THAT the owners of Newport Docks are to formally oppose the Welsh Government’s plans for the M4 relief road should come as no surprise to anyone.

Associated British Ports first raised concerns about the so-called black route for the relief road back in 2014.

While plans have been modified slightly since then, ABP remains opposed to the compulsory purchase of 87 acres of its land and the building of a six-lane motorway bridge which its says will cut the docks in two.

ABP says the bridge will impose height restrictions meaning half of the vessels that currently use the North Dock would be unable to continue doing so.

We expressed our views on ABP’s concerns in 2014 and we repeat them here.

The docks are not the powerhouse they once were but they still provide employment – directly and indirectly – for around 3,000 people and contribute £186 million a year to the economy.

This newspaper’s support for the relief road has not wavered for more than 20 years. We believe it makes sense for Newport and for the wider South Wales economy.

But that does not mean we think opponents should be dismissed.

If ABP’s fears can be allayed, even if it means further amending the plans, then every effort should be made to do so.

Newport needs this relief road, but it also needs jobs and investment at its docks.

Compromises may have to be made to achieve both, and it concerns us that no progress appears to have been made in almost two years.