HOSTING the 2014 Commonwealth Games would breathe new life into Newport, city businesses say.

On Saturday we revealed how Newport, Cardiff and Swansea are teaming up with a view to bidding for the games and bringing them to Wales.

The news that talks have been held was revealed by Newport city council leader Bob Bright - and sites which could be used include Newport's £20 million International Sports Village at Spytty, including the South East Wales Regional Pool, and the Wales National Velodrome.

The games would bring hundreds of millions of pounds into South Wales, the Wales Tourist Board says.

Businesses across Newport say they would support plans to bid for the Commonwealth Games.

As manager of one of the city's many bed and breakfasts, Adels Guest House, in Chepstow Road, Martin Sullivan said he would be thrilled if the games came to the city.

"I think everybody would benefit, big businesses and small. Newport is an up-and-coming city and this would introduce it to a much wider audience. We have enough accommodation, but I would worry that the city's infrastructure wasn't up to it. They would have to look hard at things like bus services to ensure they are good enough."

But Newport taxi firm Dragons Taxis say they could cope with the extra demand.

Manager Tom Lavender said: "We have definitely got enough taxis. I have already got 40 parked up waiting for the games to begin!

"The whole city would benefit. We've got some great facilities now and it is nice to see they are going to be put to good use."

Pubs would also see a boom in business.

The manager of Commercial Street's Tom Toya Lewis pub, Ryan West, said: "This is just what the city needs.

"I have noticed the city is not what it used to be. It is much quieter. But this could really breathe some new life back into the city."

A spokeswoman for the Hilton Hotel, on Newport's Chepstow Road, agreed.

She said: "We think it would be a great idea. It would be excellent business for us."

And a number of the city's politicians are adding their support.

Newport West MP Paul Flynn said he would back any bid for the games.

"If it goes ahead it will bring enormous advantages to the whole area," he said.

"Newport council should be congratulated on this ambitious idea to put the city on the world sporting map."

John Griffiths, AM for Newport East, agreed, saying he thought the idea was fantastic.

"It would deliver great benefits to the city, to the people who live here and to the whole of South Wales. The games would also encourage people to become more active," he said.

* What do you think? Write to Letters to the Editor, South Wales Argus, Cardiff Road, Maesglas, Newport, NP20 3QN, or e-mail letters@gwent-wales.co.uk