CRUMBLING roads and areas blighted by graffiti are being targeted with a 750,000 cash injection as part of an urban improvement programme in Newport.

Most of the money, it was announced by council leader Bob Bright, will be aimed at improving some of Newport's main routes.

The opening of the Southern Distributor Road, which has successfully relieved congestion around the city, means there is now an opportunity to tackle sections of road which were previously traffic-logged.

Those set for improvement are:

l The A467 in Roger-stone;

l A48 from Pont Ebbw to Tredegar Park;

l Cardiff Road from Lower Dock Street to the Royal Gwent;

l Corporation Road from George Street Bridge to the Cenotaph; and

l Chepstow Road either side of the Coldra.

Councillor Bright said: "The Southern Distributor Road has brought significant and substantial relief to congestion in the city.

"It is important that this extra resource is made available to raise the standard of the main roads in Newport."

Part of the money will be used to clean up areas which have been blighted by graffiti and fly posters while resources have also been set aside to bring eyesore buildings up to an acceptable standard.

Councillor Bright said: "This money will give us the opportunity to tackle some of the major issues which people of Newport have raised during our consultations with the community."

Councillor Ron Jones, ward member for Pill and cabinet member for transport, welcomed the announcement.