A NEW map which shows all the key places to visit in Wales has missed Newport from its list of destinations.

The map produced by Arriva Trains Wales shows Cardiff and Swansea, but completely bypasses Newport.

This has led to Newportonians reacting angrily to the map, stating that it is ‘unbelievable’ that the leading train company could have made such a ‘blunder’.

Cllr Matthew Evans said: “I find it unbelievable that one of the largest cities in Wales is not included.

“It is (Newport) steeped in history and has a lot of historic landmarks with Tredegar House and the Transporter Bridge.

“It is a huge blunder on their behalf.”

NO NEWPORT: The Arriva Trains Wales map

But Arriva Trains Wales have said that the map is just part of a campaign aiming to inspire train travel.

An Arriva Trains Wales spokesman said: “The new Arriva Trains Wales ‘Great Attractions’ campaign seeks to encourage the public to visit a wide variety of the amazing destinations that can be found throughout the Wales and Borders area, as served by our rail network.

“The campaign includes a ‘tip of the iceberg’ selection of attractions within reasonable walking distance of a railway station and attract the highest visitor footfall. We regret that it has not been possible to include every location or attraction in Wales in this material. Our intention is to inspire train travel to the most popular attractions, not to promote any specific location.”

Sites included on the map are Caerphilly Castle, Barry Island, the Brecon Beacons National Park and Chester Zoo.

But with Newport and its attractions not included, city traders are not happy.

“I think it is outrageous to miss a city which hosted the Ryder Cup and is steeped in history,” Jon Thomas of The Lamb said.

Jon Powell of The Kiosk, Newport, said: “Maybe they are going to produce a separate map just for Newport and Gwent?

“I’m sure there were so many great things in Newport they didn’t want the rest of Wales to look bad.”

Labour councillor for Rogerstone, Chris Evans, was also disappointed that Newport was missed out from the map of Welsh attractions.

“In business, we all make the occasional mistake, and, I’m sure Arriva Trains Wales have made a mistake with this map,” he said.

“I hope they will now do the right thing, and withdraw it, and, reissue a new map, which gives justice to Newport’s proud heritage, and bright future.”

Others said the map would deprive people of what Newport has to offer.

David Hando, chairman of Friends of Newport Transporter Bridge, said: “There is so much to see in and around Newport that for people not to stop off, they are depriving themselves of things like the Transporter Bridge.

“The Transporter Bridge is the only one of six working Transporter Bridges in the world, and the only one in Wales and one of only two in Britain.

“With Tredegar House and the Roman remains at Caerleon, and Fourteen Locks and Newport Wetlands there is so much to see in the city itself, people will be depriving themselves if they don’t go.”

Arriva Trains Wales has said they hope to include the city as the campaign continues.

An Arriva Trains Wales spokesman said: “We recognise that Newport is a popular destination for thousands of Arriva Trains Wales customers, and we would seek to include its attractions as we continue with the development of the campaign.”

What Newport attractions do you think should be on the map? Let us know by leaving a comment.