FOLLOWING remarks by Edwina Hart about the Gwent levels and a proposed bypass for the M4, why was a large sum of money expended on the Southern Distributor Road?

I was of the understanding that route was to alleviate the snarl-up at Brynglas. When I challenged the modification at the top of Mendalgief Road, I received a letter from the council telling me that once the SDR was completed all would be well. It seems that was false.

I also received a letter from Gwent Police stating the force was also concerned about that modification.

Now the clots in the assembly want to throw a billion pounds or more at the SDR.

Perhaps Ms Hart should try persuading Newport council and Gwent Police to encourage M4 flow-off at Tredegar Park junction, by diverting some of the load along the SDR.

We could put off damaging the Gwent levels for a short while as alternatives are looked at properly.

J D Morgan, Pembroke Terrace, Varteg