A council is seeking the views of resdents over plans to convert a regional daily’s office into a supermarket.

Plans were announced last month to demolish the office of Newport-based daily the South Wales Argus to make way for a Lidl store.

The Argus is planning to return to a city centre headquarters after 49 years at the Cardiff Road site, in Maesglas, but has not yet finalised where its new base will be.

Under the plans, the two Argus buildings, as well as a neighbouring site owned by delivery company DX Freight, will be demolished.

The 2,122 sq ft supermarket itself will go on the portion of the site currently occupied by the Argus, while the DX Freight site will become a 140-space car park.

Now Councillors Stephen Marshall, Mark Whitcutt and Debbie Wilcox – who represent nearby Gaer on Newport City Council – have written to residents to appraise them of the proposal, and to ask them to submit their views on it.

They wrote: “We are sure that there will be a variety of opinions from residents, but we are looking to gather as many views as possible.”

Hussain Bayoomi, Newsquest Wales, Hereford and Somerset regional managing director, previously said: “We see this an opportunity for the South Wales Argus to return to the city centre. At present we are in discussions regarding the exact location.

“However, as soon as planning has been approved we will be in a position to exchange contracts and announce formally.”