TOWN chiefs have broken promises in a row about parking charges, a furious resident claimed today.

TOWN chiefs have broken promises in a row about parking charges, a furious resident claimed today.

Last week 60 people attended a heated meeting to discuss Ipswich Borough Council's plans to move parking bays in Orford Street from one side of the road to another.

The changes are opposed by many residents and Chris Mason, who lives on the street, said that at the meeting they were promised no action would be taken until the issued were resolved.

Yet on Friday council officers started painting the controversial new parking bays.

Mr Mason said: “Everyday is something different. I cannot believe it. It is a sheer waste of money.

“This chap stood in front of 60 people and said that nothing will be done until there has been a proper discussion with residents. It is unbelievable.

“They are carrying on with what they want to do. We don't know what will happen tomorrow.

“It has started residents arguing with each other and is not fair. People don't want to go to work because they don't know what they will find when they get home.”

Residents argue that by switching the location of the bays, those without front gardens are now more exposed to the dangers of speeding vehicles on their doorsteps.

While according to the council's executive committee report the changes were proposed to address concerns about vehicle speeds within Orford Street and to provide more parking.

When asked why work had started in the street despite a pledge not to start the changes until consultation had finished, a spokesman for Ipswich Borough Council said: “This is a temporary measure so residents have somewhere to park while we undertake work.”

Are you a resident who feels strongly about this matter? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.