Footfall in Newport city centre has continued to rise compared with 2013, according to figures collated by Springboard for Newport City Council.

Monthly statistics for July, August and September showed a marked increases in the number of visitors from the previous year.

More people also came to the city centre in January, April, May and June in 2014 compared with 2013 with only February and March recording decreases in footfall.

It means the total footfall for the first nine months of this year was almost 7.3 million.

The average weekly figures for July, August and September showed a rise of around 7,000 each week.

July’s monthly figures was 646,825 (579,061 in 2013); August’s was 640,710 (618,275) and September’s 786,898 (750,732).

Councillor John Richards, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and development, said: “It does appear that we are seeing a return to people using the traditional shopping centre.

“We have seen a number of developments during the year, including Admiral and the Seren Group moving their employees to the city centre which will have boosted footfall.

“With around £250m being invested in the city centre, there are some exciting projects in the pipeline including the vibrant and viable places programme which will see the transformation of some key buildings into residential accommodation, the proposal to create a Business Improvement District and, of course, the opening of the new retail and leisure Friars Walk scheme in autumn 2015.

“All these will help to create an environment that even more people will want to visit. However, in the meantime, the city has much to offer including some excellent retailers and services that need our support to flourish."