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Suffolk farmers to stage second A14 tractor protest over food imports

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Motorists should plan for delays on the A14 between Levington and Bury St Edmunds on Monday, 3 February, as farmers stage another slow-moving tractor convoy to protest against food import standards.

Why it matters: The protest highlights growing tensions over competition from imported foods and inheritance tax changes affecting local farming families.

The big picture: East Anglian farmers are demonstrating against what they say are unfair trading conditions, with imports being produced using chemicals that are banned in Britain.

Tractors with "Save British Farming" signs attached
Suffolk farmers protesting against IHT changes and imported foodsAndy Proctor

For context: This follows a previous protest in December when local farmers staged a similar demonstration on the A14 near the Port of Felixstowe.

The details:

  • The convoy will meet at 08:00 at Walk Farm on Felixstowe Road, Levington

  • The convoy will depart at 10:00 and travel at 20mph along the A14 to Bury St Edmunds

What to watch:

  • Westbound A14: Convoy will travel from Walk Farm, Levington to the sugar beet factory in Bury St Edmunds from 10:00

  • Eastbound A14: Tractors will return along the A14 towards Port of Felixstowe Road

  • Copdock: A smaller demonstration is planned at Tesco this Saturday, 25 January

The bottom line: Commuters should consider alternative routes or allow extra journey time on Monday morning, particularly along the A14 corridor between Felixstowe and Bury St Edmunds.

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Orwell Bridge to close for four nights next week

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Drivers will face overnight diversions as National Highways carries out vital survey work on the A14 Orwell Bridge next week.

Why it matters: National Highways said it will carry out the essential survey and maintenance work over four nights, between 8pm and 6am, Monday to Thursday.

The Orwell Bridge in Ipswich
The Orwell Bridge in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

On Monday and Tuesday evenings: A full westbound carriageway closure will be in place between the Seven Hills Interchange and the Wherstead turn-off.

  • The following diversion route will be in place while the full carriageway closure is in place.

  • A single lane closure will be in place in the eastbound carriageway simultaneously.

On Wednesday and Thursday evenings: A single lane closure will be in place in both directions between the Nacton and Wherstead turn-offs.

What they're saying: A National Highways spokesman said: "We understand the impact that any reduction in capacity on the Orwell Bridge can have on all road users.

"Our survey and maintenance work is vital to ensure the bridge remains safe and serviceable."

For context: Both carriageways will be open during the daytime as the work is only taking place overnight.

The closure will be in place the same time a stretch of the A14 will be closed between Copdock and Claydon.

The eastbound carriageway will be closed from 8pm to 6am on weeknights between Monday, March 10 and Friday, March 14.

The bottom line: Drivers should plan alternative routes or allow extra time for journeys using the A14 during overnight hours next week.

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

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