FELIXSTOWE: Frustrated campaigners have today been thwarted in their attempts to find out when work will start on creating a new �25 million-plus maritime park and homes for Felixstowe.

Planning permission was granted three years ago for the prestigious development but there is still no date set for when it will happen – with the recession blamed for the delay.

Council chiefs say their development partners remain committed to the 17-acre project and work is taking place behind the scenes.

However, residents of the seafront area have voiced concern over the state of their environment – particularly the gardens, some of the buildings, tatty areas, lack of benches – and had hoped the Martello Park scheme would kick-start regeneration.

“It’s very frustrating – we have been talking about this development for decades now and it still could be several years away,” said town and district councillor Harry Dangerfield.

“No one is able to tell us when a start will be made and there doesn’t seem to be much information coming forward. We just don’t seem to get any closer to this scheme happening.

“The site just looks barren and uninviting and millions of pounds have been lost since the beach huts were removed.

“Felixstowe desperately needs some major investment and with more people holidaying at home at the moment this could have been a great chance to capitalise on that and attract even more visitors to the town.”

Suffolk Coastal cabinet member Robert Whiting said developers Bloors wished to delay development until there had been an upturn in the economic climate.

“The continued downturn and uncertainty in the housing market has been well publicised and therefore it is completely understandable that Bloors have not wished to begin development during the course of this year,” he said.

“Bloors remain committed to development of this site. Council officers and Bloors representatives meet regularly to maintain focus on the project.”

? Are you frustrated by the delay over the project? Write to Your Letters Evening Star 30 Lower Brook Street Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@evening star.co.uk