Two of Hadleigh's new bike racks are to be moved after complaints that cyclists could not park their cycles securely.

The town's county councillor Mick Fraser, who worked with Hadleigh's Cycle Group to have the racks installed, confirmed remedial work will be carried out on the racks near St Mary's Church and also at the side of Ipswich Building Society building.

The bike racks are immediately adjacent to the wall so if you park your bike in forwards there is not enough room, there is just about enough room if it goes in with the rear wheel," said Cllr Fraser. "They just need to be moved away from the walls by six inches for the frames to fit in, and that will be done."

Cyclists have been using other sites in the town and the racks were introduced in a bid to encourage more people to get on their bikes. It is also hoped visiting cyclists will spend more time, and money, in the town if they are confident their bikes are safely secured.

The two that need adjusting are part of four new cycle parking stands that have been installed in Hadleigh as a result of the Government's Active Travel Fund to help make cycling safer and easier for local residents and visitors.

One of the positives to come out of the COVID-19 crisis is the noticeable increase in people cycling. Whether that is for commuting to work to avoid overcrowding the transport network, for leisure or as part of an exercise routine.

This has resulted in reduced congestion and improvements in air quality as well as supporting people's health and wellbeing.

The installation of the cycling parking stands follows community consultation by Hadleigh Town Council and Hadleigh Cycling Club, working in partnership with the county and district councils.

The four stands can be found at the following locations in Hadleigh:

On the corner where Angel Street joins the High Street

Outside Pedal House, on the concourse on the High Street

At Hadleigh Church

On Maiden Way, just off the High Street

Hadleigh Cycling Club is also looking to produce a map of the cycle routes around the town and the surrounding countryside.

Tim Cook, chair of Hadleigh Cycling Club, said: "It is terrific when a plan comes together so quickly. It is pleasing to find Suffolk County Council, Babergh District Council and the Town Council working together to ensure that we have everything in place as the weather is getting warmer and we see an upturn in cycling numbers."

Fiona Duhamel, assistant director for economic development and regeneration at Babergh, said: "Ensuring our residents can easily choose to cycle and walk is a priority for us, especially in our towns. Sustainable travel will also play a vital role in our Vision for Hadleigh, which focuses on investment and resilience in our town and making it a great place to live and visit. The Vision and Invest in Hadleigh work supports partnership working across the town, bringing public and private organisations together to work collaboratively to deliver the town Vision for all.

"We all have a part to play in reducing our own and Suffolk's carbon footprint, while supporting our local high streets and staying active. I'd encourage anyone who can to use Hadleigh's new cycle parking facilities next time you shop local."

In line with the Department for Transport guidelines, the county council is delivering a raft of measures across the county to encourage active travel. This includes installing cycle lanes, closing off areas to motorised vehicles and providing safe crossing points for cyclists and pedestrians.

Mark Ash, Executive Director of Growth, Highways and Infrastructure at Suffolk County Council, said: "Many residents in Suffolk have embraced cycling during the pandemic, so we have a real opportunity here to make cycling safer and easier not just for this unprecedented period, but for the future as well to reap the associated health and pollution benefits.

"To get more people cycling long term we need to ensure there are enough places for them to safely store their bikes, so I am really pleased it is now easier to access Hadleigh town centre on two wheels."

To keep up to date with how Suffolk County Council is making it safer and easier for residents to choose active travel, visit suffolk.gov.uk/walkingandcycling

For more information on Hadleigh Cycling Club, visit www.hadleighcyclingclub.co.uk

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