NOT in my back yard.The move to solve traffic problems in Ipswich with a new park and ride scheme for Kesgrave and Martlesham has not been met with universal approval by residents.

NOT in my back yard.

The move to solve traffic problems in Ipswich with a new park and ride scheme for Kesgrave and Martlesham has not been met with universal approval by residents.

However, shoppers in Ipswich town centre backed moves to create a new park and ride scheme on the A1214 in Kesgrave.

The estimated £2.8m project would be located at the junction of the A12 with the roundabout being redesigned to incorporate access tot the new site.

It would create space for 550 cars, facilities for cyclists, a covered building and extensive landscaping. Despite concerns, only a few trees would have to be trimmed as part of the development.

However, the mood among residents in the area to the scheme was not positive.

Norman Daykin, 91, of Main Road, Kesgrave, said: "I do not like the idea at all. I thought they were going to do it in another place. We are completely against it and I don't think it would benefit the town."

Bernard Greeves, 74, also of Main Road, agreed: "It is a waste of time. Every time I go into town now, which is not that often, there is always ample space to park but since they have put the extra fees on people have stopped using them. They have created the problem for themselves."

General opinion from a group of Ipswich town centre shoppers, who regularly come into Ipswich, was much more positive.

Gillian Callum, 57, from Bury St Edmunds, said: "I think it is wonderful and I have always used park and ride schemes. The convenience is great and it is cheaper than parking in a multi-storey car park for a day."

Timothy MacGuire, 47, of Whitethorn Drive, Warren Heath, said: "I use it a lot at busy times and they are a brilliant idea. You can see the traffic building up here in Ipswich with massive queues but park and ride schemes alleviate that."

Ann Norman, 46, who is on holiday from Leeds, said: "I think it is particularly good for tourists who don't know the area very well. They are very convenient and help you find your way round when you are not familiar with the area."

If the proposals are approved, work could start in February 2003.

Joan Girling, of Suffolk County Council's executive committee, said: "Encouraging more people to use public transport is a priority for the county council. We want to build the new park and ride site to enable people on the eastern side of Ipswich to have easy access to the town centre and to provide an alternative for car drivers."

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