Councillor James Mallinder, Conservative representative for the Deben Ward at East Suffolk Council, has warmly welcomed the successful completion of major resurfacing works on Coronation Avenue in Hollesley, hailing the project as a “Critical victory for community safety and rural infrastructure.”
The comprehensive overhaul comes after an extensive campaign led by Cllr Mallinder, who continuously lobbied East Suffolk Council, who own the road, to prioritise the deteriorating highway on the Deben Peninsula. Coronation Avenue had long suffered from severe surface degradation, structural wear, and patch-work repairs that failed to withstand the elements.
It was of crucial importance to have all works finished by the end of the summer and before the bad winter weather set in. Along with the resurfacing, new road signs were placed in situ clearly marking a new chapter in the history of the road.
The freshly laid carriageway marks a transition from reactive maintenance to the robust investment that has been consistently demanded for the area’s rural residents.
Cliff Banks, resident said “After months of working with Cllr Mallinder; we finally have a fully functioning road. Cllr Mallinder promised he would resolve this problem and he has. All residents on the street are incredibly grateful, and the new surface has made an enormous improvement in coming and going from our houses. “
Cllr James Mallinder, East Suffolk Councillor for the Deben Ward, said: “I am absolutely delighted to see Coronation Avenue finally receive the full resurfacing it so desperately needed. For too long, our rural communities have had to make do with short-term, sticking-plaster repairs on roads that serve as vital lifelines for residents, school runs, and local businesses.
“This project represents more than just new tarmac; it is a matter of basic health, safety, and rural fairness. When our roads are neglected, our villages risk being cut off during severe weather, and emergency services face unnecessary hurdles. I want to thank the residents of Coronation Avenue for working with me to keep the pressure on. This shows what we can achieve when we stand up and demand proper investment for the Peninsula.”
The completed works align with Cllr Mallinder’s broader, ongoing campaign for a fairer share of infrastructure funding to be ringfenced for the Deben Peninsula. He continues to press for wider highway maintenance improvements across the ward, including structural drainage solutions, pothole remediation, and a mandatory 'STOP' sign installation at the nearby Duck Corner junction.
