Both town centre bus stations are now being rebuilt simultaneously – despite earlier assurances that work at Tower Ramparts would not start until the Old Cattle Market was complete.

Delays with work in Falcon Street and Silent Street, coupled with the discovery that underground utilities were not as deep as engineers expected in the Old Cattle Market means that work is now months behind schedule.

Work on the Old Cattle Market was due to start in March and be completed by May 15. It is now almost three months overdue and there is still a great deal to do before it is ready to reopen.

The rebuilding of Tower Ramparts had been due to start the day after the Old Cattle Market was finished and it should be nearing completion now. However with the work on the Old Cattle Market delayed, it was felt it was necessary to start work at Tower Ramparts to ensure there is little disruption over the Christmas period.

The first work is on the hard standing area opposite Haart Estate agents and will continue for the next four to six weeks.

During this work, number 9 and 10 bus services to Whitton and Castle Hill will stop on the other side of the road outside the Cricketers pub. Work affecting the rest of the bus station are still being discussed

Graham Newman, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for roads and transport, said: “It’s extremely important that we keep potential disruption that could be caused by the Travel Ipswich works to a minimum.

“This has always been a priority throughout the scheme of works and it will continue to be so.

“The decision to carry out the improvement works on the Tower Ramparts area while works continue at the Old Cattle Market site has been made with the local community in mind.

“We understand it’s essential that these works do not interrupt residents, customers or businesses during the Christmas period.”