DEVELOPERS have today been given the go ahead to knock down a derelict Ipswich pub and replace it with flats and houses following years of problems. Ipswich Borough Council has approved plans handed in by Bury St Edmunds based firm George Wimpey to demolish the former Churchills Pub, in Bramford Road.

DEVELOPERS have today been given the go ahead to knock down a derelict Ipswich pub and replace it with flats and houses following years of problems.

Ipswich Borough Council has approved plans handed in by Bury St Edmunds based firm George Wimpey to demolish the former Churchills Pub, in Bramford Road.

The derelict pub had become a magnet for anti-social behaviour and had been the target of arsonists several times as well as attracting drug users to hang around.

Numerous residents had complained to the council about the building which had fallen into disrepair.

The developers now plan to build a four-storey block of 20 flats and four semi-detached houses with a parking area and storage building.

Neighbour Mandy King, of Henniker Road, said: “I expected the application to be approved so it hasn't come as a surprise.

“I am pleased that this will mean the pub will finally be demolished because it hasn't been fun watching fire after fire be started there.

“It has fallen into disrepair and has attracted the wrong sorts of people which has been unsettling for those in this neighbourhood.

“But I do have concerns that the new building will be much higher than the pub and will block our light somewhat.

“It will also bring more people into an area which is already lacking in facilities.”

George Wimpey did not wish to comment on the approval of the site.

Are you pleased about the new development? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail www.eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.