Could Explore Suffolk give a boost to business near Ipswich?

The new Destination Business Investment District (DBID) would be funded by companies in the area through a levy - and would be operated by Locus, the company behind Ipswich Central.

It would extend from Felixstowe to Flatford in the south - including the Shotley Peninsula - and as far as Hintlesham, Baylham and Martlesham.

The area covered by the Explore Suffolk proposal. (Image: Locus)

Businesses in the area are being sent ballots and have until October 20 to vote on whether they want it to be set up.

The aim of the group is to promote tourism and visits to the group.

Businesses are being asked to vote on Explore Suffolk. (Image: Locus)

Explore Suffolk advisory board chair Prof Dave Muller writes in an introductory booklet: "We have identified a cohesive area bringing the county town together with rural and coastal attractions.

"The linking of Ipswich and Felixstowe presents new and exciting opportunities for the visitor economy.

"Our aim is to connect businesses, partners and local authorities to establish a coherent tourism offer."

Businesses that are in the existing Ipswich Central area would not be in this new group - but it would be run alongside that existing BID.

It is understood that Locus - which runs the Ipswich BID - has had a positive response from businesses to the proposal.

But Steven Wells who lives in Claydon and runs a business in Ipswich is not convinced about the need for a new organisation.

He said: "I'm in favour of BIDs but when I saw it was planning to extend to Felixstowe I wondered why? 

"Felixstowe is already a very successful centre, it always feels as if it is buzzing and the new developments by the beach are great.

"Do we really need a new organisation coming in and running at carnival at one end of the seafront when someone else is running a funfair at the other?