Ipswich councillor says Waterfront needs more lighting

Suffolk Street Lighting has plans to install seven new street-lighting units and replace two existing solar-powered units with new columns near Dance East. 

They say that the work will commence for this in the coming weeks.

However, Suffolk County Councillor for the area Rob Bridgeman said that while these new posts are a start, the waterfront needs even more lighting features. 

As we head into winter and it begins to get darker, Cllr Bridgeman said that the lack of lighting is a safety issue and can make people feel unsafe around the waterfront. 

"Whilst I really appreciate the improvements these new lighting schemes will bring, sadly there are still areas of the Waterfront that are very dark and we need to light them up," Cllr Bridgeman said.

"Fear of crime is a terrible thing and I don’t want anyone feeling unsafe whilst enjoying the Waterfront at night or walking home from work."

Two lamposts were installed near DanceEast in 2022.  (Image: Shikhar Talwar) The councillor has been pushing for these lamposts to be installed since being elected in 2022.

Back then, two solar-powered lighting fixtures were installed at near Dance East, however, a large part of Albion Wharf remained unlit. 

Cllr Bridgeman puts this down to confusion amongst both councils and local businesses to understand who should take responsibility for installing lighting works.

The Bridge councillor said: "I shall keep pushing to make the Waterfront safer in whatever form that comes. My residents and businesses in Bridge are rightly proud of the Waterfront."

Works are being done for lighting fixtures on the waterfront.  (Image: Shikhar Talwar) Other than this Suffolk Street Lighting recently completed an upgrade of existing lighting columns along the waterfront which are now fully operational. 

They are also looking to install new concrete slabs and water protection chains to ensure the safety of residents in the area.