July 2025 Town and Parish Newsletter
Emergency Services & Public Safety
- New Fire Control Room: Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service launched a high-tech control room in Ipswich, improving 999 response times and resilience.
- Extreme Heat Plan: Measures activated to manage heat-related emergencies, including collaboration with farmers for wildfire readiness.
- Fire Extinguisher Alert: Urgent call for checks on foam extinguishers due to new chemical safety regulations.
- Felixstowe Fire Safety Case: A developer and director were sentenced for ignoring fire safety enforcement at a residential block.
Community & Education
- Sustainable Upgrades: Libraries and schools in Suffolk receive funding for low-carbon heating and energy efficiency improvements.
- Youth Justice Plan: Focuses on reducing youth crime and improving outcomes through restorative practices and community engagement.
- Joseph Conrad Project: A creative initiative explores the author’s time in Lowestoft, highlighting themes of migration and identity.
- Junior Road Safety Awards: Pupils recognised for promoting road safety in schools and communities.
Transport & Infrastructure
- Ipswich Northern Route Debate: Cllr Chris Chambers responds to MP Jack Abbott’s petition, outlining past efforts and current barriers.
- Summer Road Maintenance: Over 62,000 metres of road treated; trial of Lockchip sealant to improve durability.
- Government Scheme Response: Suffolk County Council criticises lack of new transport investment and calls for strategic talks.
- Transport Review: A comprehensive review is underway to secure future infrastructure funding.
Public Transport
- Bus Route Expansion: £2.8m Local Authority Bus Grant funds new and improved services across Suffolk, including Sunday and evening routes, town services, and shopping links.
Environment & Sustainability
- Roman Villas Project: “Romans Unearthed” receives £169k from the Heritage Fund for archaeological research and community engagement.
- New Visitor Centre: A sustainable education centre opens at the Energy-from-Waste facility in Great Blakenham.
- Food Waste Processing: All Suffolk food waste to be processed locally at a new anaerobic digestion plant.
- Autonomous Vehicles Trial: Suffolk receives £75k for a feasibility study on self-driving shuttles.
- East Suffolk Trust (EaST): A new charity pledges £78m to boost biodiversity, funded by Sizewell C.
Governance & Local Government
- Council Reorganisation Debate: Suffolk County Council calls for transparency from district and borough councils over their “3-councils” proposal, advocating for a single authority model.