SUFFOLK'S county town has been criticised in the latest edition of a respected guide to the country.While many other places around the region are praised, the seventh edition of Lonely Planet's Great Britain guide attacks Ipswich for the treatment of historic buildings in the town.

SUFFOLK'S county town has been criticised in the latest edition of a respected guide to the country.

While many other places around the region are praised, the seventh edition of Lonely Planet's Great Britain guide attacks Ipswich for the treatment of historic buildings in the town.

The book said: “While heavy investment jazzes up its lively waterfront marinas, in its centre beautiful timber-framed buildings moulder behind scruffy boards and ugly modern chain stores nudge medieval churches.

“The most beautifully preserved buildings, of which there are several humdingers, are occupied by private enterprises.

“That said, the town has some beautiful parkland, a burgeoning cultural scene and great transport connections.”

But Paul Clement, executive director of Ipswich Central - the company responsible for management and promotion of the town centre - dismissed the criticism.

He said: “I'm not quite sure what they mean by boarded-up - the vast majority of units in the town centre are open and trading, but as with any town centre there are fluctuations. I don't think that's a valid criticism.”

“Overall the town is doing well and if you look down at the waterfront there are millions of pounds being spent.

“Those people that are spending all that money probably know more about the future of the town than those writing this guide.”

Despite the negative comments about Ipswich, the reviews of other parts of the region are much kinder.

Southwold is lauded as “one of the very prettiest of Eastern England's seaside resorts,” while Colchester is “a charming place with a likable easygoing feel and a history that's hard to beat.”