'We're not budging for the bypass'

An ancient tree has put Jean Harris at loggerheads with Herefordshire Council. The Allensmore resident is refusing to sell-up for the long-awaited Hereford Bypass.

Jean tells BBC Hereford & Worcester she 'can't bear' to see the 500-year-old tree disappear from the landscape forever.

The first phase of construction the £45m road is due to begin at the end of 2026.

In a statement, Herefordshire Council told the BBC that 'the bypass remains on track' and that it 'continues to make good progress in securing the land' needed for the scheme.

It says it remains committed to 'working constructively to reach a voluntary agreement' over the land it has yet to acquire, but that it will use a Compulsory Purchase Order, if it can't come to a deal.

Image credit: Herefordshire Council (inset)