Gridlock fears if changes to roundabout go ahead

A PROPOSED revamp of Newport's Old Green Roundabout could lead to “serious difficulties” for motorists and negatively affect local businesses, a councillor has warned.

- JONATHON HILL and NICHOLAS THOMAS

The potential changes have sparked concerns about the lack of funding for the project, despite the Welsh Government stating it has provided “significant funding” for development work and will collaborate with councils on “final investment decisions”.

The Old Green project is part of broader efforts to enhance regional transport after the cancellation of the M4 relief road plan. If approved, the roundabout could be transformed into a traffic light-controlled junction.

But Cllr David Fouweather, of the Conservatives, said he feared this could result in long traffic queues and gridlocked roads.

He claimed residents were largely opposed to the plans for the roundabout, and called on council leader Dimitri Batrouni to ensure their feedback is taken seriously by decision makers at the Transport for Wales (TfW)-led Burns Delivery Unit.

At a council meeting, Cllr Fouweather urged Cllr Batrouni to defend Newport and inform TfW and the Welsh Government that the alterations to Old Green should not proceed if city residents are overwhelmingly against the project.