Here's the latest Argus column by Newport City Council leader Cllr Jane Mudd:

IT WAS great to see so many people in the city centre for the recent countdown to Christmas event. Despite the threat of windy weather, the entertainment, fireworks and atmosphere were an amazing way to kick-off a much-anticipated festive season.

I was also very pleased to be able to launch our festive free bus initiative – with investment from the council and the support of our public transport partners, we are offering free bus travel within the city boundaries every day until Christmas eve.

You can find out more about the scheme on our website, but it’s so easy to use – hop on to a scheduled service or book a flecsi on-demand bus and travel free within the Newport area.

We hope this will act as a boost for local businesses, support our residents at this time of year and also highlight the benefits of using sustainable public transport.

Buses are a great way of getting around the city to do your shopping or to meet up with friends and family. Also, the focus on the climate and the future has never been greater. We all can do our bit by staying local as much as possible and using alternatives to our cars.

You can find out more about our wider climate change plan and have your say as part of the consultation that runs until the end of the year at www.newport.gov.uk/haveyoursay

And of course, we have excellent businesses including many fantastic independent traders, that deserve everyone's support. The council has always been an ambassador for shopping local – the benefits are many; supporting our independents, finding special and personal gifts not always found online and in chain stores, and supporting the local economy that has faced so many challenges over the last 20 months.

I very much hope we will see more people on our buses this December, in our shops and at our hospitality venues.

Please remember, however, to keep safe, wear masks where required and follow the guidelines to protect yourselves, your loved ones and others. Covid is still with us and we all need to continue to do everything we can to minimise the risks.

We continue to support our colleagues in health as the vaccination roll-out continues and expands – huge thanks again to everyone working at the frontline and looking after our health and wellbeing. It’s been a long and challenging year and all of our key workers have kept us going. With kindness, bravery and tenacity you have supported us, ensuring that essential services have been delivered; my grateful thanks go out to you all.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone an enjoyable Christmas and here’s to a happy and positive new year.