Port Talbot M4 junction closure plan change after complaints

The trial peak-time closure of the westbound on-slip at Junction 41 will start in August

Plans to close a junction on the M4 motorway in south Wales to ease congestion have been amended after complaints by traders.

A six-month trial closure of junction 41 at Port Talbot was due to start this summer but now only the on-slip will shut and just at peak periods.

Some local businesses had described the closure plan as detrimental.

The trial peak-time closure of the westbound on-slip at junction 41 will start in August.

Neath Port Talbot council leader Alun Thomas praised Transport Minister Edwina Hart for "acknowledging the concerns I presented on behalf of the residents and businesses of Port Talbot".

"The minister confirmed that she was prepared to work with the council on the issue of congestion on the M4 albeit the motorway and trunk road network is the responsibility of the Welsh government," he added.

"This is a huge step forward in our negotiations and willingness to work on problems together.

"I am confident that this trial will prove that there are better options to full time closure and following the completion of the local road improvements in March 2015, the minister has agreed to review the effect of the part-time closures before taking a decision on whether to proceed with full-time trial closures."

Steve Garvey, president of Port Talbot Chamber of Trade, argued in March that closing junction 41 would mean people would have no reason to visit the town anymore.