A historic Tudor building in Ipswich has been spared further risk after Suffolk County Council agreed to repair the damaged road outside following pressure from a charity and Ipswich's MP.
The property in St Margaret’s Street, which now houses Cancer Support Suffolk, had been affected by pothole debris and water that raised concerns about safety, access and long-term damage to the structure.
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott said the town was fortunate to have such a rich collection of historic buildings, describing the Tudor property as one of Ipswich’s most recognisable.
He said he had contacted Suffolk County Council to push for urgent action, warning that the building could not be allowed to deteriorate because of delays or technical issues.
He said: "We could not afford for such an important building, one which is now home to a charity providing such vital and needed support to local people, to be left to rot through negligence or technicalities.
“I am pleased that, following my representations and those of Cancer Support Suffolk, Suffolk County Council has listened and agreed to carry out the necessary works.”
Mark Murphy MBE, chief executive of Cancer Support Suffolk, has previously raised concerns about the condition of the road and the impact it was having on people accessing the service.
He said damaged surfaces outside the building created difficulties for vulnerable clients, staff and volunteers, while also posing a risk to the historic structure itself.
The issue has also highlighted wider concerns about the protection of Ipswich’s historic buildings.
Catherine Sims, co-director at A J Ralwings in Northgate Street, also raised concerns after their shop was hit with mud and debris, with a rock even hitting a man and cutting his lip.
She said: "It's in a horrible state. It's really disappointing when we're trying our best to maintain the building and keep it well presented, painting the outside regularly and now the whole exterior is probably going to need re-doing.
"All the business owners in Ipswich are doing their hardest to make the town appealing and the fact we aren't being supported with such a basic thing like fixing a road is really disappointing."
Suffolk County Council confirmed that work will take place along St Margaret's Street in the 2026/27 financial year, but this work is still in the planning stage.
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