Rates row hairdresser to back down

A TOWN centre hairdresser who refused to pay his rates has today said he will back down rather than go to court.

Gianni Falucci who runs two businesses in Upper Orwell Street had been complaining about the state of the road for several years.

As revealed in yesterday's Evening Star Mr Falucci had refused to pay the rates on his businesses until Ipswich Borough Council told him what the money is spent on.

Complaints about the state of Upper Orwell Street have flooded in from businesses for several years, with many complaining about the cracked pavements, lack of street lighting and run down or boarded up shops.

However, now faced with legal action Mr Falcucci says he has no other option than to back down and pay the rates.

He said: "I wanted a break down of where the money was spent as I feel this street is just not getting any of the money put back into it.

"I have run the hairdressers for 10 years and have not seen any improvements.

"The council have refused to give me the details I have asked for and say if I do not pay within the next 30 days they will take me to court and unfortunately I simply cannot afford a court case so will have to give in."

Mr Falccucci said that although he loves the street he will move when his leases run out in two years time.

The council refused to comment on the case but did give a statement about the state of Upper Orwell Street.

A spokesman for the council said: "We are continuing to work hard to secure much needed renovations to this area.

"We have had some very encouraging news very recently but commercial confidentiality prevents us from revealing more at this stage."

n.Do you think Mr Falucci is right to do what he did? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk