IN JEN Mills article: ‘AM calls for a region revamp’ (October 11), Mr Alun Davies AM calls for Blaenau-Gwent and Torfaen to become part of a “new Monmouthshire”. The name of Monmouthshire was enforced by an English king and his lords on the people of the former ancient kingdom of Gwent. Back in medieval times, any Welsh man or boy seen within 100 yards of the town of Monmouth would have been hanged without trial.

From the 18th century to modern times, there has been a strong connection and affinity between the valleys of Gwent. Coal and steel was transported from the valleys by rail to Newport docks and beyond.

The demise of the coal and steel industries in the valleys meant that many families sought employment and homes in the Newport area. The valleys of Gwent are more closely connected to Newport than either the little England enclave of Monmouth or the Anglo-Welsh capital, Cardiff. I suspect that the real problem of authority mergers lies not in the will of the people, but more in the shortcomings of some of their representatives and councillors.

Brian Hayes, Clearwell Court, Bassaleg