VILLAGERS in the twin Trimleys facing dramatic changes to their communities were today strongly urged – Make your views known now!Both Trinity College, the body behind the masterplan to merge and treble the size of the villages with up to 3,000 new homes, and parish councillors want to hear residents' opinions.

VILLAGERS in the twin Trimleys facing dramatic changes to their communities were today strongly urged – Make your views known now!

Both Trinity College, the body behind the masterplan to merge and treble the size of the villages with up to 3,000 new homes, and parish councillors want to hear residents' opinions.

So far there has been little reaction to the scheme, which campaigners fear could mistakenly imply tacit approval to the project, while those closely involved with it want to gauge views now so they know how to move forward.

It is thought many people don't think the development ideas are real or would affect them because they would not take place for possibly 15 years, while others are holding back until they see the plans.

But the process to put the new local plan in place is well under way – and policies are being formulated by planners.

Tim Collins, partner in land agents Bidwells, which has submitted the vision for the future of the Trimleys on behalf of landowners Trinity College, Cambridge, said it was important people give their views as soon as possible.

"We are really interested in what people think of the framework document for the Trimley Estate and we are very keen to hear their views and ideas," he said.

"At this stage it is still very early in the process and the plans are not set in stone – we are not expecting everyone to be in favour of everything they see in the plan, but we would like to hear which pieces people like or dislike, concerns they have, ideas for changes to it.

"We are holding two informal sessions in the villages to give people a chance to ask questions and see the plans and I am hoping for a lot of reaction."

Dates for both villages' meetings have now been fixed – August 9 at the Memorial Hall, Trimley St Martin, and September 6 at the Welcome Hall, Trimley St Mary, both from 10am-noon.

The events will be informal, not official consultation, just an early opportunity to see the ideas first-hand, get extra information and ask questions. Mr Collins will be available to talk to residents.

Suffolk Coastal is also understood to have had little response, though it will be holding a workshop on housing in Felixstowe and the Trimleys in the autumn and holding official consultation later.

The parish councils are also eager to gauge opinion – and while both have plans for the villages' future, they are waiting to see what people think.

Copies of the full plans are available at Trimley Post Office, Felixstowe Library and Town Hall, while leaflets explaining the ideas can be obtained on request. Comments, ideas or questions can be sent to Timothy Collins, Bidwells, Brightwell Court, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich, IP5 3RF or e-mail tcollins@bidwells.co.uk

n What do you think? Write to Evening Star Letters, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk