It’s been rather busy across Suffolk and North Essex this week, so here’s a rundown of some of the things you may have missed.

East Anglian Daily Times: Homebase Store in Ipswich. Picture: Jessica HillHomebase Store in Ipswich. Picture: Jessica Hill (Image: Archant)

1. Ipswich’s Homebase store has closed down.

The Ipswich store, on Felixstore Road, Warren Heath, will close later this year or in early 2019. However, the two stores in Norwich and one in Colchester have been spared.

East Anglian Daily Times: Before becoming a global megastar, Ed Sheeran played at The Swan in Ipswich in 2010 Picture: JEN O'NEILLBefore becoming a global megastar, Ed Sheeran played at The Swan in Ipswich in 2010 Picture: JEN O'NEILL (Image: Archant)

2. There has been widespread speculation over the future of popular Ipswich venue The Swan pub.

Internet rumours were rife on Tuesday and Wednesday when the pub was closed with the owners and landlord remaining silent.

Recently the pubs owners have briefly commented on the future of the venue that hosted a then largely unknown Ed Sheeran.

East Anglian Daily Times: Jon Walters talks to the press following his signing Picture: ROSS HALLSJon Walters talks to the press following his signing Picture: ROSS HALLS (Image: Archant)

3. Ipswich Town were able to alleviate their striking woes after bagging Burnley’s Jonathan Walters on loan.

Since Town’s top scorer Martyn Waghorn departed for Derby, the Tractor Boys have been in desperate need of some attacking reinforcements.

Now they will be supported by the experience and prowess of Ireland international Jon Walters.

East Anglian Daily Times: Campaigners intend to appeal the decision to refuse the planning application for Shotley pier. Picture: ARCHANTCampaigners intend to appeal the decision to refuse the planning application for Shotley pier. Picture: ARCHANT

4. Shareholders in the historic Shotley pier have failed to break the deadlock over its future once again.

Opposing shareholders of Shotley pier are due to meet to discuss a potential compromise after a fiery planning meeting last week ended in the plans being refused.

More than 400 shareholders came together to buy the pier earlier this year but have since been divided by what should be done to restore it.

East Anglian Daily Times: Evening Star - News; Pics by Alex Fairfull 25-07-10; Bob Shelley is paying tribute to his old friend and ex professional snooker player Alex Higgins who died recently.; bob is at his home here in Ipswich looking at his scrap book.; Myphotos24 ref - af 010 bob shelley 2; ES 26.7.10Evening Star - News; Pics by Alex Fairfull 25-07-10; Bob Shelley is paying tribute to his old friend and ex professional snooker player Alex Higgins who died recently.; bob is at his home here in Ipswich looking at his scrap book.; Myphotos24 ref - af 010 bob shelley 2; ES 26.7.10 (Image: Archant)

5. The influential Ipswich businessman Bob Shelley died.

He raised tens of thousands for charity, presented on BBC Radio Suffolk and owned some of the famous local cafes.

Mr Shelley was 78.