Calls are increasing for a footpath in west Suffolk to be reopened as pedestrians are forced to tackle a road that officials admit is causing concern.

Ingrams Well Road in Sudbury has become an increasing source of concern for residents, with the problems only exacerbated since the closure of a footpath connecting Newton and Cornard Roads.

Ingrams Well Road has cars parked along both sides and has no footpath along much of the road, with many pedestrians now having to use it since the footpath was shut.

Suffolk County Council closed the path over health and safety concerns and have said it could be closed for many months while the problem is fully investigated.

Tony Platt, who is chairman of Sudbury Town Council’s highways and footpaths committee, said he was “very concerned” about the situation.

He added: “It is very tricky there and in fact it’s been made worse for people now, because the footpath down near Sainsbury’s has been closed ­­– it is exacerbating the situation. The idea would be to have pavement on one side, and restrictions on the parking. One of the things we have been concerned about is there are people parking there all day – that’s not helping the situation.”

Mr Platt said a lot of people with young children were now using Ingrams Well Road to get to Belle Vue Park over the summer holidays.

Nigel Bennett, who is chairman of the Sudbury Steering Group, which is made-up of representatives from the county and town councils, as well as Babergh District Council, said efforts were being made to address the problem, including potentially making Ingrams Well Road one-way.

A spokesman from Suffolk County Council said: “We are aware of the public’s concerns and frustrations but to safeguard the public we have no option other than to keep the path closed whilst we investigate the full extent of the problem.

“Only when these complex investigations are complete, will we be able to fully assess the situation. This process is likely to take some months, hence the closure of the path being extended.”

The road will be discussed by Sudbury Town Council’s highways and footpaths committee next month.