CAMPAIGNERS have voiced their concerns as a public inquiry into the planned M4 relief road around Newport opened this morning.

Environmental groups and concerned residents gathered outside the Lysaght Institute in Newport prior to the start of the inquiry to protest against the proposal.

The inquiry, which is expected to run into July, will examine the Welsh Government’s preferred black route as well as up to 22 alternatives put forward.

Environmental groups have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the Gwent Levels and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

South Wales Argus:

Speaking before the meeting, Ian Rappels, chief executive of Gwent Wildlife Trust, said: “The Welsh Government has picked the most damaging and expensive route possible.

“They are in contradiction of progressive legislation which protects future generations.

“The route that is planned goes through Sites of Special Scientific Interest and will break and disrupt the ecology of the Gwent Levels.”

Members of Friends of the Earth, the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales, Wildlife Trust Wales and the Woodland Trust were amongst the groups to express their concerns.

The inquiry will hear from supporters and opponents of the proposed M4 relief road.

Opening the meeting, Inspector William Wadrup said there are a total of 22 alternatives which will be considered.

A Welsh Government spokesman previously said: “The public inquiry will allow the project, and its environmental mitigation measures, to be openly and robustly scrutinised by independent inspectors to determine whether it is the sustainable, long-term solution to the serious problems associated with this gateway to Wales.

“The outcome of the inquiry will inform a final decision on whether to proceed with construction.”