TRAFFIC congestion will not increase when University students move into Ipswich, it is claimed.In September 2007 the first students are expected to arrive at the new University Campus Suffolk (UCS).

TRAFFIC congestion will not increase when University students move into Ipswich, it is claimed.

In September 2007 the first students are expected to arrive at the new University Campus Suffolk (UCS). When full, UCS will attract an expected 7,500 students many of whom will live and study in Ipswich.

The scheme is also expected to create 1,000 jobs located in the town's proposed education quarter.

James Hehir, chief executive at Ipswich Borough Council, said concerns had been raised that the UCS development will cause traffic mayhem in the town centre.

He said: "We are trying to make sure there is good pedestrian access to the campus. We are planning to provide student accommodation in areas close to the town's education quarter so they will be able to walk to the campus.

"Students will sign a covenant with their accommodation agreements to say they will not bring their cars to UCS."

A new road is also planned to cut through the campus designed to link with Grimwade Street with the waterfront.

Mr Hehir said staff from the Suffolk County Council buildings will have moved to Endeavour House and will not be parking in the area.

He said: "Students live a very different lifestyle. They do not work nine to five hours. They will not be driving into work in the same way as other people."

Mr Hehir said that three 500 unit blocks are earmarked for Orwell Quay and the existing Suffolk College campus.

N Do you think Ipswich will grind to a halt in the future? Is parking already difficult? What do you think? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Weblinks www.suffolk.ac.uk www.ucs.ac.uk