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Two-way traffic signals cause traffic chaos on Henley Road

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Motorists face significant delays on Henley Road in Ipswich due to temporary traffic lights installed for Anglian Water works, with queues stretching past the Henley Gate development and Laurel Farm Garden Centre.

Stationary traffic on Henley Road in Ipswich
Queues stretch back some distance as traffic struggles to flow through the temporary traffic lights on Henley Road and permanent lights at the intersection with Valley RoadOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details:

  • Traffic lights are operating opposite the entrance to Ipswich Sports Club

  • The temporary signals will remain in place until December 11

  • Queues are extending beyond the Henley Gate development and Laurel Farm

  • Dale Hall Lane is available as an alternative route

Between the lines: While the road typically experiences heavy traffic during morning periods, the addition of temporary signals has caused the usual flow to "ground to a halt."

The bottom line: Motorists are advised to avoid Henley Road if possible and seek alternative routes, particularly during peak morning hours, until works are completed on Wednesday.

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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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

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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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