Three Ipswich roads to be resurfaced after petition calls

Suffolk Highways has confirmed that they are set to resurface Cambridge Drive between Birchfield Drive and the junction with Downing Close, as well as the full length of Newnham Court and Chesterton Close.

This comes after Ipswich Borough Councillor Tony Blacker, the ward councillor for Stoke Park, put forward a petition to Suffolk Highways to fix the roads.

Following the news of the resurfacing, he said: "I am really pleased that residents will shortly see their roads massively improved and want to thank them for supporting the petition.

"I will continue pushing for improvements to Girton Way - along with many other roads in my ward that really could do with some overdue attention.

Cllr Blacker went door knocking around the streets and got together over 150 signatures.

He described the roads as "embarrassing" and similar to those in underdeveloped countries. 

One of the last straws was after recent repair works to Chesterton Close, however, when Cllr Blacker went back a week later, some of the work had already been chipped away and was failing.

Speaking to the Star at the end of June, Cllr Blacker said: "The frustration is they keep spending money on roads, but they are spending it badly.

"I know all local authorities have restricted budgets, and I know we can't do everything we want to do, but I feel like these roads, in particular, have been left for far too long and something needs to be done."

The road surface on one of the roads. Credit: Tony Blacker (Image: Tony Blacker)

Tony Blacker petitioned to the council to get the roads fixed. Credit: Tony Blacker (Image: Tony Blacker)

Cllr Blacker added: "I would like to thank Suffolk Highways and Councillor Paul West for the swift attention this has received."

Roadworks are set to commence from 9am on July 24 and finish by 4.30pm on July 28.

There are set to be road closures and diversion routes during this time.