IT WAS surprising to learn, (The Argus, February 3) that the Bexhill-Hastings link road has been praised and graded as ‘exceptional’ in four areas by an independent construction body, namely for protecting the environment, safety, working with the community and valuing its workforce.

It was even ranked ‘excellent’ in appearance around the site as work progressed.

Whilst safety and valuing the workforce during construction, may be true, the same cannot be claimed for protecting the environment.

By felling hundreds of trees, hedgerows, damage to wildlife and habitats and the desecration of Combe Haven Valley, an SSSI and nature reserve.

Many individuals and organisations, along with specialist transport advice, posited alternatives to building the link road, sadly ignored when the application was passed.

This is not ‘working with the community’.

Measures, such as demand management, improved public transport, plus good walking and cycling facilities were options with healthier and cheaper benefits than a damaging link road, now costing nearly £116 million.

Just approved nearby is the Queensway/Gateway road, which will destroy well-loved Hollington Valley, an SNCI.

None of this will reduce carbon emissions or the 29,000 premature deaths from air pollution, mostly traffic fumes.

Let us hope current plans for ‘improvements’ to the A27 in East and West Sussex will learn the link road lessons. By copying successful schemes, incorporating sustainable transport measures and upgrading the coastal railway, we could all benefit without degrading precious countryside.

Felicity Tanous, Stanford Avenue, Hassocks