I find the comments by Councillor John Harrington, the Infrastructure and Transport cabinet member (Hereford Times 18 February), incredulous.
Mr Harrington opposed a proposal by fellow councillor Nigel Shaw, for some of the funds from the New Homes Bonus could be used to fund parish lengthsmen to clear drains and culverts.
He claims that this was a spurious attempt to take money away from sustainable transport plans.
Based on Band D council tax (Herefordshire average £1,800), the Bonus is paid by central government for each new dwelling. In FY 20/21 Herefordshire received £2.24M. According to the DCLG the Bonus is intended to provide incentives for councils and local people to welcome growth and to improve communities.