Concerns raised over condition of ‘Mulleys Roundabout’ roundabout and traffic islands in Ixworth near Bury St Edmunds

Concerns have been raised over the state of a roundabout and its traffic islands in a Suffolk village.

The condition of the A143/A1088 roundabout, known as 'Mulleys Roundabout', and its multiple islands at each entry/exit point, in Ixworth, near Bury St Edmunds, has been described as ‘shockingly bad’ by a resident who lives in a nearby village.

Suffolk Highways said the condition of the islands and roundabout does not meet their maintenance intervention criteria.

Steve Porter, who lives in Walsham le Willows, said: “One of the traffic islands has been tidied up, but the rest still look shockingly bad, neglected, and frankly third world.

“Each island is surrounded by its own beach of stones and grit which poses a skid risk to motorcyclists.

“As there is no tarmac or concreting required it can’t be that difficult to remove the weeds and stones and generally tidy it all up.

“There has been no cleaning up or maintenance and it is all a real eyesore.”

Ixworth and Ixworth Thorpe Parish Council said they recognise the condition of ‘Mulley’s Roundabout’ is less than desirable and have been lobbying Suffolk County Council to clean the chevron brickwork.

Cllr Ben Lord, chairman of the council, said: “In determining that this roundabout is one of two key gateways into and out of Ixworth, we finally confirmed a roundabout sponsorship agreement earlier this year with Marketing Force that will present the top of the roundabout in a more aesthetically pleasing condition.

“This already includes signage promoting some of the facilities in Ixworth and sees the crown of the roundabout regularly maintained which will shortly be followed by a planting scheme set to bloom in the spring.

“However, the work is far from complete. The traffic islands at each exit/entry point are not well maintained given the debris that can be seen as well as the weeds that grow as well.

He added: “Although Ixworth and Ixworth Parish Council operates a community minor work scheme supported by volunteers who live in Ixworth, that scheme is unable to undertake any such works on main A road areas such as this.

“Therefore it means it is incumbent on the county council to uphold its statutory duties as the highway authority by ensuring our roundabouts are wholly maintained.”

A Suffolk Highways spokesperson said: “The area has been inspected and it was noted that the location looks untidy due to the weeds and debris.

“Whilst this does not meet our highway maintenance intervention criteria, we will look into opportunities to clear the weeds.

“Road sweeping is the responsibility of the district council.”