A PETITION has been launched to resurface a portion of the A40 with ‘whisper’ tarmac.

Residents are appealing to Welsh Government to replace the concrete service from Raglan to Abergavenny after the “horrendous” noise has become unbearable.

The petition was launched by Councillor Sara Jones and has already received more than 100 signatures.

Many residents in Raglan have complained about the noise present on the road.

One resident said: “This road is very noisy at the moment. It will be worse when the Heads of the Valleys link to the Midlands is completed.

“Those who live near the A40 between Raglan and Abergavenny will have a deteriorating quality of life unless steps are taken soon to resurface this road.”

Another residents said: “I have lived underneath a flight path of Heathrow airport as well as living very near to the A40.

“As such, I truly believe that the A40 is far more disturbing given the constant noise that it creates.”

Another said: “Noise from the A40 is a significant issue affecting the quality of life of many Raglan residents.

“Whisper surfacing and/ or acoustic fencing is essential.

Cllr Jones said: “Residents have been calling for the resurfacing of the A40 Raglan to Abergavenny road for many years.

“The road is one of only three trunk roads in Wales to still have a concrete surface and we’re calling on the Welsh Government to act on its Noise Pollution Action Plan and begin resurfacing with whispering tarmac as a priority.

“We’ve set this petition up to demonstrate the strength of feeling on this issue, we’re hopeful that Welsh Government may find a positive resolution over the next couple of months but if that doesn’t happen we’ll be presenting our petition to the Assembly’s petitions committee for further action.”

Nick Ramsay AM said: “As a resident of Raglan myself, I’m well aware that some residents are affected by excessive noise from the A40. The problem is particularly bad for people living in Primrose Green, Fairfax View and the Old Monmouth Road.

“Part of the problem with this stretch of road, as older residents of Raglan will know, is that it was never intended to be the route of the A40. It actually started life as the three lane Raglan bypass and was only later converted into the A40 dual carriageway when plans for the original A40 route south of the village were dropped.

“As a result the road permanently severed the village from its castle and was built uncomfortably close to people’s houses.

“However, we are where we are. I’m calling on the Welsh Government to now reassess the quality of this stretch of road and to outline a timescale for its replacement with new whisper tarmac.

“I will keep residents updated with the information I receive.”

A spokesperson for Welsh Government said: “The resurfacing at The Bryn is being considered for funding during the 2016/17 noise reduction programme and a decision will be made later this month.”