THE revised route for the proposed M4 relief road has been criticised by a local councillor and by wildlife experts.

As reported last week, the Assembly has come up with new preferred route for a new motorway between Junction 23 at Magor and Junction 29 at Castleton, prompted by environmental campaigners worried about the damage the original route would have done to the Gwent Levels and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

The revised route skirts Newport, meaning it cuts less deeply into the Levels and SSSIs.

But environmental groups are still opposing the scheme. And Magor councillor John Major is concerned about pollution and disruption from the motorway, which will run along two sides of the village.

Julian Branscombe, chief executive of the Gwent Wildlife Trust and secretary of CALM Alliance (Campaign Against the Levels Motorway, a group opposing the new motorway), said: "This may be as good as it gets, but it is still appalling in our view.

"We will still be fighting the road."

Mr Branscombe said: "We are also concerned about the water quality in the remaining reen system being affected by construction or road run-off."

He fears species like otter and water vole, rare aquatic plants like frog bit, and insects like the hairy dragonfly and water beetle would still be under threat despite the route change.

He said: "The Gwent Levels appear to be dying the death of a thousand cuts."

He believes the Assembly would do better to enlarge the existing M4 and improve public transport routes.

Friends of the Earth Cymru are also lobbying the Assembly to consider green alternatives.

Their Assembly spokesman, Gordon James, said: "We welcome this effort to overcome some of the environmental problems, but it is not enough."

The plans will be on show to the public at Undy Memorial Hall, Magor, on Thursday, May 4, from 2pm-7pm, and Saturday, May 6, from 10am-4pm.

Members of the CALM Alliance will be staging a protest at Nash Community Hall, near Newport, at 2pm today, at the opening of the Assembly Government exhibition about the road.