WHILE politicians debate the route of a future Hereford bypass and how it will be paid for, motorists needing to make journeys across the city become ever more enraged.

Plans are moving at a similar pace to the traffic – progress is barely noticeable. They must wonder whether a solution will ever be found within their working lifetime.

More motorists are looking for alternative routes to cross the Wye that avoid the city centre.

As a result, traffic levels in Mordiford climb week by week.

For readers not familiar with Mordiford, we have a 13th century bridge, two tight blind bends by a busy junction and a junior school. Our streets (and what footpaths that exist) were laid out when a horse and cart were considered to be heavy traffic.

When a tractor and trailer meets a lorry or a bus, nothing moves. This at least gives residents a moment to safely cross the road between gridlocked vehicles to walk our children to school. Unfortunately, those same children too often hear foul language from angry drivers caught in the jam.

‘Sort out that...school’ is a cry frequently heard. (I’ve spared readers from exposure to the expletives).

Parents, the school and its governors are working on solutions to ease temporary congestion at drop-off and pick-up times. On the other hand, we don’t see any progress on sorting out the city’s traffic that has become our problem.

Until that happens, Mordiford residents appeal to motorists who pass through our village. Please slow down and respect the people who live here.

Yes, some inconvenience is caused by the school, but the school didn’t cause the city centre traffic jams. Nor did the people who live in Mordiford or the youngsters who attend the school.

So, if you need to use Mordiford as Hereford’s unofficial bypass, try to set off five minutes earlier. Arrive at your destination stress-free and avoid risking ruining your own life by knocking down a small child on the way to school.

Al WATSON Mordiford