Ipswich Borough Council have announced that all their parks and cemeteries are going to remain shut for the rest of the day.

This morning’s storms are thought to have weakened many trees in these areas, leaving them in a dangerous condition.

Several trees and branches have already fallen down and parks staff are busy clearing these up.

A large tree was felled outside Crown Pools which temporarily required the reception area to be closed.

However services at the crematorium are taking place as usual with staff guiding those attending.

Bin collections in Ipswich went ahead as normal but some were delayed by traffic congestion. Residents have been advised that if their bins aren’t collected today they should leave them out for emptying tomorrow.

A council spokesman said: “The storm appears to have passed but many challenges remain.

“We operated a bin collection service today and all our buildings are open. Expert staff will be on hand in our parks and at our cemeteries over the next few days to check the health of any trees weakened in the storm.

“We will continue to monitor the situation but any decision to reopen them will be made in the light of public safety concerns. We will provide further updates at regular intervals.”