30th April – Wrote to Suffolk County Council to ensure they postpone all non-emergency road works in Ipswich

The repairs to the Orwell Bridge are necessary and unavoidable.

However, it is critical the inevitable delays are not made worse.

We need common sense decision-making.

Speaking to ITV Anglia yesterday, I said it is inevitable that the planned repairs to the Orwell Bridge will have an impact on Ipswich and the surrounding area.

However, to avoid a summer of chaos, I have urged Suffolk County Council to postpone all non-emergency road works.

That is why I have urged Suffolk County Council to avoid a summer of chaos by postponing all non-emergency roadworks in and around Ipswich.

I have written to Suffolk County Council to ensure they postpone all non-emergency works in Ipswich during the repairs to the Orwell Bridge.

This includes the planned schemes on Nacton Road, Woodbridge Road and the Hospital to Waterfront route.

This morning, I met with Cadent to ask them to review their plans, including their work on Woodbridge Road.

I have also urged National Highways to make the full details of their works to the Orwell Bridge public, effective immediately, so residents and businesses can plan ahead.

We need a common-sense approach, and all responsible stakeholders must do everything in their power to shield local residents and businesses from the very worst consequences of the works, otherwise Ipswich and the surrounding area will face a summer of chaos.

The repairs to an ageing Orwell Bridge are necessary and unavoidable, and the proposals represent the least worst option available.

Nonetheless, they will cause huge disruption for residents and businesses in and around Ipswich, and I know how frustrated and worried people are.

However, while the works are unavoidable, the problem which keeps on repeating itself is not. This is the result of years of indecision, and the blame for this damaging situation lies squarely at the feet of those who have repeatedly advocated for a ‘do nothing’ approach and blocked the delivery of the only credible alternative on the table.

Ipswich, Felixstowe and, indeed, Suffolk as a whole, has continued to suffer as a result of short-term political expediency being put ahead of the long-term interests of our town and our county.