THE £1.2 million upgrade of Newport town centre - including new paving and improved lighting - will begin in January.

The upgrade was funded by Newport council, the National Assembly and the Welsh Development Agency.

Traders are bracing themselves for a certain amount of disruption but today they welcomed the move.

Claire Witts, manager of Next, in Commercial Street, said: "We welcome anything that will make Newport a nicer shopping experience and encourage people to come here. "Newport hasn't got the best reputation for shopping and I hope the work they are doing will help."

The manager of Bhs, Richard Thwaites,said: "In the short term it will be inconvenient, but we are willing to put up with that if the council is sensitive to our trading patterns. "We'll just have to brace ourselves and feedback to the council as and when there are any difficulties."

Shoppers are set to benefit from the facelift in the long term and no work will be carried out on Saturdays - although as sections are completed, they will also face some disruption.

The new paving is designed to improve pedestrian safety by replacing the current paving and redesigning traffic routes to make it clear which routes are pedestrianised.

Sandstone and York stone will be used to replace the existing paving along Corn Street, Commercial Street, Charles Street and Llanarth Street.

There will also be a new piece of artwork at Austin Friars using the same materials as the VJ memorial at the bottom of Charles Street.

Westgate Square will be spruced up with existing paving being refurbished and more York stone added.

Street lights will provide white light rather than the traditional orange, creating what council chiefs hope will be a lighter, brighter and safer environment as CCTV operates more efficiently in white light.

Shoppers should still be able to reach the stores they want during the upgrade. Councillor Graham Dally, cabinet member for transport and sustainable development, said: "This is good news for Newport and shows a significant commitment by the council to invest in the town centre and benefit traders and visitors alike."

Work will start in Commercial Street between Charles Street and Westgate Square on January 7 and last until the end of May.

*PICTURED: Councillor Graham Dally, right, shows Mr William Watkins, of Ringland, the town centre plans.