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Ipswich MP demands 'no more excuses' over potholes but council yet to receive details from Department for Transport

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott and Suffolk County Council have offered contrasting views on new road repair funding announced by the government. While Abbott welcomes a "huge funding uplift", the council emphasises the need to understand allocation details before making commitments.

Why it matters: With drivers encountering an average of six potholes per mile according to the RAC, road repairs are a pressing concern for Ipswich residents. The AA reports that fixing potholes is a priority for 96% of drivers, with repair costs averaging £500 per vehicle.

The big picture: The funding is part of a £1.6 billion national programme announced by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to tackle potholes across England. The government says the investment could help councils fix up to seven million potholes next year.

Jack Abbott speaking with residents in South West Ipswich last week
Jack speaking with residents in South West Ipswich last weekJack Abbott

What they're saying: "Speaking to drivers and other road users right across our town, I know just how much people are fed up with our broken roads after years of failure," says Ipswich MP Jack Abbott.

"There can be no more excuses – from April this year, our county will get £44 million – a whopping £11.7 million more than last year – to purge the potholes."

Yes, but: Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for operational highways, is more cautious: "Whilst we welcomed the announcement of additional funding a month ago, we are still yet to receive notification from the Department for Transport with detail on what this allocation includes as it would also appear to include the Network North funding announced by the previous government that was already part of our plans."

Between the lines: The council points out that the funding covers all highway assets – including footways, bridges, drainage and streetlights – not just pothole repairs.

What's next: The council says it will continue its existing "targeted and enhanced programmes of resurfacing, surface dressing and pothole repairs in Ipswich and across Suffolk" while awaiting detailed guidance from the Department for Transport.

The bottom line: While new funding has been promised, questions remain about exactly how and when the money will be allocated, and what proportion can be dedicated specifically to tackling Ipswich's pothole problem.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Double victory for St Joseph's as young debaters shine

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St Joseph's College students demonstrated exceptional public speaking prowess, claiming victory in both intermediate and senior categories at a prestigious local debate competition.

Why it matters: The double win at the Ipswich East Rotary Club 'Youth Speaks' competition secures both teams places in the Norwich debating chamber finals next month, showcasing local talent on a regional stage.

The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant
The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevantSt Joseph's College

The details:

  • The college hosted the competition on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.

  • The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society.

  • The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant.

What they're saying: "Working with these students and developing their oracy and public speaking skills through debating is such a joy!" said Dr Briege Rice, Stretch and Challenge Coordinator and History and Politics teacher at St Joseph's College.

"These skills are vital in every field, fostering confidence, clear communication and critical thinking. The standard of debating was very high, and we are very proud of this extraordinary achievement of our students," she added.

The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society
The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human societySt Joseph's College

The bottom line: The competition, supported by the Rotary Club, continues to foster key communication skills amongst young people through its Youth Speaks initiative, with St Joseph's teams now preparing to showcase their talents in February's finals.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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