Sir, I read with interest the recent letter by Ms Florence Cox suggesting that the revived discussion about the permanent pedestrianisation of Felixstowe Town Centre is not welcome and that such a scheme if introduced would "spoil Felixstowe's commercial heart".
In my capacity as Chairman of Felixstowe Chamber of Trade & Commerce, I am naturally involved in this debate as chamber representative on various committees and would like to add some alternative views for consideration, and correct what I believe are misleading statements by Ms Cox.
Firstly, Ms Cox suggests that town councillors are "not listening to the owners of Hamilton Road businesses". This is untrue as the Chamber recently conducted a survey of each business in the area already pedestrianised on Saturdays for their views. 20 businesses were in favour of full pedestrianisation, 15 against and 6 expressed no view. Those businesses against the idea were mainly concerned with the impact on delivery vehicles where such businesses do not have rear access, and access for the elderly/disabled. Naturally these issues would be fully considered and solutions sought before a scheme would be introduced.
Secondly, being a member of the busy worker group trying to fit shopping into their schedule, I do not understand why this group seems to resent paying a nominal car parking fee and taking advantage of the 3 convenient car parks each sited within 1 minutes walk of the town centre. Felixstowe has some of the most competitive parking charges in the county, yet people go out of their way to find a "free" space, using up time and fuel whilst they circle the town waiting for one to grab.
The main and I think most important reason why this issue has come out for debate, is that the current situation in Hamilton Road from Monday to Friday and indeed on Sunday is unacceptable. Cars park in the restricted bays longer than the allowed time of 30 minutes. Many now totally ignore the double yellow lines on one side of the road, so combined with the drivers who are allowed to park on them, the town becomes filled down each side with vehicles whilst pedestrians run the gauntlet of trying to avoid through traffic as they walk out between the parked cars. Several of our cherished elderly shoppers have met with an accident as a result and the situation gets worse and more dangerous.
Felixstowe does not suffer on Saturday's when the road is closed to traffic from 10am to 5pm. Nor do other towns appear spoilt by their schemes, many permanent. The local and out of town supermarkets would not benefit further from such a scheme, as most people like myself, already use them anyway for "the weekly shop". Felixstowe's mix of browser-type, specialist and national shops brings them to the town in addition to other needs like banks etc. Change is often inevitable as populations evolve and life-styles bring new expectations of a town's environment and facilities and this should be welcomed so we don’t end up with a place that people prefer to travel from rather than to.
Pedestrianisation is a possibility that will not happen without full support of the businesses, the public and the elected officials. Ms Cox's letter is however welcome to ensure it is fully debated despite my disagreement with her views.
Thanks and regards Shaun Rudduck – Chairman Felixstowe Chamber of Trade & Commerce c/o Beatons Group York House 2/4 York Road Felixstowe IP11 7QG info@felixstowechamber.co.uk
