Connect2 what’s happening

As part of the ongoing public consultation on the Connect2 greenway, the Herefordshire Council led project for walking and cycling, residents and visitors are being given the chance to find out more about the progress of the project.

The greenway, being created in conjunction with sustainable transport charity Sustrans, will create a much-needed route between the city centre and the major employment area of Rotherwas, incorporating a new non-motorised bridge over the River Wye.

Members of the Connect2 project team, the public steering group and Sustrans will be in Hereford's High Town on Saturday, August 28 from 10am until 4pm, to engage with people and advise on how the scheme is progressing.

There will also be graphics of the scheme, including indicative images of the potential new bridge crossing the river, on display.

The scheme is part of a national programme, supported by Sustrans part funded via a grant from the Big Lottery Fund alongside funding from Central Government and Herefordshire Council.

Richard Ball, Herefordshire Council's assistant director highways, transport and community services, said: "We want to ensure as many people as possible know all about the scheme and have an opportunity to comment both prior to submitting a planning application in the autumn and thereafter during the formal planning process.

"We will have a display of plans, including potential designs for the new bridge, on show throughout the day.

"Members of the public are also being urged to have their say on the plans and will be able to ask the project team and others involved in the project questions on any areas that particularly interest them," he added.

Henry Harbord, scheme manager for Sustrans, added: "This new link will be fantastic for Hereford, providing a safe and attractive route so that local people can make everyday journeys without having to rely on their car.

"The new bridge will be of great benefit to everyone in the community, and especially those who work in Rotherwas.  It will be wonderful to be able to walk or cycle to Rotherwas much more quickly than is ever possible by driving."

Other events are also being arranged to provide further opportunities to view the plans and comment.

For example, the team will also be attending the Flavours of Herefordshire Food Festival on October 23 and 24 at Hereford Racecourse and the Hereford Winter Fair on 28 November.  Various local community and interest group events across Hereford will also be attended.