RESIDENTS of a Monmouthshire hamlet believe that it could be "swamped" if the Welsh Government's plans for an M4 relief road are approved.

The public inquiry in Newport heard that a "green route", proposed by villagers from Llanfihangel Rogiet, near Caldicot, would be cheaper and have less of an environmental impact than the Welsh Government-backed "black route".

The proposal, one of 22 to be put forward by objectors, was presented by long-time residents of the area Mike and Liz Smith, and Graham and Jennifer Wynton.

Mr Smith, a former deputy leader of Monmouthshire County Council, has led the objections and told the inquiry that there "is no logic" to the "complex" plans to build a new Junction 23 further along the M4.

He also said that the "black route" would see a significant amount of land being taken from the area, causing a "direct impact" on the Llanfihangel Rogiet Conservation Area and the visual aspects of residents in Magor, Undy and Rogiet.

The "green route" involve a small junction being placed on the M48 and B4245 near Rogiet, with the current route on the M4 continuing past the existing Junction 23 and Magor Services.

The route would then diverge, turning south at Wilcrick past Bishton and Llandevenny before turning west at Llanwern Steelworks and rejoining the route around Newport as proposed by the "black route".

However, the Welsh Government claims that the "green route" would be £51 million more expensive than their scheme.

Residents from Llandevenny, who claim that the Welsh Government have "not adequately" addressed their concerns of noise and air pollution on their quality of life, are set to address the inquiry later today.