A DECISION on the long-awaited M4 relief road has taken a step closer after it was announced first minister Mark Drakeford has received the public inquiry report into the scheme.

A public inquiry into the project - which has been on the cards for almost two decades - ended in March last year, and former first minister Carwyn Jones had repeatedly said he hoped to make a decision on the proposed new stretch of motorway between Magor and Castleton, bypassing the often-congested Brynglas Tunnels, before he left office in December.

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But, as the inspector's report had to be scrutinised by Welsh Government officials before being submitted to the first minister, ultimately this did not happen, and the decision was left to Mr Jones' successor Mark Drakeford.

And now the Welsh Government has confirmed Mr Drakeford has received the report.

A Welsh Government spokeswoman said: “The first minister has now received the 558 page report on the M4 project prepared by the independent inspector following the public inquiry, as well as the technical advice that officials have been carefully preparing over the last few months.

“He will now take time to read and consider that report and the advice that accompanies it carefully and pursue any questions arising from that advice.”

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AMs have been promised a vote on the project, believed to cost upwards of £1.4 billion, in the Assembly.

But campaigners have repeatedly raised concerns over the impact it would have on the protected Gwent Levels.