THE former deputy leader of Herefordshire Council believes Herefordshire's "economic prosperity" could be boosted by a better river crossing - in a different county.

Cllr Philip Price, now the authority's Cabinet member for Infrastructure, has thrown his weight behind plans for a dual carriageway over the River Severn at Worcester.

He says delays on the single-track Carrington Bridge, the main route to the M5 from Herefordshire, puts "significant strain on businesses" who can't avoid the road and is backing calls in Worcester to extend it.

Writing to Worcester MP Robin Walker on behalf of the council he said: "Congestion on the bridge does not only mean that commuters who use the road on a daily basis to travel to work face unpredictable and often costly delays in their journey, but puts significant strain on businesses who cannot avoid using the A4440 to transport their products to various parts of the country.

"Consistently late deliveries due to unavoidable congestion can be ample case for businesses to lose contracts and essential business."

The approach by the council is unusual and means any incoming Government after May's General Election faces pressure from this county and Worcestershire to take action.

Cllr Price went on to tell Mr Walker, a fellow Conservative, that Hereford suffers "significant " transport problems resulting from highway capacity limitations.

"We are progressing plans to address these issues with a relief road which will provide an additional river crossing," he said.

"These schemes will enable significant growth in Herefordshire and are a fundamental priority for us in terms of Government investment.

"We do, however, also acknowledge the importance of longer distance routes which help link economic activity in Herefordshire with a wider range of markets.

"Accordingly, we support proposals for progressing a dual carriageway at Carrington Bridge noting the potential benefits it could provide for the economic prosperity for Herefordshire."

Worcestershire County Council is spending more than £80million overhauling Worcester's Southern Link Road up to the Carrington Bridge, with a further £70million needed to dual the bridge.