A CONTROVERSIAL plan to chop down hundreds of ancient trees in a Gwent wood looks set to go ahead, we can reveal.

The National Assembly has decided to allow compulsory purchase orders on land earmarked for the Blackwood bypass, Islwyn Assembly Member Brian Hancock (pictured) revealed last night.

Caerphilly council says the Sirhowy Enterprise Way is needed as a vital link for the new Oakdale business park, which it hopes will attract up to 5,000 jobs into the local economy.

But opponents say it should not be allowed to destroy St David's Wood, a beauty spot enjoyed by generations of local people.

They have vowed to stage a tree-top protest to stop bulldozers going into the wood, and some have previously chained themselves to the council offices in Pontllanfraith in a bid to make their point.

The woodland contains rare species of bats and butterflies, protected under the European Habitats Directive.

Roosts containing Noctule bats have been found in the trees and species of butterfly known as the Marsh Fritillary exist along the route of the Sirhowy Enterprise Way. A two-week public inquiry was held last October into the plans.

Having considered independent inspector Ian Osborne's findings and recommendations, Assembly environment minister Sue Essex has now confirmed the orders.

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member Mr Hancock said last night: "This is extremely good news. Development of Oakdale Business Park needs this road for people to be able to get there.

"Also, people are beginning to see, with the new development at the north of Blackwood, that there is going to be a lot of traffic jams there.

"The Sirhowy Enterprise Way will act as a bypass for Blackwood and take heavy traffic out of the High Street.

"I'm really pleased, it's something I've been calling for for a long time."

Mr Hancock said he understood that Assembly Members now had a chance to oppose the decision and if at least ten object "it goes back in the melting pot".

If this does not happen notices will appear in the press and the public will have six weeks to object in writing to the High Court.

Mr Hancock said: "I think it's unlikely there will be ten to complain, quite the reverse."