First stage of roadworks completed

WORK has almost been completed on the first part of an �800,000-plus scheme to reduce the number of cars using Felixstowe's steep and winding Bent Hill to reach the seafront.

However, it could be another 18 months before the biggest and most important part of the work is done.

Because funding is being spread over two years, the scheme is being done in two phases.

Bent Hill - the main route to the sea for a century - has been closed for the past six weeks to allow new kerb build-outs at the top of the road and new parking bays to be created. A zebra crossing is also going in outside the post office in Wolsey Gardens.

However, proposals to change the priorities at the junction and force drivers to go along Wolsey Gardens have been delayed because it was thought to be too confusing at this stage.

This will now take place along with the major part of the project late next year when changes will be made to the junctions at the top and bottom of Convalescent Hill.

Drivers heading for the seafront will then use Wolsey Gardens and Convalescent Hill as the main route with Bent Hill being made a “shared space” road with new surfacing and no pavements to make it a pedestrian-priority route, and Undercliff Road West having traffic humps. Both will have 20mph speed limits.

In addition, work will then start on a similar Dutch-style scheme to make Hamilton Road a shared space for pedestrians and vehicles, further discouraging drivers from heading towards Bent Hill.

Felixstowe Town Council was told the scheme had secured funding from the Haven Gateway Partnership and Suffolk County Council and should be complete in two years.

County council highways officials are planning to stage a public exhibition soon to explain the scheme and seek views on the detail of the next phase of the work.

Are changes needed to Hamilton Road and Bent Hill? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk