The problems caused by the Sicklesmere Road closure roll on even as the traffic stands still. That is my regrettable conclusion after weeks of discussions with the developers, Hopkins Homes, and Suffolk County Council on behalf of residents. But just as the many motorists caught up in the tailbacks won’t give up, nor will I.

The past weeks have certainly been frustrating, not least since I can’t help but feel that many of the problems that have arisen could have been avoided with better planning measures in place. First, there was the issue of emergency services being held up in long queues of traffic—clearly an unacceptable situation that needed to be swiftly resolved. I’m pleased that the marshals we requested are now in place and should be ensuring no further delays are caused to emergency vehicles’ response times. Then there was the number of weekend closures. Some 16,000 vehicles travel on the A134 to and from Bury at weekends—traffic that has now been diverted onto a 43-mile diversion along roads and through villages not designed to take that volume of traffic, including HGVs. I am pleased to report that there will now be fewer weekend road closures than were initially scheduled; eight instead of twelve. The developers have also agreed to contribute an additional £455,000 to minimise disruption—another piece of good news.

But, just as one issue is resolved, another arises. Local businesses are the most recent casualties of the traffic, with critical deliveries delayed and customers deterred. In some cases, local businesses are warning that the economic hit could prove fatal. I am also receiving reports that the traffic light system does not always work, with green being shown at both ends. Clearly, there is much more that needs to be done to make sure the Abbots Vale development is properly managed.

At a recent meeting I convened, I pressed for answers on several outstanding issues, including the impact on local businesses and the continued disruption caused by the roadworks. One of the key concerns raised was the status of the roundabout, which many residents have questioned. While it may appear complete, the developers explained that there are still essential works that need to be finalised, such as drainage, before it can be safely opened.

Ensuring these works are properly completed is vital for the long-term safety and functionality of the road network. I will continue to push for clear timelines on when this will be finished and for steps to be taken to minimise disruption in the meantime.

I’m also deeply concerned about the impact of this disruption on young people, especially as pupils approach crucial exams. In addition, the current 43-mile diversion, rather than the temporary construction of a relief road, does seem unduly impractical. I will continue advocating for an alternative solution as well as for better traffic management to ease tailbacks.

One of the many impacts of the roadworks on the A134 is the damage it is causing to our smaller rural roads. For too long, residents have had to put up with poorly maintained rural roads, but now that increasing numbers of HGV drivers and others are attempting to find alternative routes to avoid the traffic disruption on the A134, the problem is becoming even more severe. The good news is that in December last year, the Transport Secretary agreed to invest £43.8m in Suffolk’s roads, including a long-overdue sum of £11.7m earmarked to repair potholes. It is vital that those funds are mobilised quickly and efficiently by Suffolk County Council. I will be keeping a keen eye on progress as well as keeping the pressure up.