ACTION must be taken urgently to deal with traffic problems caused by roadworks at a busy roundabout between Cwmbran and Pontypool, an AM has said.

Earlier this week the Argus revealed planners were heading back the drawing board over roadworks at the busy Rechem Roundabout on the A4042 following a series of complaints about delays caused by the works.

And speaking in the Assembly earlier this week, Torfaen’s AM Lynne Neagle said changes to the roundabout had caused “massive disruption” to residents and commuters.

“I've received a very large volume of correspondence from constituents regarding not just the huge delays, but also fears over the safety of the road.”

Addressing leader of the house Julie James the Labour AM asked: “What assurances can you offer my constituents that Welsh Government officials and the South Wales Trunk Road Agent, working closely with the developers and Torfaen County Borough Council, will be looking at this as a matter of priority, and that a new system will be put in place as soon as possible?”

Ms James replied: “We have received a number of concerns about the new road layout and are working with the local authority and the developer responsible for carrying out the work and its design to address the situation as a matter of urgency.

“I understand that it's likely that the road markings recently installed will have to be changed to improve traffic flows, and this will take a little while to implement because of the safety checks that need to be completed.

“So, in the meantime, the temporary 40 mph speed limit will remain in place and new lanes provided will remain closed to traffic in order to maintain safety.

“The work is being carried out to increase the capacity of the roundabout, as I know she knows, to accommodate the new developments in the area.

“The officials are more than happy to work with you to resolve the issues.”

The roadworks are the result of a new exit filter lane being added as part of the Taylor Wimpey Edlogan Wharf development.

Taylor Wimpey has confirmed it will make changes to the roundabout layout from next week.