Ipswich Central boss calls "we need more shoppers in the town centre".

Sophie Alexander-Parker said that even though Ipswich Central and Ipswich Borough Council prepared a number of events for the residents to enjoy the town centre, the footfall has decreased, compared to the years before the pandemic.

Ms Alexander-Parker added: “From speaking to the businesses, there have been fewer shoppers around.

Ipswich Star: Sophie Alexander-ParkerSophie Alexander-Parker (Image: Cherry Beesley/Simply C Photography Simply C Photography)

“There are a lot of reasons for that, but the main one is the cost-of-living crisis.

“People have to make that decision whether to buy Christmas presents or put the heating on.”

Ipswich Central has been creating many projects and initiatives to support local businesses as well as shoppers by, among others, creating gift card competitions.

The Ipswich Central boss said: “We have noticed that the Christmas lights switch-on event is great and brings people in, but it never impacts the businesses in the way that we like them to.

“As we are getting into the busier period before Christmas, many of the markets are taking place.

“They add another sort of atmosphere into the town and can be very uplifting.

“They can change the feel of the town centre, particularly during the Christmas period.”