Music shop gets new look

A MUSIC shop in Ipswich was ringing the changes today after receiving funding for a makeover.

Music World in Queen Street is repaving the area at the front of the shop with £2,000 from the organisation responsible for sprucing up the town centre.

It is hoped the work, which is expected to take around two days, will make the steps safer and entice more customers into the shop.

John Fender, manager of Music World, said: “The concrete was chipped and it was dangerous and there is also a lot of chewing gum.

“The shop will be a lot smarter and welcoming. I think people will take notice.”

Ipswich Central, which is charged with spending levies paid by more than 700 members, awarded the funding to Music World at a ceremony in May.

As part of the business improvement district agenda, Ipswich Central also allocated funding to several other stores.

Earlier this year, an independent look at Ipswich Central's performance found the organisation had successfully improved cleanliness and security in the town centre.

Mr Fender said: “They are putting a lot of work in to improve the town for people coming from outside Ipswich. They are also trying to support the town so the public feel more proud of it.”

And despite the current economic doom and gloom, Mr Fender said trade was flowing at the shop.

He added: “Business is picking up and is strong. Not as many people have gone on holiday so I think they are treating themselves by buying a guitar for example.”

The improvements in Queen Street come at a time when big changes are taking place in Upper Brook Street to improve pavements and street lighting and replace old gas mains.

The 16-week project, undertaken by Ipswich Borough Council and National Grid, is due to be completed in September.

Are you noticing improvements in the town centre? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk