REFERRING to your article on Jessie Norman regarding the route of the proposed Hereford bypass, Mr Norman's view is the only sensible solution to this much wanted road.

The proposal to build this on the western side of Hereford at a cost of £120 - £130 million is totally absurd.

Where is the money coming from?

Our council is already skint, in huge debt, cannot repair our roads or keep the public toilets open.

We have a part of the possible eastern route already constructed to Rotherwas. This cost millions and at the time was promoted as part of the proposed bypass It is little used and should be extended, as proposed by Mr Norman, at an estimated cost of £20m. Admittedly a further section northward to join the A49 is needed but the cost of this is minimal by comparison with the proposed western route.

The suggestion that the western route can be financed by residential development is pie in the sky and the cost will ultimately be in the lap of council tax payers.

The council seems to be hell bent on wasting money. Take, for example, the unwanted and unnecessary redevelopment of the old livestock market site and the proposed access road.

It is such a pity that many of these important decisions are made and imposed on us taxpayers by a few people who seem to be devoid of real business experience.

R G WILLIAMS, Marstow.