I refer to the letter by Jesse Norman MP to Hereford Council, (Change of direction sought by MP in link road debate, Hereford Times, January 14), in which he stated that an eastern relief road would be the most cost-effective single piece of road infrastructure potentially available which would ease traffic congestion in and around the city, and at the same time help to attract urgently needed new businesses onto the Hereford Enterprise Zone. It is a well known fact that his views are strongly supported by most local business people and a large number of local councillors.

Cllr Philip Price, cabinet member for Infrastructure is wrong when he states that the western relief road is the only way we can go because that is not the view of numerous highly qualified engineers and surveyors.

It is the view of many that Herefordshire Council's capital borrowing has been excessive and irresponsible during the past decade, resulting in debt repayments of approximately £17 M per annum. That is why we should only be progressing sensible and affordable projects in the immediate future which is what Mr Norman is suggesting.

The only way we are going to move forward economically is if we have secure well paid jobs for our many talented young people, and at present, regretfully there is little sign of that being achieved. In fact, we have just lost a number of highly paid professional jobs on the Moreton on Lugg Business Park which means that we have gained little or nothing over the past three years. That is why Mr Norman 's recommendations are to be commended, and I sincerely hope that Herefordshire Council Cabinet sees it that way , and that common sense will prevail.

Cllr Bob Matthews

Credenhill Ward