DIRTY, with poor facilities and too much crime - these are some of the views on Wales' newest city, by people who live there.

A survey asked 1,000 residents and 100 organisations, including community councils, for their views on Newport and the quality of life in the city.

The survey, commissioned by the city council for the Wales Programme for Improvement - the system used to measure the performance of the council services - asked for views on the council's improvement priorities and the quality of life in Newport.

More than half the respondents asked for better shopping facilities, and 57 per cent said cleanliness was an issue in their neighbourhoods and the city centre.

People's views were split on issues of safety and security - 49 per cent said they were satisfied, with 47 per cent concerned about safety. Most of those surveyed put cutting crime at the top of the agenda. Other improvements in Newport life people are most keen to see are:

reduction in traffic congestion; regeneration of derelict areas; improving care for the elderly and; conservation of historic buildings.

However, 68 per cent of locals are satisfied with Newport as a place to live, and see it as a good place to raise children.

Public transport also got the thumbs up from 53 per cent of respondents. Last year the city centre was upgraded at a cost of £1.2 million. The makeover incorporated new paving, improved lighting and new street furniture.

And, as the Argus has revealed, there is more good news in the pipeline; a proposal is with Newport planners for a major £100m transformation of the city centre. It includes a department store, modern car park with 1,370 spaces and redevelopment of the Kingsway Centre and John Frost Square.

President of Newport's Chamber of Commerce Mike Lynham acknowledged the need for better shopping facilities but said the proposed redevelopment plan was a step forward. He said: "The views of residents on shopping facilities do not surprise me but I understand that there are plans in place and the Chamber of Commerce supports those plans."

A spokeswoman for the city council said: "The council works hard to build on the standard of cleanliness every year.

"We are regularly praised by Wales in Bloom judges on those high standards of cleanliness across New-port."

Chief Inspector Carl Close, of Newport division of Gwent Police, said: "A 49 per cent satisfaction rate among residents on safety is of concern. While fear of crime is often far worse than the reality, there is clearly a lot more work to be done.

"The police, the city council and our community safety partners are committed to making Newport a safer place to live."

The consultation will be used to draw up suggestions for the council's Improve-ment Plan in June.