Tories blast council leaders desire to cancel the western bypass

Conservative councillors say Herefordshire Council leaders are a “coalition of congestion” after they decided they want to cancel the proposed western bypass.

The alliance administration led by Herefordshire Independents, It’s Our County and Green Party councillors want to explore proposals to build a road link from Rotherwas to the A438 Ledbury Road.

The previous Tory administration had planned to relieve congestion in Hereford by building a bypass to the west of Hereford.

But full council will vote on cancelling this scheme in January along with the southern link road which was planned to connect the A49 Ross Road with the A465 Abergavenny Road.

“Conservative councillors are disappointed and dismayed that Herefordshire Council’s coalition cabinet has decided to cancel the planned congestion-relieving western bypass, and this decision now threatens Herefordshire’s economic future,” group leader Jonathan Lester said.

“After wasting a staggering £483, 000 of council taxpayer’s money on a bypass review concluding what we already knew – that the best way to ease congestion in Hereford is to build a western bypass – typically they defy all logic and want to cancel it anyway.

“That is council tax money down the drain.

“This financially reckless Coalition of Congestion has already lost the guaranteed government funding to build the southern part of the bypass.

“Now they want to rob Herefordshire of a sound economic future.

“We need a Council dedicated to creating a modern thriving city with new homes and jobs and a transport infrastructure that can accommodate this economic growth.

“We need to de-trunk the A49 through the middle of Hereford. This is a sad day for the people, businesses and economy of Herefordshire.

“This backward-looking decision shows a lack of vision with no sense of direction.

“If this coalition actually listened to most who comment on the bypass – they would hear the cry – JUST GET ON AND BUILD IT!”

Herefordshire Council has been approached for comment.