CAMPAIGNERS opposed to the Sirhowy Enterprise Way Blackwood bypass are to appeal for financial backers to help mount a legal challenge against the scheme.

On Saturday, the Argus exclusively revealed that Wales Environment Minister Sue Essex has confirmed the compulsory purchase orders on land earmarked for the scheme.

Now members of the St David's Wood Appeal, set up in 1993 in response to the bypass plans, are meeting to draw up the battle lines.

Over the past ten years they have collected petitions, more than 4,000 letters of opposition, and chained themselves to railings to protest against the scheme.

They say it will destroy St David's Wood - an important habitat for rare species. But Caerphilly council claims the road will be a vital link for the new Oakdale business park, which it is hoped will bring thousands of jobs to the Valleys.

Carl Taylor, a co-ordinator of the St David's Wood Appeal, said the group had not ruled out direct action, but is now considering the feasibility of an appeal through the High Court.

Mr Taylor said: "It's a bit difficult at the moment because we have yet to receive the findings of the independent inquiry. If a legal challenge is possible, we will be appealing for financial backers to fund an appeal through the High Court. We have some backers already, but we will need more because it will cost around £60,000 to fund."

He added: "If the bypass goes ahead it will spell environmental disaster."

Another leading campaigner, Ken Davies, said: "We won't give up the fight - this decision will only make us fight harder. We've never been against a road to Oakdale, it was just the route we objected to."

He added: "There are alternatives, and I can't think why they have been rejected."

Councillor Allan Pritchard, deputy leader of Caerphilly council, said: "The priority of the council is jobs and economic regeneration, and the Sirhowy Enterprise Way is a vital part of that. Environmentalists have said the road will destroy woodland, but it's rubbish."

The council says only 96 trees will be felled on the route.

* In the picture: From left, Ken Davies, councillor Kevin Etheridge and Carl Taylor.