I WAS surprised that Alistair Neill, Herefordshire Council’s new chief executive, chose to be photographed (Hereford Times, March 21) riding his bike on a section of the public highway with not a pothole in sight.

My surprise was linked to a worry that he may get a distorted view of the state of the county’s roads.

To enable him to achieve a balanced picture with true perspective, I invite him to take his exercise along the length of Wigmore’s Barnett Lane.

Energy-wise, it ought not to prove too demanding as the land is little more then two miles long.

However, if he was to accept the invitation, I would urge him to choose a mountain bike. He should wear motorcyclist’s gear – helmet, leathers etc. Arrangements should be made for the air ambulance service to be put on standby. Cave rescue might also be alerted as they have vast experience rescuing people from flooded and dry potholes.

Of course, I would not expect Mr Neill to attempt the ride alone. With camera poised, I would be happy to accompany him – by hovercraft.

MIKE POLLITT, Chapel Farm,Wigmore.