LET’S get on with it!

That was the message from Felixstowe today as planners started finalising their report on the exciting proposals for a multi-million pound new pier to inject fresh life into the seafront.

While some nearby residents have formally objected to the project because they could lose their sea views, they were branded NIMBYS by a pier campaigner and told to get behind the project.

“In my view these groups are oftebn a menace and hold up projects for no real reason – this project will bring huge benefits to the whole town,” said Norman Thompson, secretary of the former Felixstowe Pier Trust.

Former mayor Doreen Savage said: “I think the plans are absolutely fantastic.

“For so many years there has been bellyaching, moaning and groaning and the top of everyone’s wish-list for a project has been the pier, the pier, the pier.

“Now we have a wonderful opportunity to breathe new life into the seafront, to bring more people to enjoy our town, and what we need is to get on with it.”Suffolk Coastal councillors have already visited the landmark to assess the area, and planning officers are currently finalising their report and recommendations, expected to come before committee in October or November.

But they have received a formal objection from the South Hill Residents’Association secretary/chairman Gillian Moseley, concerned about householders losing their sea views, noise and extra traffic, and worries over the potential impact of construction work on their properties.

“I feel the design of the new pier will not be in keeping with Felixstowe’s image and the designs being proposed will impact negatively on the shoreline of the town, dominating the area to the detriment of every other feature,” she said.

“What type of entertainment will be permitted in this venue, what licensing is proposed and what effects will this have in terms of associated anti-social behaviour from any extended opening hours?”

The proposals involve demolishing the current pier and replacing it with a new two-storey seaside entertainment complex, part of which would go out over the sea, featuring a function suite seating 325 people, cafes, restaurants, bowling facility, leisure attractions and a high-tech observation deck to watch the shipping.