Concerns for town footfall after emergency work by Anglian Water to repair a collapsed sewer in Aldeburgh High Street begins.

Anglian Water began work along the high street on May 3 by installing temporary traffic lights and closing one lane.

Despite Anglian Water’s reassurance that businesses in the area will be open as normal during the work, many independents on the high street have expressed concerns on the affect this may have on footfall and traffic.

John James, from Aldeburgh Book Shop, said: “As long as they don’t close off the road completely or cone off any parking spaces then that is fine.

“We have every sympathy that work needs to be done. However, it is very important not to interrupt the flow of traffic into the high street, especially at weekends and with May half term approaching, as weekend’s are very important to a town like Aldeburgh.”

Another main concern is how efficient access for delivery trucks, especially those with large vehicles for stores like Adnams and Russell and Newnes.

Regan Harris, from Anglian Water, said: “To allow the work to be completed as quickly and safely as possible, unfortunately we need to close one lane at a time on the High Street near the junction with Victoria Road and put temporary traffic lights in place.

“We know this work is going to be disruptive to residents and road users in Aldeburgh and we’re sorry for that. However, it’s important we repair this sewer as quickly as possible to prevent any further damage to the road and to protect pedestrians and commuters.

“Due to the location and nature of the damage to the sewer pipe the repair is complicated. We estimate that work should be completed by the end of the month and we will be doing everything we can to get things back to normal as soon as possible, including working over the weekend.”

Lori Hill, Assistant to Town Clerk for Aldeburgh Town Council, said: “At the moment this is not a great concern for us, however if it does become a problem we will act on it.

“The two way traffic lights installed are passable and vehicles, including delivery trucks, will still be able to access the high street via Crabbe Street and Crag Path.”

The work is due to finish at the end of the month.