A MULTI-million plan is set to improve road and rail links in Gwent.

The National Assembly yesterday announced more than £14 million will be spent on local transport links, as part of a bid to reduce congestion, protect the environment, and upgrade public transport.

Earlier this month the Assembly announced it would pay £2 million subsidies for the next three years to run the reopened Ebbw Vale to Cardiff rail line.

The line is due to open in 2005 - and the Argus is campaigning for the Ebbw Vale to Newport link, due to open in 2008, to open at the same time.

Some of the £14 million will fund improvements to rail and bus services at Cwmbran, Blackwood, Abergavenny, Severn Tunnel Junction and Monmouth.

Cyclists will also benefit from the scheme, with funds going to urban cycling routes proposed by the South East Wales Transportation Forum and safer routes to Bassaleg Comprehensive School in Newport.

The Bassaleg scheme is part of the safe routes to school initiative and receives part of the £3.3 million being allocated to support 26 projects across Wales.

Transport minister Sue Essex unveiled the plans.

Ms Essex said: "The highly successful initiative makes a real difference at the local level and is welcomed by all stakeholders within local communities, children and adults alike. It not only addresses the safety aspects of walking or cycling to school but also teaches young people to think about their travel choices."

The support also confirms commitments to the five-year rail and road programme announced in January 2001 and extended in January 2002.

The news of additional funding was welcomed by Newport East AM John Griffiths.

He said: "Safe cycle routes to school help ease congestion on the roads and encourage people to exercise and more investment is definitely to be welcomed."