THE M4 relief road, UKIP and a commissioner for disabled people were just a few of the subjects Newport residents quizzed first minister Carwyn Jones on tonight.

Around 80 residents turned up for the Newport leg of Carwyn Connect – the first minister’s roadshow around Wales answering questions from residents on local issues.

One of the questions which caused the liveliest debate at the event at the Newport YMCA on Mendalgief Road was why the Welsh Government was backing the proposed black route option for the M4 relief road.

Mr Jones AM was asked why the government is backing the route which the questioner said will “desecrate Newport and destroy the docks”.

But the first minister defended the route, saying the M4 relief road bridge crossing the River Usk at Newport would go across and “not affect the docks”.

He said: "The question is, is the M4 relief road necessary, I think yes.

“The black route is more expensive than the blue but not by much.

“It will be a six lane road with a minimum of disruption for properties. The blue route is more problematic.”

The first minister also revealed there is a plan to set up a new hospital a little outside the city. He told the audience: “The Royal Gwent is an old hospital, that much is true. There is a plan to set up a new hospital a little outside the city but still accessible”.

The debate, chaired by South Wales Argus editor Kevin Ward, also saw a question on why trains on the Ebbw Vale line go to Cardiff but not Newport.

Mr Jones said linking Ebbw Vale to Newport is something which will be looked at under the new metro system, but will include buses as well. He said: “The intention is to lead an integrated local metro system which not only connects trains and light rail but buses as well”.

Two Newport councillors also fired questions at the first minister. Councillor Omar Ali, for Pill, asked how the numbers of black, minority and ethnic people in positions of power can be increased.

Mr Jones said: “It’s still the case people don’t feel comfortable enough to put themselves forward as candidates. We need enough people coming forward to have a proper shortlist.

“We need to encourage people from different communities”.

Councillor John Richards, for Lliswerry, questioned the first minister on the impact on jobs from the local government reorganisation plans which will see authorities merged.

The first minister said there will be fewer senior posts but it won’t be felt by the public. He said: “Will there be fewer people collecting the bins? No.”

When asked about new Labour Party leader Corbyn, the first minister said “time will tell on the impact he has.”

And Mr Jones said it is “difficult to know” how UKIP will fare in the Welsh election next year. Mr Jones said: “UKIP do not have an organisation in Wales.” When asked if he would go head to head in a debate with Nigel Farage, the first minister replied: “You bet.”

Jayne Bryant also asked a question to the minister on how to support local businesses in the face of the Friars Walk development opening next month.

The minister also received two questions on disability and whether Wales should have a commissioner for disabled people.

Mr Jones said: “It is a question we have wrestled with over the years. Most organisations which represent disabled people have not strongly advocated a separate commissioner. It’s something we will continue to look at”.