Dear Supporters, I'm very pleased to share with you that I have received an email from Mick Fraser, Suffolk County Councillor, (below) confirming that he is withdrawing the "tunnel" idea with immediate effect. Whilst I fully appreciate that, in all likelihood, the idea was unaffordable and unachievable, it's certainly reassuring to see it withdrawn and I'm sure it will be a relief to many local residents. I hope the withdrawal of this entirely unfeasible option will enable Suffolk County Council to focus their full attention, time and resources on working with our friends and neighbours in Benton Street on a more realistic proposal to improve safety and ease congestion. Thanks for all your support. I thought we might receive 20 signatures, so it was very encouraging to receive over 400 in just 24 hours. I'm pleased to see that community spirit is alive and kicking in Hadleigh. Take care Steve Allman *************** Dear Steve, It was good to converse with you directly about this pedestrian safety issue; I enjoyed the dialogue. It is quite obvious to me that the option of a tunnel or cutting through the railway walk embankment has aroused a lot of emotion amongst the residents of Glanville Road and the wider community in a manner I had not anticipated, as indicated by the uptake in your petition. My intention has always been to be open and honest about the Benton Street safety issue, to engage with residents and gain a consensus for how the issue can be resolved. As explained, this option is not affordable from my Local Highways Budget and hence is unfeasible. After considerable deliberation and consideration I feel that little more can be gained in discussing and debating this particular option further. Therefore, with the purpose of reducing the worry and concerns to the local residents, I will withdraw the option with immediate effect. With the proposed expansion of Hadleigh and the subsequent increase in traffic, it remains obvious to me that the only viable solution to the Benton Street traffic concerns is to build a new road linking the town south towards the A12. This is a matter I will continue to campaign for at Endeavour House. Please feel free to share this message with your petitioners. Best regards Mick Fraser Cllr Mick Fraser Councillor for Hadleigh Division Suffolk County Council email: mick.fraser@suffolk.gov.uk