Fears that major roadworks on the A12 south of Ipswich could hit the town’s Christmas trade have been eased after the Highways Agency changed its programme.

The major roadworks on the road between Copdock Mill and East Bergholt will not now start until early January – although there will be some preparation work in early December.

This will involve some overnight lane closures, but both carriageways will remain fully open between 6am and 10pm every day. There could be a temporary speed limit if it is felt necessary.

The main work will start early in the new year and will involve contraflows on the road – although it is hoped these will only be necessary overnight. There are likely to be speed limits in place.

All roadworks are due to be suspended over the Christmas and New Year period from December 22 until January 2.

Ipswich MP Ben Gummer said there had been changes made by the Highways Agency after a meeting he had had with Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

He said: “I am glad they were able to make these changes to ensure that people can reach Ipswich without problems in the run-up to Christmas – there was an amendment to their work schedule.”

The move was also welcomed by borough council leader David Ellesmere, Mr Gummer’s Labour challenger in next year’s general election.

He said: “This is as good news as we can expect, I think. Ideally we would like to see no work before Christmas, but if it has to be then I would like to see the Highways’ Agency working with authorities to promote the fact that the road is still open.

“And I would like them to monitor the speed limit to ensure it is not causing problems for drivers on what is a very important road in and out of the town.”