FAMILIES fighting moves to build a £15 million-plus tourism and housing project opposite their homes are today preparing to let councillors know their feelings.

FAMILIES fighting moves to build a £15 million-plus tourism and housing project opposite their homes are today preparing to let councillors know their feelings.

Objectors plan to pack a public meeting on Wednesday evening – and voice their concerns over the 17-acre scheme as strongly as possible.

But there has been disappointment that people will only be allowed to speak for 30 minutes before councillors discuss the venture.

Campaigner Edwina Rust said: "Thirty minutes is not long enough at all – our solicitor will need far more than that and there will be lots of residents wanting to give their opinions.

"People have a major concern that this development is being roller-coastered through simply because the district council wants it completed."

Doreen Rayner, chairman of the West End of Felixstowe Residents' Association, said: "One of our biggest concerns in this project is the lack of open space and where the children will play.

"Yes, there are 'play areas', but these are not places for running around, ball games and picnics. Youngsters will not want to walk about sedately and look at expensive sculptures and water jets."

Other campaigners are concerned about using land which they claim acts as a soakaway when floodwater overtops the sea defences – though council officers dispute that this is the role of the land.

People are also worried about the possibility of flooding, and that the council is giving away too much land for housing too cheaply.

Felixstowe Town Council is holding an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday March 17 in the hall at Langer Primary School, Langer Road, Felixstowe, to discuss the south seafront plans.

The meeting will start at 7pm and the public will be allowed to speak for 30 minutes before the council goes into session at 7.30pm.

Suffolk Coastal and development partner Bloor Homes have drawn up a scheme which will feature £2.3m worth of leisure attractions, funded by a £13m housing project to provide 209 houses and flats.

The main attractions will be a refurbished Martello Tower art gallery, a classic Greek semi-circular ampitheatre for open-air concerts, local bands and street entertainers, plus car parks, restaurant, café, gardens, wooden galleon, and traditional and unusual play areas, all on a beach and sea theme.

n What do you think of the project – should Suffolk Coastal council be allowed to decide its own scheme? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk