Ambulances spotted in Hawstead Lane and Bells Lane to bypass A134 Sicklesmere Road closure in Bury St Edmunds despite access procedure in place via Low Green

Residents have raised concerns after six ambulances were seen using rural routes — despite procedures in place to allow emergency vehicles through ongoing road closures.

The A134 Sicklesmere Road in Bury St Edmunds was shut for the third time over the weekend as developers Hopkins Homes continue constructing a roundabout for the 363-home Abbots Vale development.

After Suffolk Highways introduced a 43-mile diversion for motorists, Low Green and Rushbrooke Lane became ‘no through roads’ to prevent rat running.

However, after Dr Peter Prinsley, MP for Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, called delays to emergency vehicles ‘unacceptable’, an on-site gateman was introduced to be stationed at Low Green to ensure ambulances could still pass through.

Despite these measures, six ambulances were reportedly seen navigating Hawstead Lane and Bells Lane over the weekend — both being narrow rural routes which are longer than Low Green.

Resident Henry Brewis said one ambulance with its blue lights flashing had to turn around in Bells Lane in search of an alternative route after it was stuck in traffic.

“I think the whole thing is just a complete shambles,” he said. “It’s upsetting me that everyone I have spoken to just wants Low Green open, it just doesn’t make sense why it remains closed. There’s just a massive lack of communication as I don’t think the ambulance crews know about the gateman at Low Green.

“It’s incredibly frustrating because, on paper, everything looks fine. But in reality, ambulances aren’t taking the intended route and that could mean the difference between life and death if they can’t reach those in need.”

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "In conjunction with the police and fire services, we have an agreed exemption in place for emergency vehicles to access the A134 during weekend road closures.

“This is for blue light responses only."

The next weekend closure will begin tonight at 8pm and run until 5am on Monday, with additional closures scheduled for April 4 to 7, April 11 to 14, April 25 to 28 and May 2 to May 5.

A spokesperson for Suffolk Highways said: “We do not oversee or control ambulance operations or their routing decisions so we cannot speak for the movements of their vehicles. However, East of England Ambulance Service has previously given its support for the Low Green blue light access route, where appropriate.

“We continue to liaise with the emergency services to ensure they remain fully aware of the agreed mitigation measures in place, including access via Low Green when appropriate.

“Residents have voiced concerns that some crews may be unaware of these arrangements. We will continue working with the emergency services to support consistent communication across their teams.”

A spokesperson for Hopkins Homes said: “These works remain on schedule with significant progress already achieved.

“We continue to meet regularly with Suffolk Highways to review and monitor the traffic management plan.”