HEREFORD'S western bypass has been given a boost after being allocated £300,000 by the Midlands Connect transport strategy.

Midlands Connect, a collaboration across the whole of the Midlands between councils, local enterprise partnerships, Network Rail, Highways England and central government, has allocated the funding to help progress the bypass scheme development.

The bypass scheme has been identified as ‘an early priority’ for Midlands Connect as it supports connectivity within the Marches, the Midlands region and across the border with Wales.

Midlands Connect Strategy: Powering the Midlands Engine identified a series of road and rail projects over the next 25 years, after being tasked by the government to put the report together.

Pledging the financial support during a visit to Hereford last week, Midlands Connect Programme Director, Maria Machancoses said: “The A49 Hereford bypass will strengthen the economic and transport links between the Midlands and Wales, benefitting people and businesses.”

In April, Herefordshire Council held a consultation on the Hereford Transport Package, which includes the bypass, and a map for the proposed route corridor was displayed which included a new river crossing to the west of Broomy Hill.

The corridor which the council has highlighted varies in size depending on the sensitivity of the area, and different road routes will be suggested within the corridor.

Residents were asked to submit issues within the corridor highlighted, regarding heritage, ecology or who owns the land by the end of May.

The council hopes that the bypass could be built by 2025.

Councillor Philip Price, cabinet member infrastructure said: “Having the support of Midlands Connect to deliver the bypass scheme is key in its successful delivery. The bypass will deliver the growth Herefordshire vitally needs to remain self-sustaining; but from a regional viewpoint it also delivers an improved regional corridor from the Midlands, the Marches and into South Wales.”