Roadworks cause sleepless nights

FRAUGHT families living along a diversion route through Claydon and Great Blakenham claim the increased traffic is causing them sleepless nights.

A £575,000 project to improve gas mains in the area has resulted in the closure of the B1113 Bramford Road until July 27, with traffic redirected through the two villages.

John Burggy, of Gipping Road, claims there has been a dramatic increase in traffic flow and noise, which has kept him awake at night.

He also claims villagers were not adequately warned about the impact the roadworks would have on the area.

"We accept the work had to be done and the traffic diverted but it was sprung on us," he said.

"I'm told there was notices on telegraph poles and that may be true but I haven't seen any. I saw a bit in the Star just before it began but that was it."

He added some lorries are mounting the pavement outside his house in a bid to access a nearby industrial estate during peak times.

"When the traffic is queued up at the railway crossing, some of the lorries try to overtake but they come on to the path, which is illegal.

"We've only had this paving a couple of months and it's already cracked. If there's damage to these properties because of it then who is going to pay for it?"

His neighbour Ann Gregg, 51, added: "It's making me extra tired because the noise of the traffic keeps me up.

"They could've at least sent us a letter to saying there would be more traffic down here."

A spokeswoman for Transco today revealed the roadworks are ahead of schedule and could finish one week early.

She said the work is vital to "reinforce the gas supply system" to ensure it can cope with "future growth in the area."

She also rejected claims they did not consult people about the project and said: "Letters were sent out at the end of last year to the people who were directly affected by the scheme."