Ipswich parks and cemeteries have reopened after being deemed safe by the council following Storm Ciara.

The council said it took the decision to carry out inspections in the interest of safety, with winds of up to 70mph in Suffolk causing trees to fall and their branches to precariously hang.

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A spokesman for the council said: "Our teams were out at daybreak to inspect the parks and to clear up any debris and check for tree damage inflicted by Storm Ciara. We delayed opening until this was completed but it is still very blustery and the situation will be monitored through the day."

Services at Ipswich Crematorium are going ahead as scheduled today.

For unlocked areas, the spokesman warned residents to take extra care and avoid wooded areas during high winds.

Gusts today are predicted to reach close to 50mph in some areas, prompting Highways England to again monitor the Orwell Bridge ahead of a possible closure.