BUSINESSMAN Steve Howell puts forward an interesting viewpoint on the M4 relief road debate today.

He is one of a growing group of business people who is supporting the moves for a Metro system linking Cardiff, Newport, and the valleys.

And it is a proposal which does have some merits.

Metro systems tend to become very popular as ways of commuting to and from city centres whether for work or leisure.

They are great for moving lots of people around.

But our view is that the M4 Relief Road is really the only game in town for Newport.

A Metro system would we think do very little to improve the economy of Newport or its business community.

But it would do much to futher the already vibrant local economy of Cardiff.

A Metro system with Cardiff as its destination would deliver customers and workers straight into the capital's centre from the area which traditionally has looked to Newport as its nearest commercial centre.

As we have seen with the creation of the Ebbw Vale rail link to Cardiff, it would make it so much easier for people to by-pass Newport city centre.

Conversely The M4 relief road is about making travelling in and around Newport easier.

Yes its creation would also benefit Cardiff, but it would in our view have a much greater impact on Newport.