PADDLE steamers could use a derelict Newport wharf as a base for pleasure cruises on the River Usk under ambitious plans proposed by the city council.

The Church Street Wharf in Pill could be transformed into a base for the steamers - and the council is planning to bring it back into operation in time for the summer sailing season.

A structural appraisal commissioned by the council decided the wharf could be safely brought back into use. It was used for shipping up until 20 years ago and has since fallen into disrepair.

Now it is hoped an agreement can be reached with the operators of the Balmoral and Waverley steamers to use it.

The Glasgow-based company run paddle steamer trips from ports and harbours across the UK, and currently run trips from Newport docks about twice a year. If the wharf is brought back into action, that could see ten sailings a year.

Newport council hopes sailings along the river will increase tourism and the use of the River Usk.

A spokesman said: "The sailings we are hoping to attract could go along the Usk, out into the Bristol Channel.

"Waverley Ltd. have previously indicated that a new wharf could encourage them to increase their sailings from two to ten."

Councillor Erryl Heath, cabinet member for development and employment, said: "It is hoped that bringing the wharf back into use will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of this part of the city and increase the amount of activity on the River Usk.

"The trips operated by the pleasure steamers on the Usk have proved very popular in the past."

A council spokesman said negotiations with the harbour commissioners, Waverley Ltd and the landowners are still ongoing.

Jan Preece, of the Pill Heritage Centre, said: "I think it's a wonderful idea. "I think the water is Newport's best asset and it's not been used as well as it could be.

"Newport was built on Pill people and any development would be great for the area."

Pill councillor Ron Jones said: "The riverside in Pill plays such an important part in Newport's history so I welcome any moves to regenerate the area which will bring benefits not only the people of Pill, but the whole of Newport."