JUST weeks after fire ravaged the Duke of Gloucester pub plans are back on track to make the building part of the community.Today Sure Start, the government funded organisation which took over the disused building in Clapgate Lane, Ipswich, was defiant that the fire was merely a hiccup and confirmed that while it was a set back it would not stop them.

JUST weeks after fire ravaged the Duke of Gloucester pub plans are back on track to make the building part of the community.

Today Sure Start, the government funded organisation which took over the disused building in Clapgate Lane, Ipswich, was defiant that the fire was merely a hiccup and confirmed that while it was a set back it would not stop them.

The derelict building suffered severe damage in what police confirmed was an arson attack on July 5. This was just weeks after the Sure Start sign had gone up on the building signifying a new beginning for the area.

The pub had remained derelict for many months before Sure Start breathed new life in to it with the promise of regeneration and services for the community.

Sandra Shears, manager of Sure Start in South East Ipswich, said they were very upset by the fire.

"Everyone was devastated that this had happened but it has not stopped our plans. We have spoken to the architect and he said that it will only put us back by about two months. Many of the features we wanted to keep have remained in the building.

"We have lots of plans for the building which we want to make in to something for the community to use.

"The shop that we run next door has been extremely successful and we want the same for this project.

Sure Start works primarily with children under four and their families but its work extends to the whole community.

Currently they run parent groups, activities for children and many other activities in the Gainsborough area.