WORRIED residents say Newport's proposed £7 million velodrome is a "monstrosity" - and a development too far.

Last year Newport council won the bidding for the prestigious national sporting venue. It plans to site the velodrome - which is to be fully funded by a lottery grant - in the Spytty Park sports complex, which already includes the Stadium and Newport Tennis Centre. But people living nearby are opposing the plan on several grounds, including:

Fears of an increased risk of flooding.

The size of the new building - 20 metres high. A loss of other sporting amenities.

The possibility of concerts, with audiences up to 4,500, being held in the velodrome. One of the residents objecting to the plan is Doug Fowler, (pictured) of Traston Close, whose home backs onto the sports complex.

"I don't think any of us are against sporting facilities but there comes a time when you have to draw a line.

"What really shook me was the height of the building," said Mr Fowler, who added it was a "monstrosity".

The site's remaining four football pitches will be reduced to two by the velodrome. "We are not NIMBYs - this is just one development too far," said another neighbour, who did not wish to be named.

Residents were particularly concerned that further development on the site would lead to an increased risk of flooding in the area.

A spokeswoman for Newport council said: "The local residents are being consulted as part of the planning application process for the National Velodrome and will have the opportunity to put forward their views about the scheme. "These views will be given full consideration by the planners when the application is considered."

She said the council would be making a presentation about the scheme at the next Lliswerry Neighbourhood meeting.

"We hope that the presentation will help to dispel the residents' concerns," she added.

A neighbourhood meeting is being held at the Mary Dunn Club, Jenkins Street, at 7pm on tonight.