THE final stretch of Newport's west bank riverside walkway - from the castle to George Street Bridge - was officially opened by the mayor, Councillor Ron Morris, yesterday. This completes a 1km strip of walkway and cycleway along the bank of the River Usk.

The mayor said: "The leisure industry now dominates the surrounding area and the construction of this £1.8 million walkway is a most positive improvement and will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the immediate area."

He enjoyed a leisurely tour of the walkway with other councillors and business people representing companies near the new walkway.

At the end of the tour, the group was welcomed by Castle Leisure chief executive Jeff Harris and entertained courtesy of Castle Bingo.

The mayor said: "This site is an important part of Newport and the River Usk and has recently been designated a 'candidate special area of conservation', a status which reflects the international importance of the river for a number of species of fish."

A stone plinth on the walkway near Castle Bingo now exhibits a stainless steel plaque that commemorates the official opening, and depicts a map showing the river bank, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and surrounding roads from the early 1900s.

Councillor John Jenkins, cabinet member for employment and development, said the next task was to develop the east bank. "Funds are limited and we want to attract development on this bank first, but we have been talking to developers and hopefully we will have an announcement to make very soon. This is the first stage of development in the town centre and hopefully it will enhance the ambience."

The walkway was designed by barKonsult and constructed by Dean and Dyball Ltd; the project was funded by Newport council in partnership with the Welsh Development Agency.

*PICTURED: Carol Leslie, strategic director of Newport council, points out an item of interest to the mayor, Councillor Ron Morris, and Councillor John Jenkins, council deputy leader.