THE opponents of the M4 relief road persist in advocating the alternative of “improving” the SDR.

It makes no sense to cause massive disruption for a limited, temporary advantage.

I’m all for protecting the environment but not at the expense of causing misery to people. A balance must be struck.

“Improving” the SDR would have horrendous consequences for however many years it took. The disruption would drive traffic away and put further pressure on the Brynglas tunnels and the roads through the town. And when there are accidents on the existing M4, what then?

Imagine the consequences of an SDR “improvement” on the residents of Ringland, Alway, Lliswerry, Pill and Duffryn, the students and staff of Coleg Gwent (Nash), Duffryn, Lliswerry and Llanwern High Schools and Ysgol Gymraeg Casnewydd, which between them bus in thousands of pupils. Imagine, also the affect on the shoppers, staff and suppliers of Newport Retail Park at Spytty.

Grasp the nettle and build the M4 relief road without further delay with as much care for the environment as possible.

David Hando Hartridge Newport