THE FINAL stage in the battle over the controversial Sirhowy Enterprise Way road scheme in Blackwood begins today.

A two-week public inquiry into Compulsory Purchase Orders issued by Caerphilly council is being held at the council offices in Pontllanfraith.

The scheme has drawn opposition from local people and environmentalists - with some protesters chaining themselves to the council offices in Pontllanfraith in a bid to make their point.

Today inspector Ian Osborne was due to hear the outline case from Caerphilly council, which issued hundreds of controversial CPOs to residents and businesses in Blackwood during February.

But the later part of the public inquiry is expected to focus on the impact of the road scheme on the northern end of Blackwood.

One of the main arguments against the road is that it will destroy areas of woodland in Blackwood.

Hundreds of ancient trees in St David's Wood are due to be felled to make way for the road.

The woodland also 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. The campaign against the environmental impact of the road has won the backing of Manic Street Preacher Nicky Wire, his parents Irene and Allen Jones, and his brother, poet Patrick Jones.

However, Caerphilly council argues that the road scheme is essential for the development of the Oakdale business site.

Around 5,000 new jobs could be created on the site of the former Oakdale colliery if the new road was built, it claims.

Protesters say the environmental qualities of the woodland have been overlooked by the council and they want a fair hearing at the CPO inquiry.

Carl Taylor, leader of the St David's Wood Appeal, added: "I call on anyone with an interest in this road, no matter if it is for or against, to come along and listen to this inquiry. All the arguments over the road are going to be aired once and for all." Hal Moggridge, owner of St David's Wood, is also planning to speak at the inquiry against the road scheme.