CAMPAIGNERS are calling for Felixstowe's “missing link” in its promenade to be filled to create a complete five-mile walk along its coastline.

CAMPAIGNERS are calling for Felixstowe's “missing link” in its promenade to be filled to create a complete five-mile walk along its coastline.

Walkers can stroll along the prom from the Manor End to Cobbold's Point, and from Brackenbury all the way to Felixstowe Ferry.

But there is no prom around Cobbold's Point - which is impassable even at most low tides because of erosion and the sea sweeping in, leaving people with a detour inland up Maybush Lane and along Golf Road to bridge the gap.

Councillors say with new proposals being drawn up for sea defences in this area of the resort and plans to develop a coastal walk with public art as a tourist attraction, there is a chance to get rid of the “missing link” and make the prom join up.

Councillor Mike Ninnmey said: “It was looked at once before ten years or so ago when the reefs were built, but it was not carried out.

“Now we have a perfect opportunity to look at this again.

“Consultants are being asked to draw up designs for new sea defences and this would be a chance to extend the promenade which has served us so well for the past century around Cobbold's Point, protecting the point, the homes above and providing a fabulous continuous coastal walk.

“A bid is also being made to the lottery for money to refurbish the gardens and we have the opportunity here to join these projects up and make something special for the future.”

He said Felixstowe should take a lead out of Morecambe's book, where new sea defences had been combined with art and attractions to create a new area which had sparked the regeneration of buildings and facilities alongside to bring in thousands of new visitors.

“I think there are lots of ideas but we have to act quickly to make sure they are taken into consideration and we would love to hear what the public thinks,” he added.

Suffolk Coastal has appointed consultants Mott Macdonald Ltd at a cost of �129,000 to prepare an appraisal report for future sea defences between the War Memorial and Jacob's Ladder.

Should Felixstowe's prom be extended? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk