CAMPAIGNERS opposed to a proposed southern link road for Hereford claim it would 'trash' the land and do nothing to ease congestion.

Running between the A49 and A465 – with a link to the B4349 Clehonger road – SC2 is part of a package of measures proposed to address congestion and delays in South Wye while easing access to the Hereford Enterprise Zone at Rotherwas.

The application for the £25 million road was put to Herefordshire Council planners in May – despite opposition from parish councils, Hereford Transport Forum (HTF) and concerned individuals.

And campaigners are continuing to call for the plan, which they see as "deeply flawed", to be halted.

Among those opposing the road are members of Clehonger Parish Council who say there has been a lack of consultation with those affected.

They do not believe the road will address the issue of congestion in south Hereford and have concerns over traffic noise, air pollution and light pollution for residents. The impact on the countryside and local ancient woodlands are also listed among the concerns.

Amanda Martin, of Hereford Transport Forum, added: "The Southern Link Road is a 1980s style road scheme that would trash ancient woodland, displace farming families, destroy habitats, wildlife and ruin people's homes.

"It is the latest manifestation of a failed transport policy that is costing the taxpayer a fortune and clearly not solving the problem."

The road would also fail to ease congestion, according to Ashley Elliot, a parish councillor for Haywood.

However, Councillor Philip Price, cabinet member for infrastructure, said the Southern Relief Road has been largely funded by the government through a successful bidding round through the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership against tough competition from other projects because of the "value added benefits" to the economy and travel sustainability.

• Meanwhile, It's Our County members of Hereford City Council have backed a resolution to initiate an appraisal of an eastern river crossing.

The resolution, carried unanimously at a meeting last week, confirmed the council's support for an idea of an eastern river crossing from Rotherwas to Hampton Park Road, subject to a viability study to benefit the citizens of the city.

Councillor Jim Kenyon, chairman of the city's community development committee, said: "For too long the bypass issue has got stuck at a red light. It's going nowhere fast. It's now time to move the debate on which means exploring alternative integrated road traffic plans and a sustainable eastern river crossing.

"We must look closely at its viability. I hope the findings will influence the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, who could be the gateway to funding."

It has been suggested that an eastern bridge could cost around £25 million – the same cost as the southern link road.