The Stoke Park estate in Ipswich is to get a bright new look after residents were consulted. Scores of residents turned out for the meeting to choose the colour for the balconies and the decision was to have silver panels with a blue handrail with three steel panels on each balcony.

Residents said that steel was a better choice than wood or plastic which could be easily damaged by fire or vandalism. Steel was also better for safety reasons and will have a life span of about 25 years with lower maintenance needs. It will also look more modern and if one panel is damaged it can be easily replaced instead of having to swop the whole balcony.