Work to create a new look for the Cornhill in the heart of Ipswich is on schedule and a scheme should be ready to show off later in the summer.

Retail legend Sir Stuart Rose told last September’s Beacon Town conference that he found the Cornhill a very depressing feature of the town centre.

He has agreed to chair the panel that will consider proposals to improve the look of the area – but a panel of representatives from the borough and county councils along with Ipswich MP Ben Gummer and Ipswich Central has already started the process of drawing up a shortlist.

Mr Gummer said he was impressed by the co-operation being shown by the various bodies involved.

He said: “When you consider that Sir Stuart only made the comments at the Beacon Ipswich conference in September, this is like a millisecond in council life!

“The positive way that all sections of the town have got together to discuss this has been very refreshing – I really hope it is the way forward to improve Ipswich.”

Ipswich Central chief executive Paul Clement said that a firm plan to improve the Cornhill should become clear during the late summer.

He said: “We’d like to have something in place either just before or just after the summer break – ideally before.

“But one thing is clear – there are some very good proposals coming through and whatever happens the Cornhill should end up looking much better.”

The public should have an opportunity to comment on the proposals once they are published – and the work should be carried out once the finance becomes available.

How should the Cornhill be improved? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starletters@archant.co.uk