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Queues as London Road down to one lane for street light repairs

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Drivers face delays on London Road in Ipswich as street light repairs force a lane closure between Lidl and West End Road until tomorrow.

Why it matters: The works, which are scheduled to finish tomorrow, have reduced traffic to one lane, causing traffic to build up from Civic Drive roundabout and along Handford Road and London Road outbound towards the A12.

Roadworks on London Road, Ipswich
Roadworks on London Road, IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The big picture: The lane closure is in place for minor street light repairs, causing:

  • Single-lane operation between Lidl and West End Road

  • Slow-moving traffic heading out of town

  • Bus stop suspension outside Lidl

  • Long queues, particularly during peak times

The impact: Delays have been reported throughout the day, with longer waiting times expected during busy periods.

Bottom line: While the repairs are minor, the lane closure on this key route out of Ipswich is causing significant delays for drivers heading towards the A12. Allow extra time when travelling, especially during peak times.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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