A DECISION on the M4 relief should be made urgently as a show of support for south Wales businesses, a council leader has said.

Monmouthshire councillors will be asked to voice their ‘disappointment’ in the Welsh Government, and reaffirm its support of the £1.4 billion scheme, by council leader Peter Fox.

Approval of the project has been delayed since a year-long public inquiry ended last March, during which time Mark Drakeford has succeeded Carwyn Jones as first minister.

With the Severn Bridge tolls removed, Cllr Fox says there is a need for ‘chronic congestion’ around Newport’s Brynglas Tunnels to be cleared.

“We need to send a clear message that Wales is open for business,” he said ahead of Thursday’s meeting.

“Daily congestion around Newport will only get worse and continue to deter businesses from investing in south east Wales unless ministers in Cardiff Bay act.

READ MORE: Looking back at Newport's first M4 relief road scheme

“We look to the Welsh Government to support the people of Monmouthshire and the wider Cardiff Capital Region by investing in this vital project, which will help grow the economy and make South East Wales more prosperous.”

The motion, if approved by full council on Thursday, will see their views expressed in a letter to Mr Drakeford, who has been sceptical about the scheme in the past.

Mark Drakeford. Mark Drakeford.

Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, leader of the council’s Labour group, says its members are supportive of the relief road being built.

“We need clarity from the Welsh Government about what is going to happen. Something has to be done as traffic is becoming a major problem along the M4,” said Cllr Batrouni.

But Cllr Batrouni says Cllr Fox’s motion fails to consider potential alternatives if ministers vote to scrap the scheme.

“I think the letter has to talk about the need for greater public transport infrastructure, including the South Wales Metro,” he added.

The Metro scheme, which proposes a new network of train, bus and tram routes throughout the region, is integral to the £1.2 billion Cardiff Capital Region City Deal.