Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Ipswich MP calls for Ipswich transport task force and Northern Bypass revival amid fresh Orwell bridge chaos

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, has called for the re-establishment of the Ipswich Transportation Task Force (ITTF) following severe disruption caused by the partial closure of Orwell Bridge.

The big picture: A revived taskforce could bring together stakeholders, consult the public, and make recommendations on strategic transport priorities, including the potential for a bypass north of Ipswich.

Key proposals: Abbott wrote to Cllr. Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, on Thursday 12th September, proposing immediate actions and long-term solutions, including:

  • Review and postpone all non-emergency roadworks in Ipswich

  • Re-constitute the Ipswich Transportation Taskforce, dormant since 2023

What they're saying: Abbott issued the following statement:

“I have been contacted by numerous constituents and local businesses who have been affected by the closure of one lane of the Orwell Bridge, which is harming our local economy and causing chaos in our town.

“While the bridge is partially closed, I have asked Suffolk County Council to cancel all non-essential roadworks in the town centre to ease the flow of traffic and prevent further jams.

“Now is also the right time for the Ipswich Transportation Taskforce to be reinstated. A reinvigorated taskforce would have the ability to bring together stakeholders, consult the public and make recommendations to Suffolk County Council and other decision-making bodies about strategic transport priorities in the area, including, but not limited to, the potential of a bypass north of the town.

“I look forward to working with Suffolk County Council and local stakeholders to address these ongoing problems, which cannot keep grinding our town to a halt.”

What's next: We've reached out to Suffolk County Council for comment.

Meanwhile, National Highways have confirmed that the westbound carriageway of the Orwell Bridge will face full overnight closures next week as repair works begin.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Load next article