David Ruffley MP has today welcomed reports that St Edmundsbury Borough Council is exploring the compulsory purchase of the Lawson's building off Market Thoroughfare in Bury St Edmunds.

The Lawson's building is a key part of the area of buildings required to deliver the wider link between the Arc development and the existing town centre.

David said:

'This is extremely positive news. I was aware that St Edmundsbury Borough Council and their leader, John Griffiths, were doing everything in their power to make the desire for a wider link between the town centre and the new Arc development a reality.

'While the purchase of the Lawson's building would not guarantee the delivery of a wider link, it does make it a much more realistic prospect.

'More immediately this presents the opportunity to smarten up an area of the town centre that has detracted from the excellent offer of the existing town and the Arc development.

'It has long been my hope that these two areas of the town would be properly integrated and I am delighted we have moved a step closer to that.'