DAYS after the final go-ahead was given for a major road programme in Ipswich town centre, the first timetable for major work has been published.

However there was a warning from Ipswich Central, the organisation which represents retailers and other businesses in the heart of the town, that not enough information had been given to businesses about the programme.

The largest single project – which is set to cause major problems for drivers around the town – is the conversion of the Civic Drive/Princes Street roundabout into a traffic light-controlled junction.

Work on that is due to start in early September and is expected to take until mid November to complete.

Other changes including upgrades to the town’s two bus stations will be completed in early 2013. The full Ipswich Fit for the 21st Century programme, costing nearly �22million, will be completed by July 2014.

Paul Clement, Chief Executive of Ipswich Central said: “ This is clearly a major transport project which will significantly improve access to the town centre.

“Any project which is set to create such longer term benefits is inevitably going to cause a level of disruption.

“However, it has been of concern to me for some time that there has not yet been sufficient advance notice of the schedule of works and this is now essential.”

Ipswich MP Ben Gummer said it was vital that work on the major projects should be completed as quickly as possible.

“We need the work to be completed, but it will be difficult while the work is being undertaken – and I hope we see things happening seven days a week,” he added.

The scheme was approved earlier this week - see link above right.