NEWPORT must aim to double its student population and become one of the top 70 places in the UK to shop, according to a new strategy for the city.

And the panel behind it, the Local Strategic Partnership, is inviting the public to add their own ideas for the city.

A draft version of a ten-year community strategy for Newport has been put together by the panel involving the police, the council, the health board and other bodies.

It also calls for the creation of 15,000 new jobs, better housing, the regeneration of brownfield and riverside sites, and for the city to be recognised as "a sports centre of national significance".

Den Foley, director of Newport Citizen's Advice Bureau and chairman of the representative body for volunteers, said: "This sets the bigger picture for the city into which all the other plans feed.

"We want to ensure we develop the city in a sustainable and inclusive way.

"We are trying to ensure this is a strategy that includes everything. It's not just about economic regeneration. Education, crime, transport and an attractive environment are all important. And it's not all about concrete and new buildings, it's about people as well.

"We want to encourage people to put forward their contributions."

Suggestions will be discussed by the partnership at future meetings, before a final strategy is published at the end of March.

Newport Unlimited, which set its own vision for regenerating Newport by 2020, is a member of the partnership, as are Gwent Police, the University of Wales, Newport, Communities First, and Newport and Gwent Business to Business.

The priorities include boosting business infrastructure, tackling congestion and raising Newport's shopping centre performance from 106th in the UK to 70th.

Copies of the strategy are at public libraries or can be obtained by contacting 01633 232003, or emailing corporate.policy@newport.gov.uk. Comments can be sent to Community Strategy, Corporate Policy, Newport Council, Civic Centre, Newport, NP20 4UR.

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