Rubber ducks left in A1120 roundabout in Stowmarket highlight flooding concerns

A Suffolk road notorious for flooding has been described as a ‘big concern’ after rubber ducks were left on the water to poke fun at the issue.

A section of the A1120 at the roundabout near Stowmarket’s Tesco has been a hotspot for flooding over the last several years and the left lane was recently closed due to Storm Henk.

An unknown person placed rubber ducks on the flooded road which triggered a large reaction on social media from residents.

Stowmarket Town Cllr Colin Lay said: “It's frustrating as a resident of Stowmarket that these are the main talking points on social media.

“The increase in traffic on that stretch of road is a big concern for local residents.

“The prolonged closure of one lane on this major road connecting Stowmarket and A14 is unacceptable, particularly with the imminent opening of The Range.”

A flooding report was received by Suffolk County Council in June 2021 – however, the authority has yet to set out any plan to resolve the issue but said they will address the concerns within the next two years.

Mr Lay believes the drain next to the road has not been properly maintained which has resulted in vehicles displacing debris onto the roadside and therefore further obstructing the compromised drainage system.

Mid Suffolk District Council is prepared to remove the accumulated grit and dirt from the road once the weather conditions improve in the area.

A spokesperson for Suffolk Highways, said: “There is still a lane closure in place, the floodwater has now cleared however there has been a build up of debris left on the surface which we will ensure is cleared before the lane is reopened.”