Anger over allotment park

OVERGROWN allotments in Bramford Lane could be transformed in to a brand new park, complete with football pitch and teen shelter.

Allotments at the corner of Bramford Lane and Marlow Road have been earmarked for the new project which is part of Ipswich Borough Council's plan to provide more open space for the people of the town.

A spokesman for the council said: "Included in the Local Plan for this area is the need to create more open space.

"Many of these allotments are disused and overgrown, making this an ideal area."

However, the plan has not been popular with all of the area's residents. Kevin Vince, of Bramford Lane, contacted the Evening Star to complain about the park: "The first we knew about it was when we got a letter a few weeks ago. I am extremely angry about it. My home is going to be 700m from this proposed park and I'm sure we will have to put up with all sorts of noise, never mind the vandalism and the syringes.

"The council say it's part of a drive to get more open space in the North West of Ipswich but that's ridiculous. I've got three parks within a three minute walk of my house!"

Ipswich Borough Council are keen to stress that the plan is still in the very early stages at the moment, and that every effort will be made to consult with residents as the development progresses.

A provisional plan has already been on display at two public meetings and a revised plan is now being drawn up.

The council spokesman said: "We have listened to what residents want and these changes will be implemented as far as possible. For example, we recognise that noise from the teen shelter was a concern and the new plan will see the teen shelter located in a different area of the site.

"Overall the majority of residents have welcomed the plan and the feedback has been extremely positive."