SOME Labour members called for a referendum on the issue to better gauge public opinion.

Lliswerry councillor Ken Critchley said it would give people an opportunity to debate the subject, while Pill councillor Ron Jones questioned whether Newport should have a designated site at all.

He said: “It’s a very difficult subject because no matter where we want to put one, we are going to have public outcry.

“Maybe we should have a referendumon whether we should provide one in Newport. We may be going against the law but I don’t think there is a councillor that will put their hand up and say yes to one, putting their seat at risk next year.”

Councillor Townsend said going to referendum on the issue would result in the council “ducking out”

of its responsibilities.

Cabinet members Ed Townsend, Peter Davies and David Hando were involved in drawing up the shortlist from more than 70 potential sites.

Cllr Townsend said almost every piece of land in the city was considered before they drewup a list of 20, which was eventually whittled downusing Welsh Government criteria.

The areas up for consideration are the privately owned former army camp site and the Welsh Government-owned former barrack site, both at Pye Corner.

An area near Nash Mead, Queensway Meadows; land at Pound Hill, Marshfield; and a site known as Yewtree Cottage, next to Bettws Rugby Club, are also being considered.

None of the proposed sites are in the wards the three decision-makers represent.