IT would seem that Herefordshire Council is intent on building a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the Wye at Hampton Park at a stated cost of £2.6 million, when a workable solution is available for a fraction of that cost.

Is there a councillor out there who can explain how this is realistic and affordable expenditure – a government minister phrase, not mine. I read and hear about far-reaching cuts in public expenditure the like of which I do not recall – and I am getting a bit long in the tooth. I have no sense whatsoever that this bridge is a necessity for the future functioning of Hereford, Herefordshire, Rotherwas or any one individual. It looks to be me to be total luxury.

Well, maybe it is a tourist attraction?

Not so, it goes to an industrial estate and you won’t be able to see it from the Hampton Park Road end at all, it’s hidden by trees and houses. You will have an excellent view from the gardens on Quay Close, where we will be able to look up at the splendid, probably unused structure. But I see no opportunities for charging for a viewing here – come and see the council’s latest folly? No.

What you should also know is that I have been through all the reasons that councillors were given for not using the Welsh Water pipe bridge for the route – the original scheme the council put forward and which won the Sustrans funding in 2007. I am a consulting structural engineer and the early part of my career was as a bridge engineer. There is no reason why the Welsh Water bridge should not be used for the scheme. The bridge and the underpass are, simply, fit for the purpose of the scheme.

It is a period of austerity, again, not my expression, and using the Welsh Water bridge is, surely, the only viable option in the circumstances.

As I am directly affected by this proposal – users of the bridge will be able to look into my hitherto private garden – I have been asked to meet with officers for the council and local councillors early in September.

Today, I find that the finished design is to be presented to the public on August 28, so clearly my concerns are of no concern to the council.

I can hear some of you say, oh no, this just sounds like another ESG debacle. I could not possibly comment.

MARTYN PETERS, Quay Close, Hereford