Ipswich councillor calls for action to improve Stoke Bridge

Cllr Rob Bridgeman who represents the Bridge ward of the town, has called for action from Suffolk County Council and Cadent around Stoke Bridge and the surrounding area which is not getting the improvements it needs.

Amongst his list of complaints are incomplete gas works, uneven road surfaces, a lack of clearing up after works and an "eyesore" bridge. 

However, Cadent, who run gas works in Ipswich, said that they are drawing up plans for new works.

Suffolk County Council has also been approached for comment.

Cllr Bridgeman said that the county council need to do more. (Image: Rob Bridgeman)

Cllr Bridgeman said: "South West Ipswich has been badly let down by the Conservatives at the County Council when it comes to infrastructure, roads and pavements.

"I'm particularly fed up with all the delays to finish Stoke Bridge, it's an eyesore.

"The county council and Cadent need to hurry up and fix this now. We need better planning and enforcement, it's not a lot to ask."

In 2021, Cadent Gas, which runs gas lines in the town, had made plans to improve the main gas line that is attached to Stoke Bridge, however, they abandoned the plans due to corrosion of the supports.

Cllr Bridgeman has been asking for an update ever since but to no avail. 

A spokesperson for Cadent Gas said: "We are sorry to hear that Cllr Bridgeman has concerns about work not being completed and pathways being restored incorrectly.

"The scheme on Stoke Bridge was paused in 2021, but we would like to reassure Cllr Bridgeman and residents that the network is completely safe and plans are being drawn up to complete the work in the future."

He called Stoke Bridge an eyesore. (Image: Paul Geater)

Meanwhile, the Bridge representative also believes Stoke Bridge is not being improved at the rate which is needed. 

In May, the county council had announced a £125,000 grant to refurbish the viewing platform at Stoke Bridge which is dominated by a huge buoy and a vandalised former phone box.

Ipswich Central provided an AI render of what Stoke Bridge would look like with the council's project. (Image: Ipswich Central) He also wants the equipment left behind to be cleaned up. (Image: Rob Bridgeman)

The buoy is set to stay - but the fate of the phone box has still to be decided.

However, Cllr Bridgeman believes the council needs to work quickly on the bridge and areas south of it to remove overgrown weeds and equipment left rotting should be cleaned up.