Representatives of Felixstowe BID met with Suffolk County Councillors and a Highways official to discuss the impact of multiple roadworks and traffic delays around the town.

The issue of major disruption and gridlock caused by recent incidents on the A14 were also discussed during the meeting at Endeavour House in Ipswich.

Present were Cllr Paul West, Cabinet Member for Ipswich, Operational Highways and Flooding, Cllr Steve Wiles representative for Felixstowe Coastal and Sam Guiver, Network Assurance Manager. Representing the BID were Chair Andrew Green, Directors Nick Barber and Paul Armbruster along with Manager Sheline Gledhill.

The BID sought assurances that various roadworks in and around the town and surrounding villages would be completed before more were started and pointed out that traders should be given more consideration when roadworks and maintenance are planned.

Particular mention was given to works outside Felixstowe Academy, Faulkeners Way and the Candlet Road project along with the impending closure of Grove Road.

Sam Guiver explained that there is a large amount of investment currently planned for Felixstowe in the form of new housing and that much of the work being undertaken is to upgrade existing infrastructure, including gas, water and electricity.



The meeting agreed that a more collaborative approach to dealing with these matters should be established and that a further meeting involving Highways England, Suffolk Coastal MP and representatives from the Port of Felixstowe should be sought.

BID Chairman Andrew Green said he welcomed the opportunity to discuss these matters face to face with the county councillors.

“We thank everyone for their time and welcome the opportunity to be able to discuss these matters in a constructive way,” he said.

“All the relevant authorities must work together to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum; it is in no-one’s interest to have a gridlocked town or port and we believe by working together we can establish a more coordinated approach when incidents happen.”

The meeting also heard about other concerns for the town centre such as the maintenance of the pavements, street furniture and the use of Hamilton Road for events.

“We are glad to see some improvements already,” said Andrew, “and look forward to working together with the authorities to make sure problems are brought to their attention and dealt with swiftly.”