I write referring to the recent front page story in the Ledbury Reporter of May 18 regarding the possibility to re-establish the canal in Ledbury, with the potential £1 million windfall money identified for rural towns.

Some years ago, Ledbury Town Council initiated a feasibility study with Malvern Hills District Council on the viability of an extension to the Ledbury bypass, with a view to opening up additional employment land. The firm of Halcrow Fox were selected as consultants and I, as a MHDC councillor at the time, was appointed to the working party. The inclusion of the canal development was identified as a crucial element in the scheme and, as discussions progressed, the canal improvements and potential were considered as a possible funding mechanism to finance the link road construction.

The canal project was seen as an easier way of attracting EU match funding and other business opportunities.

It is unfortunate that, at the moment, Coun Ashton seems to think that there are no other options for the future of Ledbury other than a small road releasing private development potential. The present structure and prosperity of Ledbury is due in some part to the original canal scheme, so this idea is not new to the town.

The measure of Herefordshire Council and our three local councillors will not be how they can spend this potential £1 million (no more than a game show win these days), but if they can turn it into a viable and sustainable £10 million project for the long-term benefit of Ledbury.

Spencer Lane, Fourways, Bank Crescent, Ledbury. (via e-mail)