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Suffolk County Council launches pothole prevention programme ahead of winter

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

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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Mountain bike stolen from outside Anglia Retail Park restaurant

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in Ipswich.

The bicycle was taken between 10.20 and 10.30 on Thursday 6 March from outside the restaurant at Anglia Retail Park.

The blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen
Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

Ipswich Police shared the appeal on social media, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Officers have assigned the crime reference number 37/12273/25 to the case.

Anyone who witnessed the theft or has information about the stolen blue Boardman mountain bike is asked to contact police via their online reporting system at https://orlo.uk/2zoxs or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number.

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

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