New signs that could welcome drivers heading into Ipswich have been sent to London for final approval by the Department for Transport.

Ipswich Star: This sign would be placed on Wherstead and Nacton Roads.This sign would be placed on Wherstead and Nacton Roads.

The signs all describe Ipswich as ‘East Anglia’s Waterfront Town’ and include an image of a landmark.

They have been designed by the borough and county councils as part of an initiative drawn up by the Ipswich Vision Board, which has been given details of the next phase of the work.

It is now up to officials at the Department for Transport to examine the proposed designs and make a decision on whether they would be appropriate.

However, council officials from the two authorities have studied guidelines and made minor changes to the original proposed designs – and believe that the signs as now proposed will not lead to any objections.

It could take several weeks, if not months, to get a decision from Whitehall – although Ipswich MP Ben Gummer has promised to press transport ministers to try to ensure that a decision is taken as soon as possible.

Council officials are hoping that the signs could be approved, ordered and put up before the height of summer in the town. They would replace the existing signs that many people have described as unimaginative if not simply boring.

The five images would be put up at six of the main roads into town.

The image of UCS at the Waterfront will be on the Welcome to Ipswich signs in Wherstead Road and Nacton Road.

The image of Christchurch Mansion will be in London Road, near Chantry Park.

An image of Ipswich Town Hall will great visitors heading along Bury Road, near Whitton United’s football ground.

The image of the Willis building will be placed in Foxhall Road.

And travellers heading into town along Woodbridge Road East will be greeted by the sign showing Giles’ Grandma statue.