Suffolk's Tim Passmore on Ipswich Northern Bypass proposals

Tim Passmore believes it would be "unfair" for people to sacrifice their homes and not properly reimbursed if the long-discussed project where to go ahead. 

The Northern Bypass has been seen by many as a possible solution Ipswich's traffic problems, which are made worse when there are delays on the Orwell Bridge. 

Tim Passmore is currently Suffolk police and crime commissioner (Image: Newsquest) Works to the Orwell Bridge over the summer reignited calls for the project, with Suffolk County Council voting in favour of a motion that says a Northern Bypass, or another solution, should be built. 

It has been suggested that any serious infrastructure project aimed at solving the issue of traffic would be the responsibility of the Norfolk and Suffolk mayor when they are elected next year. 

Mr Passmore, Suffolk's current police and crime commissioner, said: "The delays caused by issues on the Orwell Bridge are intolerable and a solution must be found. 

The Orwell Bridge, which is the only direct connection between the A12 and A14 (Image: Newsquest) "One thing I do not agree with is why we have to build a whole load of extra houses in order to finance it, with Felixstowe, the biggest container port in the country, on our doorstep.

"That's something else that needs to be looked at as a matter of urgency. If we do go for the Northern Bypass, which is definitely on the table, then we need to make sure landowners who are affected are properly compensated.

"Not just the token amount, because the Northern Bypass will be very disruptive and it would be unfair for people to sacrifice land and property with the current government proposals to just put it at a minimum value.

Previous considerations for the Northern Bypass (Image: Archant) "That's not acceptable, and that's got to be done properly because it cannot be kicked into the long grass anymore."

Mr Passmore added: "If I were to lucky enough to be elected, I will be there batting for Norfolk and Suffolk as without doubt, this is a number one priority especially as governments have failed to invest in our county. 

"This is of a national, critical nature. It's not just about Suffolk, it's for the benefit the whole country, and that's why we need the funding from government, because I'm sick and tired of places like Suffolk doing things for the greater national good, whilst getting very little in return and that's not acceptable."