COUNCIL leaders disregarded the shouting and table thumping from angry residents at the Shire Hall to push ahead to choose the red route as their preferred option for a Hereford bypass.

The public gallery was packed with residents opposing the scheme – many of whom had cycled to St Peter’s Square as form of protest.

It was a heated meeting from the start with discontent simmering among the public after each response to a supplementary question.

Hereford resident Emil Morffet, one of the 27 who submitted a written question, thumped the table and shouted during his turn.

He said the second phase of the bypass consultation did not provide the public any detailed information on the impact the scheme would have on protected species and heritage landscape.

He asked: “How can this consultation process and strategic decision be considered in anyway valid without these very important facts which are a major threat to the biodiversity of the fourth largest river in this country?”

Council leader Jonathan Lester called for calmness after Mr Morfett shouted the last word in his question and slammed the table.

Infrastructure cabinet member Philip Price said: “It may very well be the fourth longest river in the country but we are crossing it in a 50 metre corridor.”

He explained that the council would protect everything that they need to and look at every ecological aspect.

But was interrupted by Mr Morfett shouting: “Try harder, get some electric buses, get some trains, get some more transport, do not build this road.”

He stormed out of the hall shouting: “This is an absolute travesty”.

This was followed by several calls for quiet and respect from the public for the next speaker by Coun Lester.

Following a presentation by officers of the proposed route and several questions from councillors the cabinet unanimously agreed that the red route was the best out of the seven options for the western road.

This decision will now pave the way for a third phase of consultation and the council’s economy, communities and corporate director is authorised to progress the route design to a maximum cost of £2.45m.