NEW FLOODING FUND

From talking to my constituents, I have been made aware of a number of flooding issues on roads across our town, including on Clapgate Lane.

As many of you will know, I had previously been pushing to get the Maryon Road flooding issue solved and have was given a timeline some time ago for when this work will be sorted.

After also pushing for the flooding issues on Clapgate Lane to be sorted, I have just received assurances from the County Council that there is now a plan to address the problem there as well.

After hearing the concerns of my constituents, I wrote to the Council explaining the serious concerns many had over the flooding on Clapgate Lane just opposite Landseer Park which is affecting traffic.

Paul West, the Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Ipswich, Highways Operations and Flooding, has told me that they are now making available an additional £10m over the next four years to tackle drainage and flooding issues on the Highway.

Suffolk Highways have also procured a new specialist tanker vehicle that can be deployed to locations across town such as Clapgate Lane where there may be root ingress, blocked pipes and other minor works. Clapgate Lane and has already been put forward to be visited by the vehicle. I am very glad to hear it, as this has been a persistent issue affecting my constituents.

Unfortunately, Suffolk Highways don’t yet have confirmed dates for the drain cleaning and jetting work. Given the nature of the road and the size of the tanker and equipment they will have to close the road. They have applied for a temporary road closure and are just waiting for it to get approved.

Hopefully this will be done sooner rather than later, and I will be monitoring the situation to make sure that progress is made. I’m glad that this issue should be finally sorted out.