Menna MacBain of Marden, Hereford, says leave the monks in peace from road plan (From Hereford Times)

Menna MacBain of Marden, Hereford, says leave the monks in peace from road plan

3:00pm Wednesday 16th May 2012 in Letters

I WOULD like to endorse Rev H J Pascoe’s views (Readers’ Times, April 19) regarding the revised preferred option (preferred by whom?) for the relief road, which would take it through ancient woodland and the grounds of Belmont Abbey.

In the latter case, it will completely destroy the peace of the abbey, which annually attracts visitors from all over the world, as well as Herefordshire itself.

In the former case, it will obliterate flora and fauna which have existed there since prehistoric times.

I am well aware of the problems of traffic in Hereford – twice it has taken me more than two hours to get through the city – but I do not believe that a relief road is the answer, as apparently it has to be paid for by building hundreds of new houses which will involve hundreds more cars, thereby negating any benefit.

Since only 15 per cent of northbound traffic over the bridge consists of through traffic, surely a park and ride scheme would be a better, and cheaper, option?

MENNA MACBAIN, Marden, Hereford.