PEOPLE living along the A465 around Clydach should not have to put up with heavy lorries near their homes.

Councillor Giles Howard urged Monmouthshire Council to impose a weight limit through the Clydach Gorge ahead of the dualling of the main road.

A weight limit would "reduce the effects of heavy, inappropriate and stationary traffic on the residents of Clydach, Llanelly Hill and Maesygawartha", he said.

"I would like people to be able to look out of their windows in the morning without having to look at the side of a 40-tonner on its way to Swansea".

His motion calling for weight limits on through routes on both sides of the gorge was backed by the council.

The council also backed his call to Welsh transport minister Carl Sergeant to ensure there is access from the dualled A465 into Gilwern.

He said: "Gilwern is a vibrant place but if there is no slip road it will damage local businesses.

"Closing access to the top of the village will lead to a likely increased in rat running through Blackrock, Clydach and Maesygwarth and increased journey times in addition to increased inconvenience.

"It would also have the effect of diverting much traffic to the Aberbaiden end of the village and, consequently, greatly increased traffic levels through Abergavenny Road."

There are also concerns that the village bus service could be threatened or stops reduced in number or relocated.

Councillor Eric Saxon supported the motions and said they should be extended to include improvements to the Govilon to Blaenavon road and the area near the Aberbaiden roundabout.