The go-ahead has been given for the long-awaited roundabout at Cattawade crossroads in Brantham.

In a surprise announcement yesterday (Wednesday), Suffolk County Council said it hoped the work would be started by next March.

The move has been welcomed by Colin and Glynis Potter, parents of East Bergholt teenager Amy Potter killed at the busy junction on the A137 and B1070 two months ago.

"It's excellent news. We're very pleased. It's been needed for such a long time," said Mr Potter, of Orvis Lane.

He added: "We hope the work starts as soon as possible and we pray it's completed before there's another accident."

Mr Potter said they wanted to thank everyone who had got involved and put pressure on the county council.

Only last week the county council was suggesting if a roundabout was to be built the village would have to contribute more than the £31,000 already pledged.

A study on traffic problems at the junction had revealed traffic signals would operate satisfactorily at current traffic flows but would probably have to be replaced by a roundabout within ten years.

Council leader Chris Mole said: "We have been listening to local concerns following the tragic death of Amy Potter but have needed to be sure we could get the right long-term solution."

He agreed that Amy's death, when her car was in collision with a lorry, had brought the problems into focus.

The project is expected to cost around £180,000 and Mr Mole explained this would be raised by the £70,000 set aside in this year's budget for a scheme in Brantham, the money promised by the parish council and Brantham businesses and by the county council pre-committing funds from the 2001-02 budget.

Jim King, chairman of Brantham Parish Council, said: "I am delighted for the people of Brantham and the local area. I am sure the rest of the parish council will feel the same."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.