CAMPAIGNERS are looking to preserve an area of ancient woodland which they fear could be lost if a proposed trunk road is built.

The development, at Tirpentwys Cut, could see a quarry access road built onto the A472 Hafodyrynys Road.

This has prompted objection from groups in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Torfaen though.

The site straddles the borough borders and there are fears that the development would increase pollution and affect road safety.

“An area the size of four pitches will be destroyed if plans go ahead,” said Garndiffaith resident Lynda Clarkson. “This includes areas of ancient woodland which will be permanently destroyed. It will take a number of years before this can grow back.”

“The trunk road would come down onto Hafodyrynys Road,” she added. “We have been told that 75 per cent of the traffic will turn left and 25 per cent will turn right. How this will be enforced I do not know.

“There will be 100 lorries per day using the trunk road, working 7am to 7pm. That is going to cause havoc in the winter.”

Earlier in the year, it was confirmed that the A472 was one of the most polluted roads outside of London, by UK Government data.

Miss Clarkson is concerned that in addition to the loss of the woodland, the additional traffic will have negative consequences.

Ms Clarkson said she fears this would only get worse.

“It is an accident blackspot as well in terms of road safety,” she said.

“This development is going to affect three different council areas – Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Torfaen.”

“To my knowledge, objections have been received from those authorities.”

“I understand there will be 12 jobs as a result but it does not seem like a worthwhile cause to destroy such a lovely area.”

The Coed Cadw Woodland Trust has also raised concerns.

Jack Taylor, said on its behalf: “Ancient woodland is never an appropriate place for this sort of development.”

The development was first tabled in 2003, and 13 years on the application remains with the planning authority at Torfaen council.

A Torfaen council spokesman said: “The application is still under consideration and no date has been set to bring it before the planning committee.

“The public can continue to submit comments or objections until then.”