News
Felixstowe Road, Safety Concerns – Parish Council Update
The Felixstowe Road, part of the National Cycle Network Route 1 (NCN1) through Martlesham, has become so dangerous it is seldom used by walkers and cyclists. High traffic volumes and speeding make it a serious safety risk for walkers and cyclists alike.
One of our parish councillors, who is visually impaired, has highlighted how difficult it is to navigate this stretch safely on foot.
“The pavement alongside Felixstowe Road is very narrow in places and when walking with my guide dog, I feel at risk of passing traffic hitting me as it goes past a great speed. When attempting to cross Felixstowe Road during the day, there is so much traffic that is travelling in excess of the 30 mph speed limit that I feel in mortal danger when crossing this very busy road. I urge motorists to consider the road speed limit, and drive to the prevailing road conditions in a safe and measured way.”
Thanks to the dedication of our Community Speed Watch volunteers, who regularly monitor speeds and carry out traffic counts, we have clear evidence of the problem; and a recent traffic survey, conducted by Suffolk Highways has confirmed these findings. This survey was requested by County Councillor Patti Mulcahy, whose support has helped to keep safety concerns in the spotlight. This data showed:
1. Over 6,000 vehicle movements per day along this stretch of NCN1, and
2. An 85th percentile speed of 35 mph, despite the posted 30 mph limit.
These figures underline the serious safety risks faced by anyone attempting to walk or cycle along the route.
The parish council continues to press Suffolk County Council for practical improvements to maintain this route as an active transport corridor. Residents who walk, cycle, or drive along the Felixstowe Road are encouraged to share their observations, near-misses, or suggestions with the parish council —every report strengthens the case for action.
And once again, a huge thank you to our Speed Watch volunteers, whose dedication helps make our roads safer. Their ongoing work provides independent, detailed data to support safety improvements.
To become a community Speed Watch volunteer or to share your road safety concerns please get in touch with the Parish Council via our Contact Us page.
Neighbourhood Watch - Have your say!
Following the success of our first Neighbourhood Watch meeting, and with our next session in February featuring a talk on Cyber Security; we would love to hear your thoughts and ideas.
Our schedule is set until June with guest speakers from the Anglia Care Trust, East Suffolk Citizens Advice, and Suffolk Trading Standards. As we plan for the second half of 2026, we want to make sure that our meetings reflect what is important to you. Whether your priorities involve access to services, fraud and scam awareness, litter and environmental concerns, or something else entirely, your input will help to shape our future sessions.
As part of our Better Connected, Future Ready objectives, we are committed to ensuring our residents feel included and listened to. We also have our first open discussion meeting planned for April 2026, and we welcome any topics or concerns that you would like us to address.
You can share your suggestions via:
🌐 Our website's Contact Form
📧 On enquiries@martleshamcouncil.org.uk
📞 By phone on 01473 612632
We look forward to hearing from you!
Overnight Road Closure Notice
We have received notification from National Highways that they will be carrying out essential work to replace a sign on the A14 westbound between junctions 58 and 57.
They plan to complete this work over three nights starting from 3rd February between 8pm and 6am.
A14 junction 58 westbound diversion.
• If you’re heading westbound on the A14, leave at junction 58.
• Follow the A1156 (Felixstowe Road) to Ransomes Way roundabout.
• Take the first exit onto the A1189 (Ransomes Way).
• At Nacton Road roundabout, take the first exit.
• Continue to Nacton Interchange to re-join the A14 westbound.
Notice of Councillor Vacancy
Following the resignation of Councillor Helen Davey, a notice of vacancy has been published.
For more information on becoming a Councillor, please see our vacancies page at Councillor Vacancies page or contact us at enquires@martleshamcouncil.org.uk or on 01473 612632.
Temporary Closure of Public Footpath
We have received notification from Suffolk County Council that two footpaths near the Brightwell Lakes development will be closed from the 11th February to the 8th April 2026 for earth works and landscaping.
We have been informed that there will be no alternative route provided.
Please see the map and notice for more information.
We appreciate your understanding.
Litter Bin Collections at Mill Heath Development
Martlesham Parish Council has been made aware that East Suffolk Services Ltd (ESSL) will no longer be emptying litter bins located on the Mill Heath development.
ESSL has confirmed that this decision is due to non-payment for litter bin collection services for the past three years by FirstPort, the private property management company responsible for managing the Mill Heath development on behalf of residents. As a result, ESSL have placed signage on the affected bins to inform the public that collections have ceased.
The Parish Council would like to clarify that it does not own or manage the land at Mill Heath and has no contractual responsibility for the provision or funding of litter bin services at this location. Residents of the development pay an annual management fee to FirstPort for the upkeep and management of communal areas, which includes arrangements for services such as waste collection.
Until this matter is resolved between FirstPort and ESSL, residents and visitors are asked to take their litter home or use nearby public litter bins.
Martlesham Parish Council understands residents’ frustration and encourages FirstPort, as the managing agent, to address this issue as a matter of urgency in the interests of public amenity and environmental responsibility.
Councillor Patti Mulcahy Question & Answer Sessions
Please see the attached PDF for the Key Take Away Points on Councillor Mulcahy's meetings, held on the 18th and 19th November 2025.
Planning Question & Answer Sessions. Key Take Aways
If you require these notes in a different format, please contact us via our Contact Form