Local MP, Dr Dan Poulter was pleased to visit the local shopping parade at Garrick Way this afternoon, where he was joined by local councillors, Sam Murray and David Goldsmith, and met with local shopkeeper, Tony Welham of Sweets n Stuff.  The business has become a community hub for many residents and has recently been granted a licence to have tables and chairs outside in the warmer months.

Dr Poulter worked closely with Ipswich MP, Tom Hunt, to deliver £25 million of Government funding for Ipswich through the Towns Fund initiative.  Part of the project will see around £3 million being allocated to deliver improvements to local shopping parades, including the likes of Garrick Way.

Speaking about the funding, Dr Poulter said “I was pleased to meet Tony today and to be able to hear his views about what improvements he’d like to see as part of the local shopping parades project.  There are concerns about road safety and accessibility around the frontage of Garrick Way and a real drive to make the area more attractive for visitors.

This funding will make a real difference to shopkeepers, like Tony, helping to drive further footfall and improve safety in and around the shopping parades.  Garrick Way is an excellent example of how this Government money will transform these shopping parades, making them more attractive places to visit and shop, as well as improving accessibility and safety for pedestrians.”