PEOPLE in north Suffolk have hit out at a plan for new parking and access arrangements at Covehithe.But Suffolk County Council's rights of way committee looks set to approve a new order for the coastal clifftop village at a meeting on Monday.

PEOPLE in north Suffolk have hit out at a plan for new parking and access arrangements at Covehithe.

But Suffolk County Council's rights of way committee looks set to approve a new order for the coastal clifftop village at a meeting on Monday.

The order proposes to prohibit vehicles from part of Beach Road on the grounds of safety, after erosion in the area.

Although there is backing for the scheme from residents, there have been objections too.

Tony Robinson, from Wrentham, told The Journal: 'For more than 30 years I've cycled to Covehithe, but these proposals to change the parking and access by closing Beach Road are unacceptable and unnecessary.

'I see birdwatchers and walkers on my daily cycle - but all were unaware of these proposals, and I think it is outrageous that we are being prevented from using a public road. One of the reasons for the proposal was given as safety issues with people falling off the cliffs - well, this has not been an issue in all my years of using the route.'

And James Waddington said: 'I have lived in Covehithe since 1975 and I am very much against the urbanisation of the whole area. The signs are prohibitive, and I think it will look appalling.'

However, a report to councillors says the aim is to eliminate access difficulties for both private and farm vehicles in and around St Andrew's Church and to guide the public to the legal right of way that leads to the beach.