On the 14th April 2013 I was witness to a young man who had thrown himself from the Orwell Bridge. It is the most horrific thing I have ever seen and will stay with me for the rest of my life and also having to live with the distress of knowing there was nothing we could do to help, has lead to me writing to you today, to ask for your help in putting an end to these tragedies taking place from the Orwell bridge.

It is now not seen as a piece of iconic 1980’s architecture, but as a chilling, constant reminder of all those who have used it as a means to tragically end their lives, it’s as though there is a gibbet hanging over the river.

In an East Anglian Daily Times Article printed on the 18th April 2013, a highway agent is quoted as saying “Samaritan phones are provided on all pedestrian approaches to the bridge for use by people who feel they may need confidential emotional support” for someone to find themselves upon the bridge they are beyond the stage of a phone being able to help them. There needs to be more in place than just a phone, we need to take action to put in place restrictions so that pedestrians do not have access to the bridge. The view from there is tainted now by the memories of those who have tragically lost their lives. There also needs to be a fence in place so that know one can jump over, for once someone has jumped there is no turning back.

People say that if people want to commit suicide they will, but if we can remove the easy pedestrian access to the Orwell Bridge and put in place a high fence, then we have removed the temptation, we have made it a less easy form of escape from this life.

There is also another danger from these acts of suicide and that is to motorists below. When people fall onto the road it could quite easily cause fatalities to those travelling upon it. A car only has to swerve and hit a pedestrian or another road user, potentially leading to other tragic fatalities.

It us our responsibility, to put this in place. It is our responsibility to safe guard those who are not capable safeguarding themselves.

Please sign this petition to help put an end to suicide from the Orwell Bridge.  On completion this petition will be sent to all suffolk MPs.