HOW strange that Cllr Philip Price ((SC2 to become part of western bypass, Letters, August 6) thinks money for the SC2 Southern Link Road will be released to the council “in phased stages throughout the build”.

Presumably no-one has told him that, under recent ministerial advice, the Department for Transport will retain the funding for, and approval of the scheme. This government funding will not be earmarked for the road, even if planning permission is granted, until a full business case has been approved at Westminster.

The council’s planning committee is being asked to endorse a £27 million proposal with no independently analysed evidence of the economic need for the ‘standalone’ SLR. It is not part of a so-called ‘bypass route’ and Highways England has no intention of funding it through a national road-building programme.

The council should submit a different bid to the Marches LEP for a smaller package of transport measures around the city including the South Wye area. The package would pay for safe cycling and walking routes, some bus lanes where appropriate, investment in tram and rail feasibility studies, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.

Without this, more roads and more housing will just lead to more congestion.

VICTORIA WEGG-PROSSER Warham, Hereford