A 500-year-old standing stone that was at threat of demolition due to the new planned M4 relief road has had its future secured.

The plans for the £1 billion route include the compulsory purchase of 12 residential homes, with the list including the Grade II listed former vicarage in Magor and the 2.4-metre-tall standing stone. The stone, which is a scheduled protected monument and therefore “of national significance” according to Cadw, is estimated to have been placed in 1606 to mark the Severn Floods and is protected from development.

Despite the stone being on the draft list, it has now been clarified that the stone will be saved. A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The M4 Corridor around Newport proposals have been altered to make sure the standing stone near Undy remains in place. In fact, the proposals include a new footpath link to the standing stone along with new signage and a new information board.”