BUNGAY edged closer to a new bypass this week with news that the project has made it on the list of schemes which could get cash in the future.After failing to make it numerous times in the past, the proposed A144 north to south Bungay bypass has been included on the East of England Regional Assembly (Eera) list.

BUNGAY edged closer to a new bypass this week with news that the project has made it on the list of schemes which could get cash in the future.

After failing to make it numerous times in the past, the proposed A144 north to south Bungay bypass has been included on the East of England Regional Assembly (Eera) list.

The case has been strengthened by the support of Suffolk County Council and this latest development represents a small, but positive step in the right direction.

Waveney MP Bob Blizzard said last night: “The stumbling block was that we didn't have the support of Suffolk County Council, and now we have that support it's an important step forward. I've always said that once we can get on the list we can start to work to get up the list. And I will continue to work to get it up the list.

He added: “It's very, very important for Bungay because it cannot go on forever with this traffic doing damage to the historic properties and lowering the quality of life. Heavy lorries are shaking the town to pieces.”

Last year's Bungay mayor and current town councillor Martin Evans said that the news was “music to his ears:” “We've got to take the big vehicles out of the town, the road layout simply cannot stand these colossal vehicles coming through. We've got some really bad pinch points in town, and short of pulling down the old historic buildings we need a bypass.”

Guy McGregor, portfolio holder for roads and transport at the county council added: “I'm determined that the needs of our smaller towns are recognised. We're trying to do more to improve traffic flow in Bungay and have already imposed a one-way lorry-movement system.”

He said that pushing for funding for larger projects in the district could also give a boost to smaller schemes, including the long-awaited passing loop for trains at Beccles, which would allow for hourly trains from Lowestoft to Liverpool Street.

“We're working hard to get all of these much-needed improvements for the county. We will continue to push hard for the passing loop,” said Mr McGregor.