The A143 Blackbourn Resilience Group has demanded urgent action to address problems caused by unplanned closures of the A143 between Ixworth and Stanton in Suffolk.
The group, which includes parish, district, and county councillors, has written to Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket MP Dr Peter Prinsley, Suffolk Constabulary Chief Constable Mark Webster, and senior leaders at Suffolk County Council.
They have requested a public meeting to discuss the ongoing disruption.
David Ruffles, chair of Bardwell Parish Council, said: “Bardwell and neighbouring villages cannot continue to become the default diversion whenever the A143 is shut.
“Narrow lanes, historic properties and vulnerable road users are being exposed to dangerous conditions.
“Local people need timely information, clear signage and a coordinated response that keeps vehicles on safe and appropriate routes.”
Since May, there have been five unplanned closures on this stretch of the A143.
Three were due to heat damage in May, June and August, while two followed road traffic collisions in September and October.
During each closure, large volumes of traffic, including HGVs, have diverted through small villages using narrow rural lanes instead of official diversion routes.
This has led to congestion, damage to property, vehicles and verges, and several near-misses.
The group says the A143’s condition has continued to deteriorate, despite remedial work earlier this summer.
Harry Richardson, county councillor for the Blackbourn division. (Image: Suffolk County Council)
Harry Richardson, county councillor for the Blackbourn division, said: “The A143 is a vital economic route, but when it closes the consequences are pushed into small villages whose roads were never designed for this volume of traffic.
“We are asking the responsible agencies to come together and agree a practical emergency plan – and we will hold them to account if they don’t.”
A date and venue for the proposed public meeting are yet to be confirmed.