The communities throughout the Sirhowy Valley deserve protection from becoming a major trucking route.

The suggested surge in heavy goods vehicles travelling to the Nine Mile Point Industrial Estate cannot be permitted to pass through the residential areas of Brynawel and Wattsville.

Furthermore, the proposal includes extending the times during which operations would be permitted.

The local population surely deserves consideration regarding the increased traffic levels, sound disturbance and air quality impacts. It is hoped that any planning application variation along these lines will be dismissed, ensuring these neighbourhoods receive adequate safeguarding from the planning panel.

Councillor Kevin Etheridge

Blackwood ward