Council leaders set ‘D-day’ for bypass decision

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Monday, 15 July 2019 13:43

By Carmelo Garcia - Local Democracy Reporter

County council leaders will decide the fate of the proposed Hereford bypass next week.

Herefordshire Council leader David Hitchiner said the cabinet would be making decisions on the county’s major road schemes on July 25.

The new administration is expected to reveal its plans for the proposed western bypass and the southern link road.

Councillor Hitchiner also said cabinet members recently held talks with Herefod MP Jesse Norman about the issue – and a meeting with North Herefordshire MP Bill Wiggin is expected soon.

Speaking at full council on Friday, Coun Hitchiner said: “The area that generates most interest at this time is the administration’s proposals for transport infrastructure for Hereford.

“This issue generates strong and passionately held views from those who support or oppose the current plans, my email inbox reflects this.
“Since the election, the new cabinet and I have been reflecting on these schemes.

“We are only too aware that decisions we take in relation to them will affect, not only our lives, but those of generations to come.

“A number of aspects about the transport plans do concern us greatly and are the subject of active debate but with no decision having been made.”

He said cabinet members were reflecting on what updated evidence would be needed to make a decision.

The cabinet have also been looking at whether the current schemes provide value for money and solve the problems they are intended to.

Coun Hitchiner also said we mindful of the pressing issue of climate emergency.

The cabinet meeting will be held at Shirehall at 6.30pm on July 25.