PROPOSED plans for sand and gravel extraction in the Usk Valleys could destroy a prehistoric landscape if given the go-ahead, a local scientist claims.

Dr Simon Haslett, (pictured) head of geography at Bath Spa University College, has recently conducted a survey which found that a 14- square kilometre area in the Usk and Olway Valleys has a prehistoric landscape formed during the Ice Age.

He said: "This landscape has existed here for more than 6,000 years and any plans for sand and gravel extraction would destroy the landscape.

"There is every likelihood that the landscape could exist in the areas where they would extract sand and gravel."

Dr Haslett, 36, who has lived in Usk for 22 years, said: "If it does go ahead then the landscape will be destroyed, because the gravel they want is underneath it.

"There could be a positive side to the extraction, where we could use their excavation to look at the sediment in further detail.

"However, an area would inevitably be destroyed. "The landscape has been preserved for the past 6,000 years and it is sad that now we have just discovered it there is the potential that it could be lost.

"Further investigations need to take place to find out where the prehistoric landscape stretches to and what stone age artefacts have been found in the area.

"This is the first survey which has shown that something from the middle stone age and new Stone Age actually does exist in the area.

"The area does have a historical interest to a lot of people and this will add to the first chapter of many history books of the area.

"I have actually produced hard evidence for the first time that 10ft underneath the surface of the floodplains is an extensive landscape."

A spokesman for the National Ass-embly said: "Areas of the Usk Valleys have been identified as possible sites for sand and gravel extraction but we have no plans to continue with them at the moment.

"We would have to wait for any applications to extract sand and gravel to be made before any issues were dealt with and each case is then assessed individually."

Dr Haslett's survey is published in The Monmouthshire Antiquary.