THE reaction of the Gwent Wildlife trust to the proposed Circuit of Wales is understandable but ignores a much bigger picture, namely economic and social poverty. I would be quite happy for Iolo Williams and Tom Clarke to show me what they think could be lost to our community by way of a somewhat desolate moorland if and only if, they will spend an hour with me walking through Blaenau Gwent and our towns of Ebbw Vale.

I could show them the multitude of closed shops and the struggling businesses. We could meet those young people who see the future as hopeless and jobless. We could visit the food bank and the Christians against Poverty Centre run by churches. We could ask about the majority of children on free school meals. Maybe an hour isn’t enough! But, Mr Williams and Mr Taylor, this is a genuine offer.

Come and talk to me and I’ll explain why the Circuit of Wales is so important to individual’s lives and the prosperity of our area.

Reverend Geoffrey Waggett Ebbw Vale