The options for a third crossing in Lowestoft will be debated at a highly-anticipated public meeting next week.

Suffolk County Council has organised the event at the main conference room at Orbis Energy, in Wilde Street, Lowestoft on Wednesday (February 18) at 7pm to discuss a recent report published by engineering consultants WSP outlining three options for a new road crossing over Lake Lothing.

It is designed to give people a chance to discuss the choices 'fully and openly' after WSP recommended a crossing in an eastern location, next to the existing Bascule bridge, as the most cost effective and appropriate option.

However that has caused consternation amongst many residents and political campaigners in the town, who say a central option is what most people want.

Councillor Mark Bee, leader of Suffolk County Council, said: 'With so many people sharing and expressing a keen interest in achieving a third crossing for Lake Lothing, it is essential that we hold a public meeting where we can discuss the options fully and openly.

'The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the report that independent engineers WSP produced as a result of thorough studies into proposed crossing options, and to hear the views of the people of Lowestoft.

'The issues we are seeking to resolve are traffic congestion and flood protection and we are determined to do so as quickly as possible, in the most appropriate manner.'

Mark Pendlington, chairman of the new Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), will facilitate the meeting.

He will be joined on stage by Peter Aldous MP, who will introduce and chair the meeting. Joining them will be Suffolk County Council leader Mark Bee and the council's cabinet member for roads and transport, councillor Graham Newman.

A representative from WSP will present and discuss their report, before the public get a chance to ask questions.

Other representatives confirmed to attend include Waveney District Council leader Colin Law.

The meeting will run from 7pm until 9pm but people wanting to attend are advised to get there by 6.45pm, as there is a limited capacity of 200 seats.

The report can be read at www.suffolk.gov.uk/environment-and-transport/Transport/Transport-Planning/consultations-and-studies/

See today's Lowestoft Journal for a third crossing special feature.