DEESIDE’S Assembly Member has welcomed news that plans for a new relief road have been turned down.

Welsh Government has previously announced that it would not go ahead with the proposed new M4 relief road around Newport, South Wales.

Jack Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, said he was against the relief road for three main reasons, the first being that it would increase the North/South Divide.

He said: “In my experience, there is still a long way to go to convince people in the north that the Assembly, and in fact the Government, is for the whole of the country.

“I am also extremely passionate that transport infrastructure should be one of the top priorities for investment in North Wales

“Now that we have a decision, I want an alternative approach taken and to see the borrowing powers we have used on a range of projects across all corners of Wales to improve the well-being of the people we represent.”

In aid of combating the divide, First Minister Mark Drakeford designated a Minister for North Wales – Ken Skates.

Mr Sargeant also said he believed the road would not assist their commitment to tackle climate emergency.

He added: “The Welsh Government is absolutely right to take seriously its obligations towards climate change. We only have one planet.

“Since being elected, I received a large amount of correspondence focusing on the environmental impact of such a development to the M4.

“I listened closely to arguments that the scheme will increase traffic levels and pollution in South Wales, as well as impact on important wildlife sites including six Sites of Special Scientific Interest.”

The First Minister crapped the scheme because of its cost and impact on the environment.

The plans would have seen a 14-mile motorway built as a gateway into south Wales in a bid to tackle congestion.

The Alyn and Deeside AM also said the plan would not support the Future Generations Act.

He told the Leader: “It is for those reasons I believe this Government has made the right decision here.

“that things have changed over time and that we need an alternative, Wales-wide solution which invests in all parts of Wales. Ensuring we share opportunity, development and wealth.”