New name for Four Villages A12 Bypass project to show wider Suffolk benefit

Some members of the Four Villages Bypass group campaigning in Farnham in 2014 Archant

A bypass project to divert traffic away from four Suffolk villages has been renamed to demonstrate the wider importance it could have to the economy, energy and tourism industries.

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The Four Villages Bypass group has been campaigning for a road to bypass Stratford St Andrew, Farnham, Marlesford and Little Glemham. The group claims a bypass is the only way to resolve long-standing problems with congestion, emission levels and accidents in the four villages, which would be set to worsen if the Sizewell C power station is built in Leiston.

Now, the bypass project will be known as Suffolk’s Energy Gateway to help highlight the wider benefit across the county and beyond when the groups behind the project - which include the Four Villages Bypass group, Suffolk County Council, the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and Suffolk Coastal District Council - apply for a share of funding for construction from the Department for Transport. The total cost of the project could reach £120million.

Two consultation events are being held by the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce for businesses based along the A12 between Ipswich and Lowestoft to provide information on how the current state of the route impacts them.

A spokesperson for the Four Villages Bypass group, Debbi Tayler, said: “I’m very happy with the rebadging. It’s not just about the four villages, it’s about the wider economic benefit and the really important links up to Lowestoft and Yarmouth.

“It was felt that we needed to explain why it was not just a local project. It’s important that it’s distinguished from other local projects.

“The other important thing that we have is tourism. It’s really important that when people come to Suffolk they are not sitting on tiny but busy roads with lots of heavy traffic, because that just puts people off.”

Stephen Britt, chairman of Suffolk Chamber’s Transport and Infrastructure Board, said: “The change in name befits the impact of the scheme in the county as a whole and highlights the importance of access to the Energy Coast.”

The two business breakfast events are being held at Ufford Park, Woodbridge, on Tuesday January 26 and High Lodge, Darsham on Wednesday February 3.

Both events will run from 7.30am–9.30am and will be free for businesses to attend.