THERE was an brilliant programme on the BBC recently on Newport and its illustrious past with Wales international and now TV pundit  Eddie Butler, born in the town,  giving the low down on what was once one of the most vibrant and prosperous towns in the land during the reign of King Cole and subsequent arrival of Llanwern steelworks.

The programme naturally centred on the economic history of our great town, now a city, and its ever expanding docks. But it also looked at the social development of Newport and also its sporting prowess and the fascinating roots of Newport County.

It was a relatively short programme but packed full of fascinating facts and figures. In fact it ought to be required viewing for anyone who doesn’t know the history of Newport and is perhaps looking to invest in the city.

Perhaps a deal could be struck with the BBC for a DVD of the programme to be included in all information packs Newport Unlimited of Newport City Council send to those businesses and investors looking to relocate  to south Wales? It’d certainly give a broader view of the city than its current sorrowful and down at heel state would suggest.

And on that note, after a positive column last month it's with sadness I now have to return down to earth with a bump with news that yet more retailers are leaving the centre of the city.

Global clothes business H&M are vacating their sizeable spot in the centre and debunking for Newport Retail Park at Spytty and stalwart of Newport, an institution on Commercial Street, Morris Cowan, is also set to quit the city after six decades dressing the folk of Newport.

However it’s not all bad news despite these headlines.

The Cambrian Centre, currently one of a fair few eyesores in the city, is to be redeveloped with part of the centre and the car park demolished and a public square created. And this is to make way for 1,300 staff that will be flowing into the centre to staff Wales’s insurance giant Admiral’s new building in the heart of the city.

Admiral is the best news for Newport as it not only brings well rewarded, career-orientated jobs into the centre of the city with all the spending power that entails but, I’m convinced, this confidence will act as a catalyst for other businesses to follow suit and come to Newport.

Recently, I’ve been working tirelessly looking to tie up a variety of deals in the region. Colleagues and I are in discussions with several existing businesses and new companies looking to move within the area, many taking the opportunity of low rents to move into quality accommodation. I’m looking forward to releasing details of these when they are completed.

And a potential game changer, proposals for the M4 between Magor and Castleton, is currently under discussion with The Welsh Government. There are four options on the table and up for discussion aimed at easing traffic congestion in the area, banishing the Brynglas Tunnels bottle neck and proclaiming loud and clear that Newport and south Wales are open for business.

We desperately need to see some action happening. Newport Council leader, Matthew Evans, says he views this issue as a ‘matter of urgency’, let's hope this isn’t simply election talk.

Finally, with just a matter of days before Newport County step out onto the turf at Wembley to face York City in the FA Trophy final,  let me take this opportunity to wish the ‘Port’ the very best of luck.

Come on boys take a look at the Eddie Butler programme before the game and do this for Newport after all a win at Wembley could be the start  of something really big not just for Newport County but the city as a whole – you knows it!