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More needs to be done to overcome Haverhill’s negative image and make sure that newcomers do not use it as a dormitory town,

This was one of the main findings of a social impact study commissioned by St Edmundsbury Borough Council, which was launched on Monday.

Consultants Marianne Hood and Catherine Chater spent five months producing the study aimed at assessing the social impact of expected expansion in Haverhill.

They found many people thought Haverhill was a good community, but felt it was left out of things and isolated. There were strong feelings that Haverhill got far less than its fair share of resources from Suffolk County Council and St Edmundsbury Borough Council.

The town continued to have a negative reputation, even though this was unfair and undeserved, based on its past history.

Their recommendations include some “quick gains” to improve the attractiveness of the town’s entrances and open spaces, as well as the borough council taking a more strategic role in getting community facilities for new developments.

They suggest an action plan be developed to attract funding and that Haverhill Partnership takes on a bigger role in helping market the town.

Community shops should be encouraged on estates and a new town centre supermarket actively pursued. Local buses, including late night services should be provided, to encourage people to use the town for leisure and shopping.

More affordable housing was needed, with extra provision for x-ray and maternity services provided at the health centre in the short term. A site should also be identified for a multipurpose centre which could house doctors, dentists, clinics, advice centres and community facilities.

Derek Redhead leader of St Edmundsbury Borough Council, said Haverhill was at a critical point in its development and the council was committed to giving it a bright future.

“It is vital that Haverhill does not become a dormitory town, with an affluent “them” and a less well-off us”” providing a divided community.

“I believe the most important message this report contains is that the Haverhill which the community wants can only be achieved through effective, hardworking partnerships between us all.”

CAPTION: Launching the new social impact study …from left, the borough council’s acting director of environmental health and housing, Mike Dawson, Coun Derek Readhead and Coun Gerry Kiernan.