Often we are faced with decisions when it comes to how to spend our own money in the way that will most improve our lives.

It is something that we will weigh up as consumers – perhaps deciding whether a weekend break with the family is of more or less benefit to us than a new television we can all watch.

Such decisions are also faced by our politicians – how can they get the best value for the money that they have to spend.

I think that some very serious decisions will have to be made by politicians in the next Assembly when it comes to the transport priorities in this part of Wales.

We have heard a lot about the plans for the M4 in recent years, but politicians really do have to consider whether the current ‘black route’ plans – which could now easily cost as much as £1.4bn by some estimates - are the best use of money.

If you are living in Bargoed or Pontypool then arguably the South Wales Metro scheme would have a much bigger impact on your life than the current plans for the M4. That is before you even look at how the M4 scheme would leave our city bypassed on both sides.

There have been some suggestions that the current M4 scheme is to be shelved. Although the Minister denies that will be the case.

But it seems to me, that spending so much money when cheaper alternatives are available is not the best use of money given the limited borrowing powers being given to Wales.

If we weigh up the costs and benefits of the Metro and M4 black route I cannot help but think that it is the former has far more potential to help with the regeneration of the Gwent valleys. Given that, we badly need to go for a cheaper yet effective solution to the current problems with the M4.