FELIXSTOWE cannot be accused of hiding its attractions under a bushel - but perhaps behind a tree instead.

FELIXSTOWE cannot be accused of hiding its attractions under a bushel - but perhaps behind a tree instead.

For a new road sign on the A14 would tell visitors they were looking forward to seafront amusements, caravan sites, the port viewing area and other amenities, if only it wasn't completely hidden by tree foliage.

By the time drivers spot the sign through the green covering, they are past it with no idea of the attractions which await them.

The brown tourism sign on the A14 Port of Felixstowe Road is one of two new signs - the other advising drivers of the sliproad ahead to Cavendish Park and Dock Gate Two - which have been put up in the past few days but are totally or partially obscured by leaves.

Today, highways officials promised work would be undertaken to rectify the situation and make sure the new signs were clearly visible to drivers.

However, county councillor Graham Newman said he had been left utterly bemused after he saw the new signs.

He said: “Just to have got them where they are without damaging any trees was clearly a work of art.

“But they score nought out of ten on the scale of usability and visibility - and ten out of ten for being unwanted clutter and, dare I say, a complete waste of money!”

The two signs are replacements, put up as part of an ongoing Highways Agency project to replace old signs on traditional metal poles with new signs on steel lattice-style structures.

The new posts are designed to collapse more easily, causing less damage to vehicles that collide with them and less injuries to the vehicles' occupants.

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said sub contractors were being brought in to cut back the trees and allow the signs to be seen.

He added: “We need to trim back the trees and this work is a priority and will be done very soon.”

Are our roads too cluttered with signs? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk

Shared space:

In response to streets cluttered with road signs, increasing numbers of town planners are turning to the shared space initiative.

An example can be seen in Handford Road in Ipswich where there is an absence of traditional road markings, signs, traffic signals and the distinction between road and pavement.

One of the principles behind the scheme is that road rules strip motorists of the ability to be considerate.

Sign of the times:

Motorists in Lawford vented their anger at speed camera warning signs, they defaced them, changing the names to 'Pee Cameras'.

Radio Suffolk presenter Mark Murphy was bemused to find lots of litter scattered in Felixstowe Road in Ipswich - beneath a Litter Enforcement sign.

Residents in Mendlesham were left scratching their heads when the council put up a sign prohibiting access to a quiet farm track - unless drivers held a permit.

Those living in Kirton were treated to a new road sign appealing for motorists to beware of toads.

Rushmere residents were given a double reminder of their location when a second, bigger Humber Doucy Lane sign was created.