A Gilwern county councillor is urging anyone with concerns about the next phase of the A465 Heads of the Valleys dualling (between Gilwern and Brynmawr) to attend a series of Welsh Government public information exhibitions starting next Tuesday.

The exhibitions will show the extent of the proposals and give everyone the opportunity to ask the project team questions.

Special arrangements will be made for anyone wishing to put their questions in private.

Councillor Simon Howarth says he is particularly worried about the dangers to North and South Clydach children attending King Henry VIII and Brynmawr comprehensive schools, who currently have to cross from one side of the carriageway to the other when catching and alighting from buses.

"With tiering of the new carriageways, provision needs to be made in the plans for these children - and also people using the x4 bus - to be able to cross safely."

He believes it is vital too that lighting is provided on the new stretch of road from Black Rock down 'because it is so dangerous in autumn and winter due to fog, low cloud and other adverse weather conditions'.

"I also think there should be lay-bys for vehicles on both sides of the new road. The gradient up to Brynmawr will not change too much in the redevelopment and there will still be large vehicles that experience problems and need to pull over."

He added; "Traffic management will be a big issue during the redevelopment. We will have approximately three years of traffic problems and the project will create a massive inconvenience for everyone.

"We need to know how to deal effectively with diverted traffic when the need arises and also how to avoid the country lanes being turned into carriageways.There is plenty of time to ensure that, this time around, the scheme is managed properly - but it needs a lot of thought.

"I'm sure there will be many other issues that will need to be addressed. It's important that as many people as possible come along to the meetings and ask questions."

The timetable for the meetings is:

Tuesday October 25 12 noon-8pm: Brynmawr Foundation School

Wednesday October 26 12 noon -8pm: Clydach Village Hall

Thursday October 27 12 noon - 8pm: Old School Community Centre, Gilwern

Friday October 28 12 noon - 8pm: Llanelly Hill Welfare Hall

Saturday October 29 9.30am-12.30pm: Old School Community Centre, Gilwern

Monday October 31 5pm-8pm: Brynmawr Comprehensive School

Tuesday November 1 5pm-8pm: Old School Community Centre Gilwern.