A NEW group opposed to plans for a western bypass in Hereford held a public meeting and information event in Breinton.

Wye Ruin It? was launched earlier this month in opposition to Herefordshire Council's plans to build a bypass to the west of the city, with group members stating they are 'appalled' that a large part of the landscape will be ruined by the council's proposals.

The group held a public meeting and information gathering event at Breinton Village Hall last Saturday which was attended by residents from around the county including walkers and cyclists.

There were diagrams, maps, information boards and statements displayed alongside quotations from the council and other documentation, as well as photographs of the open countryside, sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) and traditional orchards where the proposed road will uproot.

In a statement, the group said: "There was some confusion – is it a bypass or is it a relief road? From the available data about the proposed £132m road neither description seemed clear to the members of the public attending.

"The many visitors seemed unconvinced that congestion in the city would improve, and many expressed their view that traffic problems would significantly worsen once the associated 6,500 homes that amounts to a new town would be built.

"Residents expressed their concerns for their future health from the fumes and pollution the extra traffic generated would produce as well as the increased noise in the environment."

Wye Ruin It? has launched a website, has a presence on Facebook and Twitter, and is inviting support from all sides of the city and wider afield.

A steering committee has been formed and a draft constitution is in place for the group to expand and involve a membership from across the county.

Visit wyeruinit.org and/or email info@wyeruinit.com for more information.