Ipswich Caribbean Association building demolition begins

The demolition of the building on Woodbridge Road is due to be completed in August

Demolition work has begun at the former Ipswich Caribbean Association building.

The club, on Woodbridge Road, has been closed since 2010 following a shooting at a private function.

Ipswich Borough Council, which owns the building, also withdrew an annual £50,000 grant for the association, which has now folded.

The demolition will be completed by next month and create an extra 39 spaces for the council's neighbouring Cobden Place car park.

Albert Grant, a Labour councillor and founder of the Ipswich Caribbean Association (ICA) in 1975, said: "I'm extremely sad to see this, and all sorts of people have come up to me to say how sorry they are to see it go."

The council said the demolition should be completed in August and then archaeological work would take place.

A man was wounded and four others hurt during the shooting on 19 December 2009.

More than 300 people were in the club at a private function at the time.

Five men arrested in 2010 were released with no further action.