Sudbury: Complaints about eyesore fencing in Gaol Lane - described as town’s ‘forgotten’ back street
The vandalised fence in Gaol Lane in Sudbury. - Credit: Archant
Traders in Sudbury have complained that their street has been neglected by the town council despite it being a cut-through from the main car park and a stone’s throw from the newly- refurbished town hall.
Jon Cutter, who has run a hairdressing business in Gaol Lane for the past 42 years, wrote to the council about a broken fence close to his shop, which has been targeted by vandals.
Last Christmas, fellow business owners were disappointed that the back street was left with no festive lights or even street lighting, which they said was hampering them from cashing in on much-needed Christmas trade.
Earlier this year, a toy shop that had traded in the Gaol Lane for more than 20 years was forced to close down due to falling trade.
According to Mr Cutter, the street deserves more attention from the local authority.
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He said: “People sit in my salon when they are waiting for their hair to be done and they look out and see a broken fence – it looks awful.
“Although I rent my salon, I still had a new shop front put in two years ago in a bid to make the street look as nice as it can be, but it’s an area that largely gets forgotten about.
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“The council has spent a great deal of money on doing up the town hall and when they attend their meetings, councillors must walk past this fencing – which really is an eyesore – and turn a blind eye. What has happened to the spirit of Sudbury?”
Bradley Smith, Sudbury town warden, said the land with the broken fence did not belong to the council. However, the owners had been traced and the council was now negotiating with the owner for repairs.
He added: “They have been asked to tidy up the land and either replace or remove the fencing.
“We regularly carry out work in the Gaol Lane area and would refute that it is neglected. This year, the street will also get its Christmas lights back.
“If people alert us about problems, we are more than happy to do what we can to help resolve them.”
