Suffolk MP Dr Dan Poulter has backed calls for urgent improvements on the A140 near Eye.

Mid Suffolk Business Park, located adjacent to the former site of Eye Airfield, plays host to a number of haulage and light industrial businesses that have been attracted to the area by the strong transport and infrastructure links, with the A140 being a key route.

Not only is the road the key route between Ipswich and Norwich, but it also carries through-traffic from the Midlands and the Port of Felixstowe, linking directly with the A14.

Many businesses are worried about access to and from their business bases on the park, with lengthy queues and delays entering and exiting the area. The main access is via a busy junction and the flow of traffic is often slowed or halted by vehicles attempting to enter or leave the site, creating the further risk of accidents or diminished road safety.

Central Suffolk MP Dr Poulter said he shared the concerns, particularly in light of the projected growth in housing in nearby Eye and Diss.

Coupled with the proposed new gas power station operating from Eye Airfield, Dr Poulter is now calling for urgent action to be taken in addressing this situation.

Visiting the site, Dr Poulter said: 'I am delighted that businesses here seem to be flourishing and growing, all providing welcome employment opportunities for those living nearby, but I fully empathise with the frustration caused by such poor access to and from their business premises.

'For businesses operating in the road haulage or supply chain sector, scheduling is absolutely critical and delays such as those experienced at this junction are simply unhelpful at best and potentially detrimental to the flow of business.

'With further development expected, the time has come for improvements at this very busy junction.

'I would like to see contributions from developers linked to new housing or to industrial development and I am asking Suffolk County Council to ensure that this vital highways improvement is escalated as a priority project.'

John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: 'One of our key strategic campaigning themes is to ensure that Suffolk's road and rail network is fit for purpose and helps – not hinders – our economy's incredible potential.

'We very much welcome Dr Poulter's continued involvement in pushing for improvements to the A140, a vital economic artery for our region, and look forward to working with him to persuade the county council to make the much-needed improvements.'

Stephen Britt, managing director of Anchor Storage, said: 'The Eye Airfield and surrounding industrial areas have been undergoing continuous development and expansion for many years.

'However, there has been no significant corresponding highway works in the vicinity to complement this growth and improvements are now well overdue.

'Failure to address this oversight will undoubtedly discourage further businesses from coming to the area and will also contribute to major traffic holdups, not just on local roads but also on the A140 Norwich Road.'