Central Suffolk and North Ipswich MP, Dr Dan Poulter, has joined local residents and road users in calling for road safety improvements in Mendlesham Green. 

During a recent visit, Dr Poulter met with a number of local residents and horse riders who are becoming increasingly concerned at the dangers of using the road through the village.  The road surface has become worn and incredibly slippery, with several recent accidents involving both horse and rider.  Many of the riders based at a nearby livery yard are forced to use this stretch of road to leave the yard and due to the extremely slippery road surface, it is becoming difficult to navigate safely.  Horses are constantly slipping when using the road, with riders suffering falls and injury, but also horses falling and incurring significant vets bills. 

Due to wear and tear, the road surface has become incredibly slippery and aside from horse riders, horses and carriages also struggle with the surface, as do cyclists who have also encountered falls.  As well as becoming slippery, the road surface has also become shiny and poses a risk especially at this time of year when the sun is much lower in the sky and reflects on oncoming drivers.  The stretch of road road has not been resurfaced for many years, despite neighbouring roads with significantly less use being redressed.   

To demonstrate the issue, Dr Poulter was taken for a drive around the village by local resident and road user, Mr David Taylor driving his ponies, Pipsqueak and Jack. 

Commenting on the issue, Dr Poulter said “Having enjoyed a carriage drive through Mendlesham Green myself, it’s clear to see the challenges presented by this deteriorating road surface.  During my drive, it was abundantly obvious on several occasions that the normally sure-footed ponies were slipping and struggling with the road surface.  I have also been approached by a number of cyclists locally who have also fallen from their bicycles and are worried about the dangerous road surface.” 

“I share the concerns of these local residents and road users and have therefore written to Suffolk County Council to ask that they prioritise this stretch of road for repair at the earliest opportunity.”