Talks under way over possible closure of Rushbrooke Lane and Low Green during planned weekend closures of A134 Sicklesmere Road in Bury St Edmunds for roundabout works

Talks are under way over the future of two roads which residents fear may be used as ‘rat runs’ during upcoming works.

Hopkins Homes and Suffolk Council said they are now reconsidering routes after calls were made at a community engagement meeting for the upcoming closure of Sicklesmere Road, in Bury St Edmunds, at weekends.

Hopkins Homes is installing a roundabout on to the A134 as part of work on its Abbots Vale estate and accompanying relief road towards the A14.

In conjunction with Suffolk County Council, it has announced eight weekend closures of Sicklesmere Road between February 17 and May 5.

Instead, motorists are being encouraged to use a 43 mile diversion route for traffic heading from the south, which starts in Long Melford, through Clare, before heading to Bury.

Sicklesmere Road will be open during the week - but traffic lights will be in operation for the week beginning February 17.

Residents in Rushbrooke Lane and Low Green fear the roads, which they say are already in ‘poor condition’, will be used as ‘rat runs’, by motorists avoiding the diversion route.

They are also concerned about an increase in HGVs - and want the roads designated ‘access only’ for residents and businesses.

Concerns were also raised about Nowton Road being used as a ‘rat run’, and where residents say there are already speeding issues.

A spokesman for Hopkins Homes said talks are now under way regarding the two roads and an announcement is expected shortly.

It follows speculation on social media after one.network, which monitors upcoming roadworks, indicated Rushbrooke Lane and Low Green, would be closed in the next three months.

Rushbrooke Lane was later updated to ‘access only’.