FELIXSTOWE: It took ten months to complete at a cost of �2.8million – but parts of the controversial shared space scheme in Hamilton Road are today being dug up.

It is only four months since the work to create the project was finished but already sections have been pulled up by contractors.

The problem is down to an underground electrical fault – but traders today called for a swift resolution to yet more disruption in the area.

A spokesman for UK Power Networks said the work was not connected to the shared space scheme.

“UK Power Networks engineers worked through Saturday night and on Sunday to repair underground cable damage on our low voltage network in the Hamilton Road area of Felixstowe,” the spokesman said.

“This work has now been successfully completed and we have asked our contractors to reinstate the road as a priority.”

David Ball, owner of the Sweet Hut, was originally opposed to the plans to implement the shared space scheme.

However, he admits it looks good and is keen that it will be put back to normal as soon as possible.

“I think it looks great and it has been done well but they have got to put the slabs back,” he said.

“I hope they put it back the way it was because there has been a lot of effort put in to it.”

Andrew Rowdon, chairman of the Chamber of Trade, added: “It would make sense to put the road back to normal.”

Construction company Morrison is working alongside UK Power Networks and confirmed it would not tarmac the area when it is resurfaced. Instead, the firm will ensure the scheme is returned to the condition prior to the works.

Suffolk County Council confirmed that work on the road would be completed and resurfaced by April 18.

The shared space scheme drew criticism after it was initially completed, with traders reporting a fall of up to 11 per cent in sales.

A representative from Edinburgh Woollen Mill said footfall was down by nearly 9,000 compared to last year.

n Should the area need work done just four months after completion? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters @evening star.co.uk