A GWENT politician attacked controversial plans which could see a gas pipeline laid under Blaenavon's World Heritage site.

Torfaen's AM, Lynne Neagle, told gas giant National Grid Transco it needs to divert a new major pipeline away from the borough's treasured site.

The company is considering constructing a high-pressure gas pipeline between Aberdulais and Monmouthshire, in order to supply liquefied natural gas from Milford Haven.

Bosses are currently in the process of determining the route, and one option is through Blaenavon and the World Heritage Site.

Ms Neagle said: "Any moves to install a pipeline of this nature through Blaenavon and the World Heritage Site must be stopped. I cannot over-emphasise the potentially devastating effect that construction of this pipeline would have on the landscape.

"The South Wales valleys have had to bear the burden of the nation's industrial scars, particularly where energy production is concerned. This area should not be saddled with such a burden in future."

A spokeswoman from Transco said a number of options were being considered.

She added: "National Grid Transco is currently investigating the feasibility of routing a new gas pipeline either to the north or south of the Brecon Beacons.

"The new pipeline, due for construction in 2007, will expand the capacity of NGT's national gas transmission system in Wales and transport gas coming into the UK through two new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plants currently under construction at Milford Haven.

"Identifying a suitable and practical route corridor that meets all the stringent physical and environmental specifications and legal requirements is a very lengthy process."

NGT is currently consulting farmers and landowners.

A spokeswoman for Torfaen council said planning chiefs were looking into the matter and had arranged meetings with NGT.