WORRIED residents living in Felixstowe town centre fear a new �2.8 million project to cut cars going through the main shopping area will increase traffic in their streets.
WORRIED residents living in Felixstowe town centre fear a new �2.8 million project to cut cars going through the main shopping area will increase traffic in their streets.
Householders want their views taken into consideration - and say they were not informed when an exhibition of the scheme and public consultation took place earlier this month.
Work is set to start on the first phase of the revamp of Hamilton Road this autumn.
It will turn the area between Boots and Bank Corner into a pedestrian-friendly zone, with all pavements and kerbing and signs removed, with one surface and more trees and benches added.
All parking will be removed, except for a few spaces for disabled blue badge holders and delivery vehicles.
Mary Wyatt, chairman of Felixstowe Town Centre Residents' Association, said the group was “very concerned” about the impact on sideroads such as Ranelagh Road and Gainsborough Road as motorists seek alternative routes and parking.
“I have visited every home in Gainsborough and Ranelagh Roads and only one person other than myself knew there was an exhibition of the plans - this scheme is on our doorstep but no-one had an invitation to go along,” she said.
“No-one could object because hardly anyone knew about it.
“I am not against the scheme and it could be great for Felixstowe, but we are very concerned because this is a conservation area and it will have an impact.”
Suffolk County Council says cars will still be allowed down Hamilton Road but the changes will deter motorists, with pedestrians having freedom to roam and average speeds in such areas being 10mph with 90 per cent less traffic.
Many drivers currently do a circuit looking for somewhere to park and with no parking these vehicles will be removed.
Do you like the plans for Felixstowe town centre? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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