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Ipswich MP Jack Abbott demands action from train operator that runs no services in Suffolk

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Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, has written to train operator CrossCountry, demanding improvements to its train services despite the operator not running any services in Suffolk.

The big picture: Jack Abbott joined Transport Secretary Louise Haigh in criticising train operator CrossCountry's performance.

However, the MP seems to have overlooked a crucial detail: CrossCountry doesn't operate any services in Suffolk.

CrossCountry operates routes primarily in the Midlands, North of England, South and Scotland. Its nearest service to Ipswich is Cambridge, but it only runs to the Midlands and Stansted Airport.

CrossCountry routes
CrossCountry routesCrossCountry

What Labour said: Louise Haigh MP, Transport Secretary said of CrossCountry two days ago: “This is not the standard we expect, or passengers deserve, but this is the mess we’ve inherited, where our railways are understaffed and lurching from one crisis to the next.

“We insisted CrossCountry put on more services than their original plan, but the reduced timetable is certainly not satisfactory.

“CrossCountry is persistently one of the worst performing operators, with record delays, cancellations and consistent overcrowding. That is why I have also instigated a remedial plan - to improve services in the long run.

“There can be no excuse for this sort of dire service, and it will not be tolerated under this Government.”

Jack issued his own strongly-worded response: “For far too long, CrossCountry has let down passengers, and failed to provide the level of service that Ipswich deserves.

“Reliable train services are crucial to ensuring access to work, education and leisure opportunities across the East of England.

“I have asked for regular updates on the progress of CrossCountry’s remedial plan, and immediate mitigation factors.

“I will continue to work with the operator and the Department for Transport to ensure passengers in Ipswich get a better deal.”

Questioning the strength of his statement: Ipswich.co.uk immediately reached out to Jack's team, asking for clarification on what CrossCountry services affected Ipswich residents.

We were informed that "there are a number of constituents who use their East of England route who this will affect" and that "this is why Jack has written to CrossCountry." Although they "don’t have exact numbers."

Pushing a little harder: Unconvinced by the rationale, we questioned the motivation behind such a strong response but have yet to receive further comment.

Opinion

Why it matters: With the Towns Deal and Ipswich in the Premier League, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in our town.

While some will argue that the unknown number of Ipswich residents who regularly travel by train from Cambridge to the Midlands deserve representation, many others will dismiss it as either an embarrassing mistake from an MP who fought his election campaign based on his local knowledge or a blatant example of prioritising political point-scoring over genuine constituent needs.

I hope such conviction will be shown when addressing our town's many more pressing issues.

The bottom line: While train service improvements are a valid concern for Ipswich residents, Ipswich commuters might be better served if their MP focused on Greater Anglia, the operator of all the trains in our county.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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