MAJOR infrastructure projects such as the M4 relief road offers 'very little' to the people of disadvantaged communities, according to a new study.

The study was written by Dr Mark Lang with support from the Sustainable Places Research Institute at Cardiff University. The report called 'All around us: The Pontypool Deep Place Study' looked at the Torfaen town's economy and social structure. The £1.1billion M4 relief road around Newport is due to go to a public inquiry in March next year.

Dr Lang in the report said: "Moreover, some of the key economic priorities that have emerged in Wales, notably the proposed construction of an M4 relief road around Newport, appear to offer little to the well-being of future generations. They also appear to offer very little to the people and town of Pontypool, who like other communities have not been engaged in the conversation around setting the economic policy agenda."

He said the South Wales Metro proposals appear to 'offer no rail improvements for Pontypool and few immediate bus service improvements.' The report states as larger more strategic road improvements tend to be controlled by Welsh Government this can 'lead to a disconnect' between projects such as the M4 relief road which are designed to have wider regional impacts and the 'maximisation of more local benefits.'

A similar study in the 'Deep Place' project was undertaken on Tredegar in 2014.

The study found Trevethin to be one of the most disadvantaged communities in Wales, whilst Panteg is one of the least disadvantaged communities in Wales.