A MONMOUTHSHIRE councillor has told an inquiry into the dualling of the Heads of the Valleys road, between Gilwern and Brynmawr, that residents have major concerns about the scheme.

County Councillor Simon Howarth told the hearing he has concerns about the design and pedestrian access to two footbridges at Clydach Gorge, noise and air pollution and vibration and working hours of the workforce.

He was speaking on the sixth day of the inquiry at the Old School Community Centre, Gilwern, and said he was representing the views of residents in Clydach, Gilwern and Llanelly Hill.

Work to turn the second section of the A465 into a dual carriageway is due to begin later this year.

Giving evidence, Cllr Howarth said pedestrian footways are a concern around the Saleyard and leading to Maesygwartha and that the link from that area to the bus stops is inadequate on the present road.

He said:“We do have rights of way connecting to the main route towards the bus stops, but on the new scheme we have no footway until reaching the main road at Black Rock.”

Of major concern is the management of traffic flow and 12-hour working days during construction and called for average speed cameras to put in place and remain after the scheme is completed.

Giving joint evidence on behalf of Llanelly Community Council, its Clerk Adrian Edwards and Community councillor Giles Howard, said the design of the pedestrian bridge that will link Clydach North and Clydach South is overbearing and will overlook residents in six bungalows at Dan-y-Coed.

Cllr Howard said if people are stuck in traffic they will get to know the side roads and use those instead.