Opposition leader claims eastern bypass plans have ‘not been tested’

A leading opposition councillor claims there has been no genuine research into the feasibility of a possible bypass route east of Hereford

Independent group leader Bob Matthews believes the lack of objections from government agencies to proposals for a farm access road being built just yards from the Lugg Meadows nature reserve shows a bypass could be built there.

Councillor Matthews says engineers could design a route along the base of the Tupsley Ridge, with no adverse impact to the nearby meadows and at a third of the cost of the current proposals west of the city.

“Neither Natural England nor Historic England had any notable objections,” he said.

“There were in fact no objections from the city or the local parish councils.”

“This proves what we have suspected over recent years, that there has not been any effort made by Herefordshire Council to genuinely research the viability of an eastern route.”

He believes the council could afford to spend up to £40m on improving the Bridge Sollars Road and complete an eastern bypass project for around half the estimated western route cost.

“Councillor Price continues to tell us that a western bypass would drastically reduce air pollution and carbon emissions within the city corridor,” he said.

“Yet our own officers have repeatedly stated in the past, that the bulk of the traffic will continue over the present bridge into the city centre and independent engineers at various public meetings have confirmed a western route could produce an additional 30,000 extra vehicles from proposed local development.”

The Credenhill ward councillor said his group has always supported an additional Hereford bridge across the River Wye and accepted the principle of ‘reasonable development’ to the west of the city.

He said this development could still be delivered by local infrastructure improvements.

“Anyone who fully understands the local economy and infrastructure requirements, such as our highly valued local business people, have repeatedly stated that it is only an eastern route and improvements to the A49 South that will bring us the desperately needed, well paid jobs and prosperous local economy which is so essential for us all,” he said.

Herefordshire Council have so far not responded to several requests to comment on coun Matthews views on the possibility of an eastern bypass.