Safety concerns have been raised due to cars mounting a footpath near a primary school to cut through into town.

Residents and councillors have spoken about the damage caused to the pavements and destruction of bollards between Surrey Road and Sirdar Road.

From Surrey Road, motorists can access London Road, and from Sirdar Road, vehicles can join Bramford Road.

Resident Sarah Davies shared her frustration that the damage to pavements are not considered severe enough for repair but also pose a safety hazard to pedestrians accessing the nearby school.

She said she had noticed a bollard restricting the traffic had broken recently, which has made it easier for drivers to get on the pavement.

A spokesperson for Suffolk Highways said: "We are aware of the missing bollards at this location; however, it currently does not meet our highway maintenance criteria for immediate action.

"We would like to remind the public that driving along or over footpaths is illegal."


The pavement is located between Surrey Road and Sirdar Road.The pavement is located between Surrey Road and Sirdar Road. (Image: Contributed)  The pavement is located in a largely residential area and leads to the back gate of Handford Hall Primary School. 

Ms Davies has lived in the area for nearly 30 years and was disappointed by the lack of action taken by the council, saying it risks the safety of children.

She said: "What would their criteria be some child being hit or injured by the car?

"There are a lot of unsupervised very young children running around and playing in this area, these cars pose a risk to their safety."

The residents said that this poses a safety risk for children as the pavement leads to the backgate of a school.The residents said that this poses a safety risk for children as the pavement leads to the backgate of a school. (Image: Google Maps)

Ms Davies said the cars have also made the pavement broken and uneven, which can also cause issues for children and residents.

She would like to see the highways committee either add the bollard or remove the pavement altogether. 

Cllr also believes more work should be done.Cllr Colin Kreidewolf also believes more work should be done. (Image: Newsquest) Ipswich Borough councillor for Westgate Colin Kreidewolf, has also expressed the need for work to be done in the area. 

He said: "It's very concerning both from a resident perspective but particularly for the children who use the area to move from the school to the play area at the end of a school day.

"I was very surprised that it did not meet the County's criteria and feel they are not taking account of the safeguarding issue."