FURIOUS residents of a Gwent town claim a proposed waste recycling plant there could damage the environment - as well as hit plans to boost tourism.

Now they are organising a protest march to highlight their concerns at the plans to turn Risca quarry, next to the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal, into the plant.

They have already collected a 500-name petition against the proposals by aggregates suppliers Hanson.

Residents say they are concerned because of the possible health implications associated with the estimated six heavy goods vehicles an hour which would pass along the Darran Road.

And protesters believe if the plant got the go-ahead it would impinge on plans to attract more tourists to the town by renovating the canal.

But the firm says the operation planned would be "small scale". Sue Wiltshire, of the Risca and District Residents Association (RADRA), said: "Hanson claim this waste recycling plant will have minimum environmental impact on the community despite there being around 72 visits by 20-ton trucks each and every day.

"These trucks will be driving past the local primary schools, Crosskeys college and old age pensioners' homes."

Jenni Long, secretary of RADRA, said: "The more we have discovered about Hanson's plans the more unhappy we have become by their lack of recognition as to the overall impact that this sort of operation would have on the small communities of Crosskeys, Fernlea and Risca."

The facility will produce recycled aggregates from inert construction waste from demolished buildings and construction sites.

Islwyn AM Brian Hancock said: "I believe it is important that before any development should occur the sustainability of the development is well and truly investigated."

A spokesman for Hanson said: "I think we need people to understand we are a big company and a responsible company and we pride ourselves on doing jobs like this well. This is a pretty small scale operation and people have nothing to fear from it and a lot to gain.

"We want to reassure people that the site will be in safe hands but we appreciate that they are not going to like us whatever."

The protesters will assemble in the car park next to Alphavets in Pontymister at 10am on Saturday before marching to Crosskeys.