CLLR Price’s letter (SC2 to become part of the Western Bypass, Letters, August 6) does at least serve to clarify matters. First, we had the distributor road, then the relief road but at last we have the bypass, yet even now the intentions behind this plan remain confused.

If “residents and businesses are demanding a bypass” presumably they believe this will relieve congestion. But Cllr Price says a road is needed to meet the demand for new housing – a distributor road. The problem is that there is no firm evidence that it will meet either.

In the initial consultation in 2010, 86% of those responding objected to the plan for a western bypass – no public support there!

Traffic studies show that it would have only a minor impact on traffic in Hereford as the bulk of traffic is coming into the city, not through it. One estimate suggested it would reduce journey times by seconds, not minutes. Secondly, meeting the demand for housing depends where you put the housing.

Finally, Cllr Price says the Southern Link is “largely” funded by government. What is the gap and can we afford it given the cuts being proposed?

BOB WIDDOWSON Campaign to Protect Rural England, Herefordshire