A NEW cycle track could be built in mid Suffolk to connect a growing housing development to its nearest high school, it was revealed today.Suffolk County Council has proposed to widen the footpath and add a cycle track between Thorney Green Road, Stowupland, and Cedars Park, Stowmarket.
A NEW cycle track could be built in mid Suffolk to connect a growing housing development to its nearest high school, it was revealed today.
Suffolk County Council has proposed to widen the footpath and add a cycle track between Thorney Green Road, Stowupland, and Cedars Park, Stowmarket.
It will give pupils who live in Cedars Park a safer route to Stowupland High School, on Church Road, and will eventually form part of a pedestrian and cycle route between Stowupland and Stowmarket's town centre.
Parents of nine-year-old Chelsea Clarke, who was nearly killed while riding her bike in Stowmarket in June, have welcomed the plans.
Avril and Andrew Clarke, of Bridge Street, are campaigning for more cycle paths and reduced speed limits in the town.
Mrs Clarke said: "This is marvellous news.
"There is a real lack of road safety in the town and projects like this could make the difference for children's lives.
"I just hope it's the start of many more."
Between 1,400 and 1,800 more homes are expected to be built on the development in the next five to eight years.
Plans are to make the shared footpath and cycle track three metres wide. A verge between the cycle track and carriageway will be maintained.
Patrick Bewley, parish councillor for Stowupland, said: "It sounds like a very good idea for the safety of the children and will also give their parents peace of mind.
"The parish council whole-heartedly supports anything to do with road safety and would love to see this go ahead.
"I expect there will soon be lots of children from Cedars Park going to Stowupland for school."
Stowmarket town councillors are discussing the proposals at a meeting on Wednesday.
Do you think Stowmarket and Stowupland are safe for pedestrians and cyclists? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk or visit the forum at www.eveningstar.co.uk
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