Fuming locals set up barricade to stop 'selfish drivers treating street like rat run'

Highways chiefs had decided to introduce a "no entry except for access" system and installed giant planters at the junction of Cavendish Street and White Elm Street.

However, residents claim many motorists were ignoring it and continuing to use the street as a short-cut, after bollards installed between planters were removed by a "gang."

Music teacher Ellie O'Grady, 35, told the Daily Mail: "The original barriers have been ruined but something had to be done. It was becoming a very dangerous road and in rush hour you couldn't park.

"The latest problems began when some drivers tried to force their way through – commercial vehicles literally rammed the obstructions out of the way."

Another resident added: "There are a lot of kids out playing on the street and the traffic is dangerous. Some people are determined to stop all cars and the extra barricades blocking the road completely appeared overnight night several months ago.

"No-one knows who put them there but it was clear that they felt they had the support of residents and could take matters into their own hands. Life is much better now – there are no speeding cars forcing their way along what is a narrow street."

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However, not everyone was in support of the planters being placed there, with some concerns about the planters Christine Goddard, 69, who lives just 100 feet from the barricade called it an "eyesore."

She added: "I am worried because the emergency services like the fire brigade or ambulance may be blocked by the stuff there and take much longer to get here. In some situations every second counts and the other big problem with things like this is how to enforce it."

John Henderson, 68, added: "Since the road has been narrowed and marked no access for through traffic the problem has been eased, but now the whole barrier is just an eyesore with the planters filled with rubbish and bottles."

Another local, Tony Dennison, said the barrier has "really split the community" and while someone clearly took it upon themselves to build the blockage, many have been pulling it back apart.

A Suffolk Highways spokesperson said: "Four years ago the council implemented a Traffic Regulation Order on the street to restrict motorised traffic.

"The area has since been subject to damage and we are working on a permanent solution to limit restricted vehicles from using the area and causing further damage."