THE firm behind the busiest motorway service station in Wales has welcomed the announcement of a public inquiry into the proposed M4 relief road is to be launched.

Earlier this year the Argus reported chief executive of Roadchef Simon Turl was concerned up to 80 per cent of trade at Magor Services could be lost, putting 190 jobs at risk, if the proposed new stretch of motorway were built.

He was concerned no access road to Magor Services was included in the Welsh Government’s draft plans for the new motorway, welcomed last week’s announcement a public inquiry into the plans will be launched in the autumn.

He said: “We are pleased the Welsh Government has taken the decision to hold a public local inquiry and that alternative options will be fully considered by the inspector,” he said.

“We do not wish to delay the much needed improvements but do want drivers to be safe.

“We are just one of many voices in this debate that have misgivings about elements of the proposed scheme. It’s therefore right the route to a decision is made in full view of public scrutiny.”

Mr Turl added the company had presented four alternative possibilities for the junction 23A, the current access to Magor Services, and hoped they would be considered during the inquiry: “It’s vital the new M4 road delivers for residents, local businesses, and for the wider south Wales economy.

“We are eager to work cooperatively with the inquiry to find a solution and look forward to playing a full and active role in the process.”

The public inquiry, which will be led by an independent inspector, will be held at the Lysaght Institute in Corporation Road, Newport, and is expected to last around five months.

As well as the £1.2bn black route – which involves creating a new stretch of motorway running south of Newport – the inspector will also look at other proposals including the so-called blue route, which would see the Southern Distributor Road turned into a four-lane dual carriageway.

It is hoped construction work on the new stretch of motorway could begin in spring 2018 and be open by autumn 2021.