RESIDENTS are invited to have their say about the proposed new M4 motorway junction, 18a, at a series of public exhibitions and drop-in sessions beginning next week.

Public consultation on the new junction which, if given the go ahead, would link the M4 with the A4174 ring road, began last week.

South Gloucestershire Council has put forward two options for the new junction – one using the ring road near Lyde Green in Emersons Green and the other close to Pucklechurch.

Campaigners have been lobbying for Junction 18a for years, with the view that it would ease congestion and provide a valuable link for commuters in South Gloucestershire. But the option of placing it on green belt land near Pucklechurch has met with anger from residents.

Now, everyone with an interest in the new junction is invited to attend one of seven drop-in events taking place in community venues over the next 16 days.

The first one takes place at Pucklechurch Community Centre on Tuesday, September 5, from 1pm to 7.30pm.

Pucklechurch Parish Council chairman Bob Symons is urging residents to take the time to attend.

He said: “The consultation is a chance for SGC to hear your voice.

"No comment will be seen as not bothered. It is so important to respond either online, by post or even by writing a letter.

“If Pucklechurch Parish Council can help, please contact the clerk on 07525 842 095.”

Further sessions include: St Anne’s Church Hall, Syston on September 6, from 6pm to 9pm; Westerleigh Village Hall on September 11, from 4pm to 6.45pm, and Shire Way Community Centre in Yate on September 19, 4pm to 7pm.

All interested parties can also have their say by completing a survey, which is available online (at southglos.gov.uk/m4j18a) and in paper form.

The survey will conclude on Monday, October 16.

For more information on the drop-in sessions visit southglos. gov.uk/m4j18a