Beccles relief road consultation on the way

By RICHARD WOOD
Saturday, March 16, 2013
7:00 AM

A long-discussed southern relief road for Beccles will take a big step forward when a public consultation takes place in May.

For many years there have been hopes of a road to take away heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) from the town centre and the dream looks closer to a reality after it was revealed that a consultation on two proposed routes will take place.

In May, people will be given an opportunity to comment on a proposed £5m road, which would link the A145 on London Road at Weston to Ellough Industrial Estate, and say which of two options they prefer.

Currently HGVs have to drive through the town centre along the A145, but, with the narrow roads regularly struggling to cope with the demands placed on them, there have long been calls for a relief road.

Mark Bee, Suffolk County Council leader and councillor for Beccles, said the move to the consultation stage showed that the southern relief road now looked more of a reality.

“I am delighted that we are now at this stage,” he said. “I am delighted that Suffolk County Council is able to fund this project. It will be a boost to the local economy and help the Enterprise Zone up to Ellough.”

Waveney MP Peter Aldous said the announcement was very positive news and he hoped the road would be built as quickly as practically possible to help remove traffic from the town centre and encourage business opportunities.

Mr Aldous said: “It will provide a pleasant living and working environment for people in Beccles, and protect the very important buildings as well.

“It will also have a double benefit in terms of creating jobs and improving the local economy.”

It is hoped construction will take place in 2015 or 2016.