Local children have been working with Ipswich Borough Council to tackle the issue of speeding on a privately owned road in the town.
As part of a community-led campaign to make Malcolm Road safer, children living in the area took part in a creative activity at the community event on 7 August, designing colourful safety signs to remind drivers to slow down.
Held on the Green in Malcolm Road, the event brought residents together to raise awareness of issues affecting the road and gave people the chance to meet their local housing team and neighbourhood police officers, while enjoying activities organised by Inspire Suffolk and Feel Good Suffolk.
The Council received 27 design entries from children with four chosen as winners which will feature on new signage in the area to remind drivers to slow down.
The winners were:
- Kaysen, age nine
- Margot, age seven
- Reuben, age eight
- Sienna, age eight
Each winner got to choose from a fantastic selection of prizes, including an Ipswich Town Football Club shirt, DanceEast tickets, doughnuts, and family swim vouchers for Crown Pools.
Councillor Alasdair Ross, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Ipswich Borough Council, said: “The Green in the middle of Malcolm Road is a much-loved space for residents, but speeding has been a real concern after residents reported a child being hit by a vehicle and several near misses on the road.
We’d like to thank all the children who took part in the competition and joined us at the community event. It’s wonderful to see such positivity with the local community working together with the Council, Inspire Suffolk and Suffolk Police to make things better for everyone living here. We hope this initiative encourages everyone to drive with greater care, awareness and respect for others, making it a safer place to live.”
Jenna Milne, Community Police Officer said: “It was great to take part in this event. The day provided a valuable opportunity to connect and engage with the community, reflect on strengths and areas of improvement, and explore how we can contribute to making a positive difference.”
Scarlett McMurtry, Engagement Lead at Inspire Suffolk added: "We're so glad to have been part of such a fantastic event. With such a wide range of activities, it was a great showcase of our community, and the atmosphere was full of energy throughout.”