A bid to upgrade cycle and pedestrian paths in Ipswich has been received with mixed feelings among the town's residents as works would include roadblocks and the introduction of narrow areas.
Earlier this month, Suffolk County Council announced plans for three new active travel schemes which it said could improve key routes into the town centre.
The proposals will use part of the £10million Active England fund to upgrade pavements and make junctions safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
A public consultation is open until September.
However, the plans have not been met with overwhelming enthusiasm by some people in Ipswich, who say that roadworks for this project will cause disruption.
Jennifer Pickering, a resident of Ransomes Road, said: "I am not keen at having Ransome Road closed at Nacton Road junction.
"It was closed a while ago for gas works and it was a total nightmare with traffic jams for hours, so I don't think blocking that road is worth it at all."
Under the proposals a stretch of Natcon Road, between Felixstowe Road and Maryon Road, will have wider pavements for pedestrians and increased crossings.
Councillor Ruman Muhith, who represents the area on the borough council, said that constituents have raised the issue with him - but welcomed the scheme as a whole.
He said: "I welcome the proposals for Nacton Road, particularly given the lack of recent developments focused on pedestrians and cyclists. These improvements are crucial for promoting wellbeing and modernising the area.
"However, I have concerns about potential traffic congestion due to the narrowing of parts of the road, which could affect the regular bus route and commuter traffic, especially during Orwell Bridge closures.
"Nevertheless, prioritising people and giving Nacton Road a facelift aligns with our community's needs, and I support this initiative."
Alexander Nicoll, from Suffolk County Council, said that he is happy to welcome the next set of active travel proposals as he said this will help the town grow.
“I encourage residents to read up about what we are looking to do within Ipswich to make it safer, easier and more enjoyable to walk, cycle or wheel around the town," he added.
"These schemes are developed to help residents make travel choices which have a wealth of benefits including improved air quality, eased congestion and a safer environment.”
Meanwhile, there are also plans for cycle routes to be opened up at a part of Grove Lane, in a series of improvements made for a path going from Ipswich Hospital to the Waterfront.
George Stevens, who lives in Woodville Road, uses Grove Lane to get home from work.
He said: "I get the importance of cycle lanes, and how every major city has one. But here they say the council wants to add a lane and a footpath.
"There is already on-street parking here which makes the area narrow - after that, if you have these additions, where are the cars meant to go?"
Another councillor, George Lankester, who represents a part of the area covered by this set of changes, hopes the county council will give thought to pedestrian safety.
He said: "Shared walking and cycling pathways risk reducing pedestrian safety. Bringing faster-moving bicycles onto pavements often used by families with small children and elderly residents raises several concerns.
"The county council need to answer the question of how they will be maintained and monitored."
The final part of the proposal relates to Woodbridge Road where the county council wishes to have a continuous cycle path from Rushmere to Kesgrave.
In this case, the plans have been received comparatively well as residents look forward to the opportunity to cycle in an area that is quite busy.
Resident Jill Hicks said: "I get why people elsewhere are complaining about these changes but I quite like it.
"I go cycling as and when I feel like it, and living on a busy road has often meant that I need to walk with my bike before getting to a place where I can cycle.
"So this path that goes along the top of Rushmere Commons and takes you into green areas around Kesgrave is quite a welcome change for me."
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