IT is six months since father-of-two Ian Snelling died in police custody - and today we appear no nearer to knowing what happened that day.Whenever a person dies while in the care of the police, it is a matter of serious public concern.

IT is six months since father-of-two Ian Snelling died in police custody - and today we appear no nearer to knowing what happened that day.

Whenever a person dies while in the care of the police, it is a matter of serious public concern.

We need to have confidence in the officers patrolling our streets and the procedures they use.

But for the family of that person it is much worse. They need to know what happened to their loved one to help them come to terms with their death, to be able to grieve properly, and to help them to start to move on with their lives.

At the moment, the family of Ian Snelling, of Felixstowe, is in limbo, and investigators still cannot tell them how long it will be before conclusions are reached.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission said the inquiry could take six months to a year to complete.

But while everyone can appreciate their need for thoroughness and to ensure the correct conclusion is reached, this still appears to be excessive.

Had this been a criminal investigation, inquiries would surely have moved much more swiftly and decisions been reached promptly.

Mr Snelling's daughter Michelle is desperate to know what happened to her dad. Her life has been turned upside down since his sudden death - leaving her scarred, empty, scared to go out.

For the benefit of the family more than anyone, this investigation needs to be completed as soon as possible.

ON the eve of Ipswich Town's crucial relegation six-pointer against QPR, chairman David Sheepshanks has issued a rallying cry to everyone connected with the club.

This is a time when people have to stick together - players, coaching staff, directors, and especially the fans who are vital to the future of the club.

Watching football at Portman Road has often been difficult for supporters over the last two years, but the club is really now in its hour of need. Now is not the time for faint hearts.

The Portman Road fans are now really needed to back the team and help send it in the right direction.

So get down and add your voice tomorrow, and help roar Ipswich back up the table.

CIVIC Drive is one of the most important roads in Ipswich, and for years one of its most prominent buildings, Suffolk House, has been something of a blot on the landscape.

But now it has been given a complete new look by owners AXA and is a stunning new landmark for the town.

This is a real vote of confidence in the future of Ipswich - showing that one of the town's most important employers really sees the long-term benefit of developing its operations here.

Staff have now started to move into the new building - we hope it is as good to work in as it is to look at!