DAMAGE to the environment will not be significantly reduced by the new route for the proposed M4 relief road, say wildlife campaigners.

Yesterday the Argus exclusively revealed the Assembly's new preferred route for a new motorway between Junction 23 at Magor and Junction 29 at Castleton.

Transport officials say the changes were prompted by environmental campaigners. The new-look plans see the road skirt the city, meaning it cuts less deeply into the Gwent Levels and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

But environmental groups say they are still opposing the scheme. Julian Branscombe, chief executive of the Gwent Wildlife Trust and secretary of CALM Alliance (a group opposing the new motorway), said: "This may be as good as it gets, but it is still appalling in our view. "We will still be fighting the road."

Because the Gwent Levels run right up to the city boundary he says areas will still be lost if the new M4 is created south of Newport.

Mr Branscombe said: "We are also concerned about the water quality in the remaining reen system being affected by construction or road run-off." He fears species like otter and water vole, rare aquatic plants like frog bit, and insects like the hairy dragonfly and water beetle would still be under threat despite the route change.

He said: "The Gwent Levels appear to be dying the death of a thousand cuts.

"This route is the least damaging if the road has to run south of Newport, but we feel other options haven't been given enough consideration." He believes the Assembly would do better to enlarge the existing M4 and improve public transport routes.

Friends of the Earth Cymru are also lobbying the Assembly to consider green alternatives to the new motorway.

Their Assembly spokesman, Gordon James, said: "We welcome this effort to overcome some of the environmental problems, but it is not enough."

Also opposing the scheme is Magor councillor John Major. He is concerned about pollution and disruption from the motorway, which will run along two sides of the village.