I WRITE in response to John Bothamley’s dream said to be representing the Hereford (not Herefordshire) Civic Society for the shape and progress for a prosperous and successful county (Plan would create new town at Ewyas Harold, Hereford Times, July 30).

Civic societies exist to promote excellence in town architecture. His view, apart from corridors of transport and light rail systems, revolves around creating a new town to be situated in the south-western corner of this lovely county, namely Ewyas Harold.

I have lived in this village for 43 years and for more than 20 years I was the county council’s head of highways for much of Herefordshire. Since retirement I act as adviser to our group parish council for infrastructure issues surrounding transport, sewage, drainage and planning issues.

We have many long-term issues which are currently under discussion, and a good dialogue exists between county council, parish council and the statutory authorities.

A Group Parish Plan is in place and up to 50 new dwellings are in the pipeline, but severe constraints not easily resolved exist due to lack of infrastructure such as no gas, narrow lanes and a topography with few national utility services.

The flash floods run-off causes the rivers and brooks, namely Dore, Dulas, Worm, Monnow, Prill and Paradise, to overflow with roads becoming impassable. We are a hilly area not suited to over-development.

Transport links would not be adequate now or in the future due to constraints associated with over-developments at Belmont (Belmont Road and Greyfriars Bridge).

Frankly, Mr Bothamley’s aspirations would be more appropriate if he returned to his civic credentials rather than rural matters which to me seem to show a lack of proper understanding.

If he wishes to persist, why does he not assist us to remain one of the green healthy lungs that this corner of the county offers, and designate us more accurately as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty rather than another nondescript township.

Our present model and development exists around agriculture and rural industries with professional services in place and it works. It certainly does not need breaking by such ill-conceived, irrational ideas.

I would be grateful if Mr Bothamley would place this response before his colleagues on the Civic Society.

MARK PONTING Ewyas Harold