STOP your moaning!

That’s the view today from residents in Felixstowe who are showing overwhelming support for the proposed new multi-million pound pier for the town – but are upset at the negative attitude from some quarters.

Pier owner Stan Threadwell is securing private funding for the project and hopes work will start next year.

It involves demolition of the current pier and replacement with a new seaside entertainments complex sticking out over the sea.

But some seafront residents have voiced concern, worried about losing their seaviews, noise and extra traffic, and said it should be built further along the seafront away from homes.

Gillian Moseley, secretary/chairman of the South Hill Residents’ Association, said: “We don’t want to become another Blackpool.”

But a poll on the Felixstowe Star and Ipswich Star websites showed that 56 per cent of people feel the pier will be good for the resort and 26pc feel it would possibly boost tourism. Only 19pc of the 400-plus voters didn’t want the project.

Mayor of Felixstowe Mike Deacon said: “I think it looks a very exciting project and I am looking forward to seeing the full details. This is just the sort of venture we desperately need to bring more visitors.”

People commenting on the Star websites felt exactly the same.

Jezza wrote: “As a seafront resident for over 12 years, I think it is the best news this town has had for ages. We need to move with the times and keep everyone of all ages ‘loving’ our town. Good luck Mr Threadwell – we ARE behind you.”

Martyn Gregory wrote: “What they (the residents) really mean is ‘Not near our homes’. Would they rather look at an abandoned pier slowly crumbling in to the sea? Because that’s what will happen.”

Longtimelocal wrote: “Thank you to the Threadwell Family for continuing to believe in this town. Let’s just hope the planners can see the huge benefit this new project would bring to the town.”