THE Rotherwas access road is to go ahead leaving a monument, thought to date back to the Bronze Age, buried in its path.

Herefordshire Council gave the green light to build over the monument, known as the Rotherwas Ribbon, at a meeting of its cabinet last Thursday.

It decided to rubberstamp its original decision following a review by a scrutiny committee. The council claims the move will mean the monument can be preserved for future generations and allow the road, which provides a link to key employment sites, to continue.

Cabinet also heard that the council was making progress with its application for funding from English Heritage to enable further archaeological investigations.

This will help determine the nature of the find and allow the council to consider opportunities for tourism, heritage and education.

Depending on the results of this investigation the council will prepare a conservation plan, look at the potential for a visitor centre and public access.

Councillor Bob Matthews, chairman of the environment scrutiny committee, said: "I think our recommendations are sound and are glad that the cabinet have taken them on board."

However, some councillors are unhappy with the decision.

"How can you make a decision on something when you haven't got a clue of what there is?," said Councillor Marcelle Lloyd-Hayes.

"There appears to have been a complete lack of imagination. This was a wonderful opportunity that is being completely disregarded by this council and the cabinet."

English Heritage earlier told the council they were happy with its decision to protect the site with layers of protective membranes and sand.