrounding area supporting their High Street shops and I would urge them to continue to do so."

During 2008, the city centre will undergo its biggest transformation for many years with the Friars Walk and City Spires developments among others.

Mr Bright said there will be some disruption this year as some of the developments are started, but he said the work would mean more shops, leisure opportunities, restaurants as well as a new cinema, hotels and homes.