ROADWORKS which have hampered the takings of multiple town businesses are set to be completed today.

The work by National Grid to replace old gas mains have isolated businesses in Eagle Street, Fore Street, Upper Orwell Street and Orwell Place since they began back in April.

And with the work set to come to an end today, business owners are now looking to the borough council for help in re-launching the area.

Tensions ran high at a meeting between councillors and traders yesterday as they gathered to discuss the future of the struggling businesses.

Traders at the meeting said they believed the area would need to be completely relaunched.

Speaking at the meeting, Sheryl McGeown landlady of the Spread Eagle, said: “We’re struggling to the point were some of us might not survive this because there is no money left. I can’t afford the business rates and money for them is now being taken out of my account.

“I have used all the money I have to keep my business alive. And when this is all finished I need to think about how I can bring people back to the area and my pub.

“The area has to be relaunched.”

Despite the works by National Grid coming to an end, road closures are expected to remain in play while the county council carry out further work involving the pavements.

Weather permitting, the work in Fore Street should be completely finished by October 19.

A spokesman for National Grid said: “We are very pleased with our work in Ipswich. We have completely replaced an important main and this will keep the gas flowing for the people of Ipswich this winter and until the end of the century.”

A spokesman for Suffolk County Council said: “The main part of Suffolk County Council’s work is re-instating the road surface after the gas works - and while we’re there we’re finishing our own surfacing in Eagle Street and laying tactile paving on the junction of Eagle Street and Upper Orwell Place.”