SIR Terry Matthews advice to Gwent bosses: ‘say you live in Cardiff’, makes sense – in a shifty sort of way. Any national or international company considering setting-up, or expanding in the UK (and Wales in particular) would be impressed by Cardiff’s development strategy. Conversely, any such company considering setting-up in Newport, Torfaen and Caerphilly would have grave doubts – particularly if they visited the central areas of these towns.
 Over the period 1980-2030 probably more than £25 billion will have been spent on developing Cardiff’s many-faceted infrastructure. 
In this same period, probably no more than £2.5 billion (one tenth) will have spent on Newport, Torfaen and Caerphilly (combined) – with a population larger than Cardiff’s.
 Also, in the same period, visitors to Cardiff will have spent many billions.
I wish Sir Terry all the best for his Celtic Manor Resort, and the proposed Welsh Conference Centre.
However, unless Newport, Torfaen and Caerphilly are given much more (urgent) development aid over the next ten years, it is possible that Sir Terry’s Celtic Manor Resort and Conference Centre will be eclipsed by rival enterprises in Cardiff and Bristol. 
Prestigious locations need the support of local populations – who can also take pride in their local towns.

Brian Hayes
Bassaleg
Newport