M4 Port Talbot junction 41 stays open after trial

The aim of the junction closure was to improve traffic flows on the M4 around Port Talbot

A slip road on the M4 at Port Talbot is to remain permanently open after it shut for eight months as part of a trial.

Access to the westbound carriageway at junction 41 was blocked during rush hours in the morning and evening to try and ease congestion.

Traders complained the closures affected business.

Economy Secretary Ken Skates said he had decided not to proceed any further with the closures.

But Mr Skates has commissioned a further study of the M4 around Swansea, which will incorporate data gathered during the part-closure.

David Rees, Labour AM for the area, said: "I have always argued that the chaos on local roads due to the closure was unacceptable and the people of Port Talbot deserve a better solution."

Stephen Kinnock, the constituency MP for the party, added: "I am pleased that the Welsh Government has taken this step forward and I look forward to growing the economic prosperity of the town."

But Bethan Jenkins, Plaid AM for South Wales West, added: "This is a victory for the local campaigners who worked tirelessly to seek to show the Labour Welsh Government the error of their ways in closing this vital junction."

She said the closure had created "chaos in Port Talbot town centre".

Former Transport Minister Edwina Hart had said the benefits of partial closure could have been worth £180,000 a year.