THE head of the Newport regeneration taskforce, Simon Gibson OBE, will give an update on progress made by ReNewport at an open meeting tonight.

Mr Gibson will address the Newport Civic Society for around half an hour and will then take questions from members of the public.

Nick Webb, Co-Chairman of Newport Civic Society, said: "With so many positive ideas being put to the Task force and their very encouraging report packed with ideas to further revitalise Newport, we are excited to have Simon Gibson OBE as our guest speaker in January. This will be a chance to hear the very latest update and to ask questions of the chairman of the task force."

The event is free to attend and booking is not required. Audience members will have the opportunity to join Newport Civic Society.

Mr Webb added: "We are keen to boost the active membership of the Civic Society. In the last year we've seen a huge amount of positive grassroots activism in the city and I hope that some of those who've been involved in recent campaigns will join the Civic Society to help us make the case for an even better Newport."

The meeting will be held at Newport Civic Centre, Room 7, Newport, from 7.30pm until 9pm.