CAMPAIGNERS have strongly opposed a proposal to build a possible lorry park on the edge of their town should a nuclear power station get the go-ahead on the Suffolk coast.

EDF Energy is currently consulting on its preliminary plans for Sizewell C. As part of its transport proposals it identifies various alternatives for park and ride sites near to the A12 - with one to the north and another to the south.

EDF has said it would prefer the park and ride site in the south - earmarked for either Wickham Market, Woodbridge or Potash Corner - to include a lorry park to help manage the flow of large HGVs that would be needed during construction. Alternative sites for a “stand alone” scheme have also been suggested to the south east of Ipswich on the A14.

The scheme proposed for Woodbridge would be built opposite the Woods Lane roundabout, close to Farlingaye High School and Haughgate House Nursing Home. Concerned residents have now formed action group Woodbridge against Lorry Park for Sizewell (WaLoPs) in a bid to raise public awareness.

Organiser Pam Blackthorn said the proposal represented inappropriate industrial development close to homes and the school, that the extra traffic would overload an already busy part of the A12, that it would have a detrimental impact on the landscape and that nearby houses would be blighted by noise, light and diesel pollution.

“Hardly anyone seems to be aware that this is happening and we feel they should have the right to have their objections heard,” she said. “This site will be on farmland on the north side of Woodbridge with access from the busy Woods Lane roundabout. Workers will leave their cars and be bussed to Sizewell. The site is opposite the school and a nursing home. We understand it will be lit throughout the night and movements will begin early in the morning and continue until late at night.

“This is a residential area, the road there is always very busy, especially in the mornings as people are travelling to work and school. We believe there are far better options for this lorry park.”

The proposed park and ride sites would have space for around 1,000 cars, while the lorry parks would have room for between 50 and 100 HGVs. Mrs Blackthorn urged people to have their say before the initial Sizewell C consultation ends on February 6.

A spokeswoman for EDF Energy said their preferred option for the southern park and ride facility was at Wickham Market and they had consulted on the proposals in an open and transparent way. “We wrote to people living around the Woods Lane area of Woodbridge inviting them to a public exhibition in Melton on December 8,” she said. “We were pleased to meet up with many local people and discuss our proposals in person. Furthermore, EDF Energy presented the initial proposals to Woodbridge Town Council on January 15. To date EDF Energy has not been approached by WaLoPs but would be very happy to meet to discuss any concerns.

“EDF Energy considers that park and ride and freight management facilities could play an important role to significantly reduce the amount of construction-worker traffic on local roads.”

Views can be sent to http://sizewell.edfenergyconsultation.info, sizewell@edfconsultation.info or Sizewell Nuclear New Build, FREEPOST LON20574, London W1E 3EZ.