IPSWICH'S chances of getting a third park and ride site moved a step closer after a study rejected many of the concerns surrounding the development.The proposals for the £2.

IPSWICH'S chances of getting a third park and ride site moved a step closer after a study rejected many of the concerns surrounding the development.

The proposals for the £2.8million scheme, which would be located on land to the north west of the A12 and A1214 roundabout in Martlesham, had met strong opposition from various local groups.

Many of their concerns centred on the fact that the park and ride scheme would adversely affect current bus routes in the area and cause increased traffic problems along the A1214.

They also argued the two other park and ride schemes in Ipswich – in Bury Road and London Road – had not been a proven success.

Nevertheless a study carried out by Suffolk County Council has concluded that they have in fact been "successful".

This is despite the fact that figures show that traffic flow in both areas has increased over the past two years.

The report also claims that only 12 per cent of people using the London and Bury Road sites who were surveyed had previously used public transport before the park and ride scheme.

Concerns that the implementation of the scheme would detract from the current Superoute 66 service, which runs through the area, have also been rejected.

Philip Seago, business manager of bus operator First Group, said: "On the subject of abstraction from main line services, I am generally relaxed that this is not an issue.

"The location suggests that service 66 will be unaffected. Services operating beyond Woodbridge are potentially the most at risk, with passengers forsaking the bus to use park and ride."

A copy of the report has been sent out to local councils and other groups affected by the proposals, who now have until January 2 to formulate their response.

A decision on the scheme, which was first put forward in August this year, will now be made on January 16, 2003.