REVELLERS were today recovering from the bitterly cold sub-zero temperatures across the county, which gave the New Year a chilly start.Party goers, clubbers, and those just out for a bit of seasonal fun needed hats, scarves and gloves to combat the icy temperature, which dipped well below freezing at midnight.

By Nick Richards

REVELLERS were today recovering from the bitterly cold sub-zero temperatures across the county, which gave the New Year a chilly start.

Party goers, clubbers, and those just out for a bit of seasonal fun needed hats, scarves and gloves to combat the icy temperature, which dipped well below freezing at midnight.

As the traditional New Year rendition of Auld Lang Syne rang out across Ipswich, the temperature in the town was –4C.

Champagne was not the only thing on ice, as streets around Ipswich still showed visible signs of the recent snow showers that have come with the cold weather.

With no focal point of entertainment in the town centre, many revellers opted for the warmth of pubs

and clubs while many more enjoyed private parties at home.

Sharon Spears and Nicola Jones had come into town early to sample the New Years Eve atmosphere.

They said: "We've been to the New York Exchange for a bit, but we're off to a fancy dress party in Kesgrave now."

Many pubs and clubs operated charged admission on the door or had entrance by ticket only.

Pals, The Cock and Pye and Bar IV all reported good trade as revellers made the most of the last major night of the festive party season.

One bar not charging an entrance fee was Ollie's Cocktail Café. Owner Trevor Hollinsworth said:

"We expect to be full by 10pm as we are the only place in town that isn't charging to get it. It's bad for people in town that they have to pay to get into places."

Revellers appeared to have heeded the advice from the East Anglian Ambulance Service, who had warned of the dangers of hypothermia and urged people to wrap up well.

They pointed out that alcohol can make people fell warmer than they are, and if they stand around outside wearing thin clothes they could become ill and the majority of people wrapped up well.

On the Cornhill, George Maguire was doing a good trade selling party gear such as hats, whistles and trumpets.

He said: "Its been fairly good so far, I'll be here until midnight and I hope to sell lots until then."

Taxi bookings were said to be good despite recent threat from the nightbus.

Damian Lewis, an independent cab driver who voiced his fears that the night bus service could cause him a serious loss in trade said that business was actually good.

Mr Lewis, 32, said: "Normally on New Years Eve, its pretty quiet between 8pm and 12pm and then it's busy until 2.30am-3am. This year its been good over the festive period and the night buses haven't really affected me.

"I've seen them pulling away from the town centre with three or four people on. It's not been too bad with the buses – they just haven't had the dent that everyone thought they would have."

Another firm, who wished not to be identified said business was good.

They said: "We have had a few more bookings than a normal Friday or Saturday night and it's like a typical New Year Eve."