CHRISTCHURCH Park is unlikely to host any big concerts next year, it was confirmed today.But a new park venue in Ipswich is being opened up – Bourne Park is to play host to major events over the next few years.

CHRISTCHURCH Park is unlikely to host any big concerts next year, it was confirmed today.

But a new park venue in Ipswich is being opened up - Bourne Park is to play host to major events over the next few years.

It is to be the new home for circuses in Ipswich fears over the state of the grass means that these can not longer be held in Christchurch Park.

Work is to start next month on the £4 million restoration of Christchurch Park to its Victorian splendour.

This is expected to take well over a year to complete, and during the summer of 2006 much of the work will be concentrated on the top area of the park, where concerts have been held over recent years.

Council leisure spokeswoman Judy Terry said it would be impossible to stage concerts in Christchurch Park.

"It looks as if they will have to find other venues, but we've already told the promoters that and there's no real problem.

"Chantry Park has already hosted major concerts and we will be looking at that again - and there's also Bourne Park. That also has a natural bowl in it.

"And both Chantry and Bourne Parks have easier access to the A14 than Christchurch Park."

Mrs Terry knew that promoters liked Christchurch Park because it was an attractive location - and because it is near the centre of the town.

"But they appreciate the situation - and are happy to look elsewhere. We are very lucky to be so well endowed with parks.

"The only major park that cannot be considered is Holywells Park because it is too wet," she said.

The ban on circuses in the park was imposed because the lorries they need cut up the grass.

Ipswich Town head groundsman Alan Ferguson was asked to look at the grass at the top of the park where there have been problems.

Mrs Terry said: "After he did some tests it became clear that the grass wasn't strong enough for the big vehicles that circuses need.

"So this year they are going to Bourne Park, where there shouldn't be the same problem."

Should concerts be held at the town's parks? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk >