Network Rail works will mean there will be no direct trains between Ipswich and Norwich on April 11, when the Tractor Boys are due to be taking on their Norfolk rivals at Carrow Road in a 12.30pm kick-off.
The club announced on Tuesday (March 17) that it is asking fans to pick from four travel options for the fixture in response, but many supporters took to social media site Facebook to criticise the engineering works.
One said: “Couldn’t Network Rail postpone the works given it’ll be a busy one for the derby?”
Another poster added: “It absolutely blows my mind that Greater Anglia would have known that the derby match was happening on that weekend nine months ago, but still decided to close the line anyway.”
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott also criticised Network Rail’s decision.
He said: “It’s a lack of common sense, they need to find a solution that really works. This is the biggest fixture of the region. It beggars belief.”
The restrictions mean no tickets will be posted to supporters, nor will supporters be able to collect their tickets at Carrow Road. This is due to safety considerations, raised by Norfolk Constabulary.
Carl Lummis-Blaxell, chair of Ipswich Town Supporters Club, said: “We are pleased the club worked hard to secure the best available outcome for supporters.
“As Mark Ashton said himself, the club fought to achieve an outcome that is both practical and affordable for those travelling to the game and that effort in securing the options available is appreciated.”
Network Rail engineering works are taking place on the Ipswich to Norwich line on April 11, which will affect Greater Anglia services (Image: Newsquest)
In a statement, the club said: “The four available options are as follows;
Option one: The club will be putting on extra coaches to assist those who would normally take the train to Norwich, while also assisting supporters with the cost of coach travel due to the inconvenience.
Those using these club coaches will collect their match tickets when boarding at Portman Road, before travelling directly to Norwich.
To encourage this travel method, which is seen as being the most convenient, coach travel will be charged at a discounted rate of £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.
Option two: Supporters wishing to make their own way to Norwich are being asked to park at the Postwick Park & Ride site, collecting their match ticket there before then taking a coach, organised by the club, towards Carrow Road.
Ipswich Town fans will be facing engineering works when the derby takes place against Norwich on April 11 (Image: PA)
Parking is limited for those using this option, with travel into Norwich charged at a discounted rate of £4 per adult and £2 for concessions.
Option three: Those supporters who are travelling to Norwich by train from other areas of the country, not using the line between Norwich and Ipswich, will be able to collect their tickets to the rear of Norwich station, by the exit leading to Lower Clarence Road.
Option four: Alternatively, supporters making their own way to Norwich by road will have the option to collect their match tickets from a designated collection point on Lower Clarence Road.”
Town chairman Mark Ashton said: “No rail travel between Ipswich and Norwich over the weekend of the game has presented challenges outside of the club’s control and, over a period of many weeks, we have been in dialogue with the authorities to fight for the best possible outcome for our supporters.
“We have managed to make significant progress for our supporters during those conversations and, while not perfect, we are pleased we have been able to achieve an outcome which is both practical and affordable for those traveling to the game.”
Martin Beable, managing director of Greater Anglia, spoke on behalf of Greater Anglia and Network Rail, saying: “We are sorry our planned work will affect supporters travelling to the game by rail.
“We have been liaising with Ipswich Town Football Club and the police authorities, and by working together, we have confirmed plans to make sure supporters can travel safely to and from the game.”
“We plan our rail improvement work very carefully, a long time in advance, to minimise the impact on journeys and to allow everyone to plan ahead.
“These works will deliver long-term railway reliability to maintain a high performing railway for everyone.”