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Suffolk County Council launches pothole prevention programme ahead of winter

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Suffolk County Council has launched a proactive pothole prevention programme. The scheme targets vulnerable road areas before winter weather hits, aiming to reduce road damage and disruption for drivers in the coming months.

The big picture: Highways authorities across the UK face increased pothole formation during winter. Water seeps into road cracks, freezes, expands, and breaks the surface. This programme aims to seal vulnerable areas and reduce the overall number of potholes.

  • Teams are using advanced technology to treat areas prone to deterioration.

  • The programme builds on successful trials of Roadmender Elastomac and Dragon Patcher machines.

  • Work will focus on sealing cracks and repairing smaller defects before they worsen.

Potholes
Potholes have long been a frustration for manyemilysophie2Getty Images

Why it matters: Potholes are a major concern for drivers, causing vehicle damage and safety hazards. This preventative approach aims to minimise these issues during the winter months when pothole formation typically increases.

Key details:

  • Roadmender Elastomac system will target urban roads, using a flowable material to seal repaired areas.

  • The Elastomac process reduces material movement and waste by 90%. They use HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) as fuel, generating zero waste.

  • Dragon Patcher machines, fuelled by biodiesel, will focus on rural roads.

  • Work will take place from 7am to 5pm, with potential traffic delays of up to 15 minutes.

What they're saying: Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for Ipswich, operational highways and flooding, said: "Cold and wet weather often wreaks havoc with our roads, which is why we have taken proactive steps and developed a targeted campaign to tackle and provide resilience to our road network ahead of this winter."

What's next: The council will continue the programme through December, aiming to complete repairs before the coldest months of January, February, and March when most potholes form.

For more information on the project, visit www.suffolk.gov.uk/flattening-the-curve.

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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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

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

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