NEWS that the Port of Felixstowe will pay for acoustic barriers to block out noise from the A14 was today hailed as a victory for the people of the Trimleys.

NEWS that the Port of Felixstowe will pay for acoustic barriers to block out noise from the A14 was today hailed as a victory for the people of the Trimleys.

One or two problems still need to be ironed out over the siting of the four-metre high wooden fencing – especially as a handful of the properties most in need of sound-proofing are those which are the most difficult to protect.

Letters are being sent out today to all affected families to inform them of what is proposed and seek their views on the idea.

A series of meetings have been held between both Trimley St Martin and St Mary parish councils with port officials and consultants to discuss the project.

Felixstowe port will pay for the barrier – expected to cost tens of thousands of pounds – as part of a multi-million pound mitigation and compensation package connected with its expansion plans.

The noise absorbent fencing will run all the way from the Felixstowe dock spur roundabout to Trimley St Martin to protect villagers from the rumbling and pollution of an expected one million extra juggernauts.

Trimley St Mary Parish Council chairman Richard Kerry said: "I think this is a victory for the parish councils and the residents of the villages.

"We have pushed hard for this and the Port of Felixstowe is now willing to pay for it. At the end of the day it is going to improve the quality of life for people who live near the A14 and hear that noise day and night."

Councillor Mary Dixon said the choice was between a three metre and four metre fence.

"There is a significant difference between their effectiveness and the extra metre on the four metre fence really does reduce noise far more," she said.

"It would be good though if we could have an indication of what it would look like – if we could have a sample section up so that we could see how much we feel it would be intrusive."

The fencing would be put next to the road and there would still be trees behind it in most places to give homes extra protection.

However, there were a few places, such as near Fen Meadow, where there were no trees and the slope of the bank made it difficult.

"We will find a way to overcome these sort of problems because these are the very people who need the barrier most – it will go all the way along," said Mrs Dixon.

Residents claim the noise of the pounding trucks on the dual carriageway just yards from their homes is already at times intolerable.

They complain the noise and fumes is so bad that in summer they have to keep their windows shut and cannot use their gardens.

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