Work has started to prepare one of the best-known pubs in Ipswich for demolition.

Contractors CDC have started putting up scaffolding up around the Drum and Monkey pub in Princes Street. The pub, which is owned by the borough council, is to be demolished and the land it stands on is to become an extension to the Portman Road car park as a temporary measure.

Previously the Sporting Farmer, the pub was built in the early 1960s to serve the nearby cattle market – but because it was so near Portman Road stadium it became known as a football pub.

It eventually closed two years ago – at which stage it was best-known as a centre for pool and snooker.

Demolition work is expected to start on Monday and take six weeks to complete. The area will then be resurfaced as a car park along with the rest of the Portman Road annex car park near the Princes Street junction.