HOME rule for Ipswich came much closer today when the borough's bid to take over services from its county neighbours was given the Whitehall seal of approval.

HOME rule for Ipswich came much closer today when the borough's bid to take over services from its county neighbours was given the Whitehall seal of approval.

The government put the borough's bid for unitary status on a shortlist of applications - a final decision on whether to allow the bid will be made in July.

If successful it would mean the borough would responsible for all local authority services in the town - from schools to rubbish collection.

For the full story see pages four and five.