We're delighted to inform you that Herefordshire Council has denied Highways England planning permission for the infilling of two bridges spanning the proposed route of a greenway, extending for 20 miles between Hereford and Hay-on-Wye.

The state-owned roads company had originally claimed that urgent action was needed "to prevent an emergency arising", despite both bridges being in Fair condition and showing no signs of being overloaded.

Officers made clear that the infillings were incompatible with the Council's adopted policies on heritage, ecology and sustainable transport.

This serves to demonstrate that, when considered objectively, there are no legitimate grounds for Highways England's actions; they are disproportionate, ill-considered and contrary to the public interest. We hope other local authorities follow by also pushing back against this unwarranted vandalism.

We do have a voice, as long as democratic process is not circumvented through the abuse of Permitted Development powers. The infilling and demolition of publicly owned infrastructure should be exposed to appropriate scrutiny.

Please ask your family, friends and colleagues to exercise their voice by signing this ePetition.

https://www.change.org/theHREgroup

Thank you.