IPSWICH: A community in Ipswich is today celebrating the reopening of their local pub after speculation it could have been turned into a supermarket.

The Dales pub, in Dales Road, called time last September, and there were rumours it could be turned into a Tesco Express.

But after being purchased by the East of England Co-operative, the popular boozer has re-opened under new landlord 19-year-old Shaun Bardell.

On Saturday locals flocked to the official opening party to celebrate.

Mr Bardell said after a successful opening party he hopes the pub will become the community hub it once was.

“We hope we can turn it into a great food pub as well as somewhere for local residents to get together.

“We have got darts and pool teams coming back and we are planning a host of charity events.

“It is really exciting.”

Richard Samson, chief executive of the East of England Co-op added: “We are pleased to have found new tenants for The Dales Public House and we wish them every success with their new enterprise.

“Our new food store in Dales Road is located alongside the pub and is already proving very popular with the local community.”