‘Ridiculous’ road closures during footpath works could impact vulnerable people who use a Bury St Edmunds community centre, it is feared.
The concerns were voiced ahead of a 12-week Suffolk Highways project to improve footpaths on the Mildenhall Road estate.
The phased works, in Bunbury Road, Gloucester Road and Lake Avenue, will involve staggered road closures.
Richard Mortlock fears road closures could impact access to Anselm Community Centre. Picture by Mark Westley
However, while Anselm Avenue itself will not close, it is feared closures in the surrounding roads could impact access to Anselm Community Centre, which is used by vulnerable patients with pulmonary issues.
Richard Mortlock, chairman of the community centre and residents’ association, said Suffolk Highways had made him aware of the works, which start on Monday and run until March 28, just days before Christmas.
But while diversions will be in place, Mr Mortlock is concerned Anselm Community Centre users – many of whom use oxygen and need to be dropped off near the entrance – might not realise they can still access the centre.
Anselm Community Centre Bury St Edmunds. Picture by Mark Westley
He said his queries to Highways for clarification around centre access and signage had not been answered.
“The whole scheme smacks of incompetence and an unprofessional approach by Suffolk County Council,” said Mr Mortlock.
“There have been no advance discussions with either the residents’ association, councillors or shop owners, resulting in a complete non-understanding of important traffic movements.
“It has been rushed out from Ipswich by people who have no idea of how or where traffic on or through the estate travels to and from.
“As chair of the residents’ association and of Anselm Community Centre, I would like to see designated signs indicating a route through the works to the centre, as we have groups of vulnerable people attending courses there who need direct access.
“The present diversion route plans do not show this and are amateurish to say the least.
“As a resident of Philip Road, I would like to advise the council that this is one of the main routes on to the estate and to just close it off is ridiculous.”
A spokesperson for Suffolk Highways said the managers of the project works were not available for comment, but added: “While the works are under way our teams will allow access, however, there might be a slight delay while our teams make safe the area. Access will be maintained for emergency services.”