THE first part of a �2.8 million revamp to make Felixstowe town centre people-friendly and cut car congestion and danger is nearing completion.

FIRST part of a �2.8 million revamp to make Felixstowe town centre people-friendly and cut car congestion and danger is nearing completion.

The ambitious scheme is being done in stages and is likely to take three years or more - providing finance is available.

Current work has been taking place in Wolsey Gardens at the top of Convalescent Hill and the junction of Tomline Road.

Traffic priority is being changed so that in future cars will be directed along the clifftop and down Convalescent Hill instead of South Hill.

This is being coupled with similar changes at the top of Bent Hill to discourage vehicles from using the steep and winding hill - set to become a shared space - and move traffic away from the town centre.

In addition to the road changes at the top of Convalescent Hill, new gardens and seating areas are being built.

The work should be finished in about a week's time and then workers will start on the next part of the project.

This will involve turning the main shopping area of Hamilton Road between Boots and Bank Corner turned into a pedestrian-friendly area, 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.

Cars will still be allowed down the road but Suffolk County Council is confident 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.

Drivers will no longer drive round in a circuit looking for somewhere to park.

Do you like the scheme? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk