First published in The Felixstowe Flyer, August 2020.
Calling for improved signage in Hamilton Road
As the Covid-19 lockdown restriction were eased to allow non-essential shops to reopen but still, sensibly, adhering to social distancing, it rapidly became apparent that the Shared Space section of Hamilton Road was not a safe place for shoppers. Therefore a temporary ban on traffic was imposed. This did not include cyclists, and this has caused some problems particularly for the elderly and those with visual impairments. For this reason, we have supported the call for signage to be included asking cyclists to dismount whilst in this area.
Keeping our beaches safe
We are very lucky to be able to use the beach in these very difficult and challenging times and many did during the beautiful weather. Sadly, some jet ski users behaved in a very anti-social manner upsetting the enjoyment of other beach users. There are by-laws which govern the use of jet skis which are administered by the police. If you need to report any abuse of these by-laws you can do so via the Suffolk Constabulary website www.suffolk.police.uk, then select ‘Report Something’, then select option 6 ‘Report anti-social behaviour’.
Improving Maidstone Road footbridge
We have received information that major footbridge replacement work will take place during the summer at the Maidstone Road bridge. By the time you read this the works will have already commenced. The works will entail temporary traffic lights, road closures, and diversions. From the start of the September term, traffic will be controlled by a single lane and temporary traffic lights will be in place 24 hours a day. This will continue until the new footbridge is installed. Whilst the traffic lights are in use, temporary pedestrian crossings will be in operation both sides of the works to allow pedestrians to cross the road safely. For the duration of the road closures traffic will be diverted via Maidstone Road, Seaton Road, High Road West, Garrison Lane, Mill Lane, Grange Road, and vice versa. Access to properties will be available at all times, including for pedestrians and cyclists.
The timetable for the works is as follows: 13 to 22 July temporary traffic signals only when necessary. Road closure between 22 July and 31 August. Temporary traffic signals between 31 August and 5 September. Road closure 5 and 6 September. Temporary traffic signals between 6 and 12 September and road closure 12 and 13 September. If you have any queries please contact Suffolk Highways via their web site www.suffolk.gov.uk/highways/.
Standing up for local residents in Trimley and Walton
We have heard that Highways England will start a further round of remedial work on the A14 between Junction 58 Levington Road and Junction 62 The Port of Felixstowe. This work is scheduled to commence on 10 August and continue through until November. Highways England have arranged an online meeting to explain the nature of the work and specific times of road closures and diversions. We met with Highways England in February for initial discussions regarding this work and tried to persuade them to use a contra-flow system on the A14 during the scheduled work. This would alleviate the months of misery that the villagers of Trimley and residents of Walton and Felixstowe experienced last time work was taking place on the A14 with diverted lorries thundering past their homes all night. Unfortunately our suggestions were dismissed at that time.
Supporting Black Lives Matter
Recently there was a demonstration in Felixstowe supporting the Black Lives Matter campaign. It was well attended, particularly by many young people. It was very moving to hear people talking about their personal experiences of discrimination and is a reminder to us all about how we should treat each other. Such a pity that in the local press reporting the event there was a picture of a man raising his arm in a fascist salute in front of our War Memorial. This was a disgraceful exhibition which was an insult to those who died and to those too who fought to prevent a fascist tyranny succeeding in World War II.