SUFFOLK was today bracing itself for an announcement that could prompt a radical shake-up of the way the county is run.

SUFFOLK was today bracing itself for an announcement that could prompt a radical shake-up of the way the county is run.

As part of a review of council structures in the county, the Boundary Committee was due to unveil its vision for the future at noon today.

The draft proposals could signal a thumbs-up for a “greater” Ipswich unitary authority, a cross-border council such as a combined Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft authority and an east/west split of the remainder of the county.

The shake-up could signal the end for Suffolk County Council as well as the county's seven district authorities.

Other options on the table include a single unitary council for the whole of Suffolk, or an east/west split across the entire county.

Ipswich Borough Council is backing a greater Ipswich authority after a previous bid for unitary status floundered at the final hurdle last year.

Liz Harsant, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: “We are very optimistic that a greater Ipswich will be one of the options.

“It would give us the freedom to do what we want to do for the betterment of the people of Ipswich and outer Ipswich.”

Following today's expected announcement a public consultation on the draft proposals will begin.

It was unclear how many different options the Boundary Committee would put forward for the consultation.

Final recommendations on the future shape of Suffolk will be made to government on December 31.

For details of today's announcement visit www.eveningstar.co.uk throughout the day.

What shape would you like to see Suffolk take? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk