COUNTY councillors have called on Herefordshire Council’s roads chief to consider not halting work on major road schemes while reviewing them.

Infrastructure and transport cabinet member John Harrington decided last month to pause all work on the Hereford and South Wye transport packages.

His decision is to conduct a review of both projects which include the proposed southern link and western relief roads in Hereford.

But a call-in by councillors brought his decision before the general scrutiny committee on Monday which felt a review could be conducted while work on both schemes continues.

Committee chairman Jonathan Lester said: “We have a six to one resolution to ask for the decision to be referred back to the cabinet member.

“That decision should be made in light of the fact there should be greater consultation with businesses, parish councils and the public.”

The committee also agreed to ask Councillor Harrington to consider both schemes separately and the financial implications of his decision.

And following a vote, councillors recommended not halting planned work for the road schemes while the review is underway.

“The recommendation will be for the cabinet member not to pause until a review has taken place,” Councillor Lester added.

Councillors also called for a time limited open day consultation to be hosted by the cabinet member for residents, businesses and parish councils.

The committee also asked for the council and its contractors to update its database of residents.