Member of Parliament for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, Dr Dan Poulter has called on Suffolk County Council and EDF to work together to install a new road crossing on the A12 at Marlesford.
At a meeting with residents last week, Dr Poulter saw first-hand the treacherous conditions residents face when trying to cross from one side of the village to the other.
The village of Marlesford is split by the busy A12 and many residents have to run the gauntlet when crossing from the main part of the village to access the bus stop for bus services into Ipswich, or to visit the Marlesford Farm shop and Café. Among the residents who met with Dr Poulter were Brenda Lavender who is registered blind, and Andy and Jackie Cousins who have mobility issues. These vulnerable residents are forced to place themselves at huge risk when crossing the A12 simply to access the bus stop or key community facilities, such as the farm shop and café. The road is impossibly fast moving with rare breaks in the traffic flow and the noise of the passing traffic makes it very difficult for Brenda, in particular, to attempt the crossing safely.
Commenting on the situation, Dr Poulter said “Road safety at Marlesford needs to be addressed as priority for these residents, but with the forecast intensification of use of A12 anticipated with the construction of Sizewell C, road safety must be a top priority.
“EDF simply must play its part in bringing forward funding to support the safety of residents in Marlesford so that they can safely cross the A12 to reach the bus stop, use the farm café and access village services.”
