Waveney in Europe Funding for the region thanks to friends in Flanders Blooming Success Prizes galore for Waveney at Anglia In Bloom awards Serving the Community How Waveney is changing its approach to customers Christmas Collections Refuse news for the holiday season

SPIRITS OF Charles Normandale’s Spirits of Lowestoft now has pride of place in the town’s Station Square. This elegant competition winner was paid for by the Waveney Sunrise Scheme (a partnership between County Council, Council and the Lowestoft & Waveney Chamber of Commerce) with additional funding from the European Regional Development Fund and the East of England Development Agency. Welcome! Waveney Welcome everyone to the latest edition of In Touch, the magazine for residents across the District of Waveney. Winners! This magazine aims to provide YOU with a range of Waveney were netball to cricket. interesting stories and information from your local Council Providing an outlet for the and if it enables you to find out more about the services thrilled when the Suffolk Sports Partnership we provide then we will have achieved our aim. District brought (hosted by Waveney District home the Overall Council), a pre Games coaching programme, Waveney is a wonderful and diverse district and I am very Winners trophy involving over 400 children proud to be leader of this Council. I am also proud of the once again at the has been delivered across efforts of everyone associated with Waveney District 2006 Redrow Suffolk, introducing young

Council and their efforts to improve outcomes for us all. WAVENEY people to regular sporting Homes Suffolk activity and providing ongoing Youth Games! development opportunities so they can achieve their best. Claire Gallagher, the Council’s Councillor Wendy Mawer, Cllr Mark Bee Service Manager for Sports & Waveney’s Portfolio Holder for Leader, Waveney District Council. Leisure Development was Regeneration said “I would tasked with the co-ordination like to thank the support of Waveney’s representation received from all team and said: “To be overall managers, the Suffolk Sports winners once again this year Partnership and John Hughes is a great honour and is richly of the Lowestoft School deserved for the hard work Sports Co-ordinator Making payments and dedication that the team Partnership who once again managers, volunteers and made the Suffolk Youth coaches have shown.” Games a sporting success for Over 1000 youngsters aged Waveney. It was truly a day to between nine and sixteen and savour!” hundreds of supporters, Councillor Peter Collecott, You can now pay for most instructions. coaches, team managers and Waveney Representative on Council services without This service is available for volunteers from the seven Suffolk Sport Partnership said having to visit Council offices Council Tax, Business Rates, participating Suffolk districts, “I would like to thank our or sending a cheque! Housing Rent, Housing contributed to this well hosts St Edmundsbury for Payments can be made via Benefit Overpayment, Sundry established annual sporting staging an event to be proud Direct Debit or over the Debtor Invoices, Residents event, this year held in Bury St of. The new and improved telephone using our Parking Fines and Car Parks Edmunds. The Games Bury Leisure Centre provided automated service - just call Excess Charges. consisted of thirteen events a wonderful centre point for 01502 511805 and have your Both services are ranging from athletics to the days activity”. debit or credit card ready. Or available 24 hours a day you can head to the Council’s seven days a week except a website, short period between www.waveney.gov.uk/ 11.30pm and 00.15am each payments and follow the day. If you have any queries please call our payment helpline on 01502 523502. If you are required to leave a message you will get a response within one working Edited by Phil Harris. day. Designed by TMS Media. An additional charge of 1.5% is payable on Printed by Ancient House Press all credit card payments for Council Tax and on recycled paper. Business Rates payments. There is no surcharge if you use a debit card. Waveney’s young athletes celebrate success. 2 KEEPING WAVENEY PEOPLE

were also nominated finalists in the special award for the Blooming Success best community project for their work at the Townlands Green Play area. flew the acknowledges efforts to Cllr Stephen Ardley, flag for Waveney renovate and team-working to Portfolio Holder for at the recent improve the overall look of a Operations and Facilities town and this led to Beccles’ believes that praise must go “Anglia In Bloom” richly merited award. Projects to all those who work so hard awards picking this year have seen the to improve the look of our up the “most renovation of both the War towns. Memorial and Exchange “An enormous amount of

BECCLES improved town” Square in the centre of town. hard work goes into prize at the In total Waveney towns category. cultivating, designing and ceremony in received no fewer than 11 But it was Beccles who planting the flower beds and awards at the ceremony. stole the show, collecting a displays that you see around September. Lowestoft received a Silver special award for biodiversity Waveney and great thanks award overall and received thanks to the Crowford School and congratulations go to The town also received a the Drought Garden Special Planting Scheme to go with everyone involved in helping silver certificate in the Best award for the Roundabout at the overall town awards. They Waveney to look so good.” Town category much to the the North end of Castleton delight of Cllr Chris Punt, the Way. Beccles’ award recognises far more than just flowers including the renovation of Exchange Square. town’s Deputy Mayor. Lowestoft also received “This is a wonderful nomination awards “Best achievement and it is a real Conservation project at credit to the town to have won Gunton Woods, “Best these awards. The work that Community Project” (Kirkley has gone in to making Street) and “Best young Beccles look so beautiful persons project 12 - 18 years” brings a real sense of pride to (Harbour Pupil Referral Unit). the town and this recognition Meanwhile is thoroughly deserved.” achieved a Silver Gilt It is worth remembering that (between Silver and Gold) the competition does not just standard for their whole town recognise ‘blooms’, it also in the in the Small Town

A recent survey of that the results of the survey customers of show, in the majority of cases, Waveney’s service users are very In Good Health satisfied with the quality of the Environmental improved.” work, food safety, infectious service being given. Where Health Team has In the survey, customers diseases, port health, pest there have been adverse recorded high were asked questions about control and environmental comments, we will be working the type of service used, how nuisances. to address these and improve levels of easy it was to access the the service. In WAVENEY satisfaction with service and how well The satisfaction ratings for the aspects of particular, we aim customers were kept the service were: to improve our the service informed. They were also Ease in finding the right person 81% telephone provided. asked for suggestions on how Length of time kept waiting 86% answering times the service could be Friendliness of staff 90% and keep Most of the replies to an improved. Helpfulness of response 82% customers even online and postal Over 30 staff work in the Providing necessary information 83% more informed questionnaire sent to Environmental Health Team, about the customers who had used the covering the full range of Councillor Ken Sale, progress of their complaint or service, were full of praise for services including: noise Portfolio Holder for Built enquiry.” the work of the team. nuisance, air quality, Environment said, “The daily If you would like to One service user said, “The contaminated land, waste work of the Environmental comment on your experience staff have been very friendly management and recycling, Health Team, improving the of Waveney’s Environmental and efficient. Another added, fly tipping, antisocial environment and protecting Health Service visit our “The speed of response and behaviour, licensing, dog public health, often goes website at follow up could not have been control, health and safety at unrecognised. I am pleased www.waveney.gov.uk. 3 WITH NEWS AND EVENTS IN WAVENEY Survey Results

You may remember that in the last edition of In Touch we asked YOU the residents for your views on our WAVENEY plans for Waveney and our ambitions for the future provision of Council services.

We included two surveys, one relating to the Community Strategy or ‘plan’ for the area involving key partners such as the Police and Suffolk County Council, and the other focusing specifically on our own service to you - our ‘Strategic Direction’. Community Safety: 40.36% services and information most important in the And this is what you believe that a visible police In education, discipline ‘regeneration’ section while presence is most important, was believed to be the most consultation with the had to say! closely followed by the important issue with 56.09% community is a priority from tackling of anti-social ranking it the highest priority. the possible options in the Community Strategy behaviour and information and access part The strategy aims to explain On health matters, the Strategic Direction of the survey. how we can work closely improvement of healthcare The strategic direction is the Out of six key health issues, together on the key things facilities, particularly for our way Waveney District Council the provision of public that make up quality of life for ageing population, was prioritises its service delivery conveniences was ranked the community. It helps public considered a priority. based on the needs of its most important and the service bodies such as Housing matters are residents. By asking for your provision of affordable ourselves, the Police and the important to the people of views on what our priorities housing was top of 13 key Primary Care Trust to pool our Waveney and over 64% should be we can help to housing issues. understanding, knowledge believed that the provision of ensure that we attain the and experience of the area to affordable housing was most standards expected of us. Cllr Colin Law, Waveney’s create a vision for the district important and on the issue of 20.15% believe that Portfolio Holder for Corporate The environment: 47.1% of regeneration the need to Waveney District Council Governance would like to those asked believe that provide the infrastructure to should concentrate its thank those who took part in dealing with rising traffic support development was environmental energies on the survey: “This information levels is the first or second ranked highest by those who protection from pollution is extremely useful and this most important environmental took part in the survey. and when it comes to has been a very worthwhile issue facing public service The increased provision of community safety. exercise. We are a listening bodies. public transport is what Just under 48% rated the council and will now look to 31.75% believe minimising residents would like the CCTV service as most act on the findings for the the amount of waste community partners to do to important. benefit of everyone in collected is a priority. improve access to customer Economic development is Waveney.” 4 KEEPING WAVENEY PEOPLE Serving You Providing office at Clapham Road will in written correspondence Complaints standards. also be closing but customers and also complaints. The Individual Service area excellent will be able to use the cash standards are a very helpful standards. customer service office at the Town Hall in document providing advice How to use the Council’s to our residents Lowestoft, any Post Office, across the whole Council so telephone and fax systems. the Navigator Centre and the that our customers will receive Internet and electronic remains a top local offices in Beccles, a more consistent response.” communications policy. priority for Bungay and Halesworth. Data protection and Waveney District Residents will also have the The standards are as follows: Freedom of Information option of setting up a Direct implications. WAVENEY Council. Debit, make electronic or Telephone standards telephone payments and Aiming to answer The transformation of the The Council has been working information regarding these telephone within 7 rings or Council’s services will hard to improve the services it schemes can be found on the 20 seconds. continue over the next 12 delivers to its customers, Council’s website or by calling How to answer the phone. months and the Council including investments into 01502 523502. Further details Dealing with difficult hopes to have a more technology and staff training will be issued through the callers. comprehensive customer and now Waveney is taking local press and via notices in contact centre open in the advantage of an opportunity the Council offices. Written standards town centre of Lowestoft and to pilot new ways of delivering Cllr Colin Law, Portfolio Give a response within 20 smaller versions in Beccles, public access, in partnership Holder for Corporate working days. Bungay and Halesworth. with Suffolk County Council, Governance, believes that the Use Council stationery. If you have any concerns at the Lowestoft Library introduction of brand new Font and size of font to use. over where you are able to Navigator Centre. Customer Services Standards Responding to email access services or would like Cllr Mark Bee, Leader of at Waveney will also improve correspondence. any further information, please Waveney District Council, the way residents are dealt contact Waveney’s Principal believes the project will be a with by the Council. Face to face standards Service Manager for great success: “The Council “The recently introduced Dealing with customers Customer Services, Anne will have a presence in the Corporate Customer Service who are angry or upset. Panella on 01502 523 601. centre from November 2006 Standards include Dealing with home visits. enabling members of the performance targets for Ensuring services are The Town Hall is closed public who have both County responding to customer accessible for all our over Christmas but for and District enquiries to be enquiries over the phone and customers. emergencies please ring answered at the same time. 01502 523522. Alternatively “It is a priority of the Council the Navigator Centre will be to maintain a presence in the open as follows during the town centre of Lowestoft and Christmas period: this pilot provides us with an opportunity to trial some of Sat Dec 23 9am-4pm the new ways that customers Sun Dec 24 CLOSED will access our services when Mon Dec 25 CLOSED the Council relocates to the Waveney Campus building.” Tue Dec 26 CLOSED The Council has taken the Wed Dec 27 CLOSED decision to relocate some of Thur Dec 28 9am - 5.30pm its existing reception points, Fri Dec 29 9am - 5.30pm and this will mean that Sat Dec 30 9am-4pm Housing enquiries currently Sun Dec 31 CLOSED dealt with at Clapham Road Mon Jan 1 CLOSED will be resolved at the Tue Jan 2 9am - 5.30pm Navigator Centre. The cash 5 WITH NEWS AND EVENTS IN WAVENEY Whitton Wonders The once Residents Association in neglected and partnership with Whitton Life, Neighbourhood watch and underused Suffolk Police. Oakwood Councillor Bruce Provan, Community Field Waveney’s Portfolio Holder for Housing & Social Inclusion in Whitton has believes the project sets a been transformed fantastic example for others. in to an attractive “A group of determined people have brought about a community positive change to the area in LOWESTOFT garden with a which they live, for the benefit large emphasis on of the whole community and I would urge anyone with a attracting wildlife to similar vision to take the step the area - and has towards turning their ideas in been rewarded with a to reality. We are here to make it happen.” Oakwood Community Field. much sought after Green Pennant.

England’s best parks and green spaces were revealed recently by Liveability Minister Kay Andrews. A record 423 Green Flag Awards - the Good Food Guide national benchmark for quality ‘The Good Food which helps the environment. cabbage, cauliflower, beetroot, parks and green spaces - We have been working in swede, leeks, broccoli, have been awarded to sites Co-op’ which partnership with Waveney pumpkin, parsnips, turnip and across the country and a launched in Primary Care Trust, much more! further 74 Green Pennants September 2005 Community Education, The project is funded by the were awarded to sites run by Waveney District Council and European Social Fund and voluntary and community and is run on a numerous local community managed by SuffolkACRE. groups - including Oakwood. not-for-profit groups. Combine this with an Winners are judged to be basis, is making a amazing group of volunteers For further information, to find welcoming, safe and well and we have a project that is out about volunteering or maintained with strong real difference to run by the community for the where your nearest Good peoples lives in involvement of the local LOWESTOFT benefit of the community that Food Coop is contact community. This year, the 10th Lowestoft. will continue to grow and Lowestoft Community anniversary of the scheme, develop for many years to Enterprise on 01502 584854 has seen a 31 per cent rise in Membership is free come.” or 07967 054139. the number of winners, further and offers affordable, The produce is delivered to evidence of the renaissance fresh, local produce at six collection points within the of our parks and green community where a dedicated spaces highlighted by the the fantastic price of team of volunteers pack the National Audit Office earlier just £2.50 per bag! order into separate bags ready this year. to be picked up by the It received funding from the Project Officer Sophie Ward members. The contents of the Countryside Agency, says: “We have found that as bag vary with the seasons, so Doorstep Greens Programme, well as encouraging people to each week it is a surprise. Living Spaces, Suffolk County eat more vegetables there are Usually you will have potatoes, Council and Waveney District many other benefits. The carrots and onions along with Council and was developed produce is local and there is three or four other items - over by Whitton Tenants & no unnecessary packaging, the winter there has been 6 KEEPING WAVENEY PEOPLE

The Coastal Protection Scheme has Blue Flag Status received high praise from an organisation whose primary objective is the SOUTHWOLD preservation of the character and amenities in the town.

The Southwold and Reydon Society wrote to Project Manager Paul Patterson recently offering thanks to all involved in the scheme and calling the works ’marvellous’. “The beach now looks lovely, and so does the promenade with the levels for the elderly and disabled,” they said. “The Cllrs Sue Allen, Ken Sale (both left) and Wendy Mawer (right) celebrate Blue Flag status with Southwold Mayor Michael Ladd. Society consider it is a marvellous task well done and all involved should be congratulated.” This summer Cllrs Wendy Mawer, Sue Allen, Ken Sale and Town Mayor Michael Scheme Success Ladd celebrated the the pier and 8 timber months to minimise achievement of blue flag The Southwold groynes to the south with disruption, but will resume in status for 2006 at a Coastal Frontage around 72,000 cubic metres November. They will include ceremony on the beach. The Scheme, of dredged sand and shingle a new promenade to beach Blue Flag Campaign is an pumped ashore to restore a steps north of the pier and a initiative which recognises developed and protective beach. slope immediately south, clean, well-managed delivered by a The removal of old groyne together with new concrete beaches that promote partnership of ruins took longer than steps at each groyne to coastal environmental care. anticipated to complete. This allow safe access at all ENCAMS European Blue Waveney District has required partial beach times. Those works will Flag Awards recognise Council (WDC) closures to remain in place require some short-term beaches throughout Europe, and the to protect bathers from localised promenade

which fulfil strict criteria SOUTHWOLD harm. In spite of this closures, which will be relating to both the water Environment inconvenience the new publicised beforehand. quality and the surrounding Agency (EA) to beach and improved Cllr Ken Sale, Portfolio beach area. provide a higher promenade has been well Holder for the Built Councillor Wendy Mawer, used under the watchful eye Environment said: “This Waveney’s Portfolio Holder standard of protection of the Waveney Lifeguard fantastic scheme will for Economic Regeneration to more than 700 team who have done an safeguard the future of many said: “This ceremony not properties against excellent job managing hundreds of properties and only celebrates the retention public safety while providing will help preserve a truly of blue flag status but also flood and erosion a point of information for beautiful stretch of Waveney the excellent progress of the risks, is substantially visitors. coastline. It is an excellent coastal scheme, the wide complete. Works to improve public example of good partnership stretches of beach now open access to and along the working and everyone and the overall benefit to Eight new rock groynes have beach were suspended involved should be warmly Southwold and the region.” now been installed north of through the peak summer congratulated.” 7 WITH NEWS AND EVENTS IN WAVENEY Sun Sets on the Sunrise Scheme The Waveney Somerfield’s car park from the Battery Green roundabout. Sunrise Scheme, And as of July 21st the which is provisions of the special approaching its traffic control zones in London Road North (LRN), conclusion, has Milton Road East to Police benefited from Station Rd, Regent Road to four grant Police Station Road, The

WAVENEY Marina, and Bevan Street schemes to help East came in to force. These the regeneration provisions include no parking of dilapidated in all zones except in the marked bays, restriction of buildings in the area. deliveries to before 10am and after 4pm in the LRN The main grant fund was pedestrian zone and the the £851k Heritage Lottery final stage of construction be found under the Gyratory permission of cycling before Fund that targeted buildings works commenced on 31st Loop project heading at 10am and after 4pm in the with specific heritage value. July. The proposals include www.waveneysunrise.org.uk LRN pedestrian zone. This fund has enabled fifteen converting Katwijk Way, On Gordon Road the Cllr Wendy Mawer, Portfolio buildings to be improved, Station Square and Waveney traffic calming measures are Holder for Economic eight of which had more Road to two-way roads, now complete. Only buses, Regeneration is delighted with extensive work done enabling pedestrianising Suffolk Road taxis, disabled badge holders, the progress being made. five shops and eighteen between the Bevan Street exit permit holders and deliveries “Paul Moss and his team dwellings to be brought back and Bon Marche and (before 10am and after 4pm) have done a fantastic job and into use. A ten-bedroom hotel extending Clapham Road are now permitted to pass as we reach the conclusion of was created from former South to join Denmark Road. through. Access to the bus what has proved to be a huge stables used originally as Completion of the gyratory station can be gained from undertaking, Lowestoft and revenue offices and major loop work is scheduled for the Gordon Road roundabout Waveney is really feeling the improvements are also being March 2007 and full plans can on Katwijk Way and to the benefit.” carried out to the Grade II listed Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club. The other three funds were South Lowestoft Buildings Fund, Central Lowestoft General Buildings Fund and Kirkley Premises Caravan Delight General Building Fund, In September Waveney and Cllr would allow space for touring which had a total grant and static caravans as well as value of £109K. The thirty- Waveney District Mark Bee, Leader of designating part of the site to nine grants offered under Council finally Waveney District public open space and Cllr these funds targeted repairs took the decision Council is delighted. Stephen Ardley, Portfolio and the restoration of original Holder for Operations and architectural features in to sell North Facilities is delighted that buildings within the Denes caravan “This Council took a decision work can get underway to conservation area. some years ago that the site and bring in a improve the area. All construction works caravan site was “This has been a under the Sunrise scheme are private operator substandard. Something painstaking process, but I am scheduled for completion by to develop part of needed to be done and LOWESTOFT 100% satisfied that this April 2007, bringing the something needed to change. the site. course of action is the best largest regeneration project in This is by far and away the available for the site and for the region to a close two Meanwhile, over best way forward for North the people of Waveney. It is a months earlier than previously half of the original site Denes and we look forward to neglected area ready to be expected. Individual works at its much needed will be designated as transformed and I for one or near completion include: regeneration.” cannot wait to see the The A12 North Lowestoft public open space for Members voted by 28 to 10 results.” Gyratory loop where the the people of to lease out the park, which 8 KEEPING WAVENEY PEOPLE

Christmas Collections With Christmas Recycling Centres in the district will be open everyday from 8 Bin Day falling on a am till 4pm except for weekday this year Christmas day, Boxing Day and the collection of New Years day. For more information on your nearest site Blue and Black call 0845 606 6067. Bins will be altered Waveney also has over 80 Chips over the Christmas bring sites for recyclables WAVENEY and New Year around the district, a full list Waveney’s local can be found on the Waveney media could not Period. website at: www.waveney.gov.uk get enough of the On Christmas week those bins For further information, or “chips in bins” which would have be collected recycling queries contact us on story back in on Monday 25th will be emptied our helpline: 01502 523561 or on the previous Saturday, while email: September and all others will be emptied a day [email protected] this interest later than usual. On New Year Green WAVENEY generated week all bins will be emptied a Christmas is coming the bins day later than usual. Please are getting Fat! considerable take a few minutes to check We all know how much extra debate. Nevertheless, which collection day your bins waste we produce at Christmas Waveney District will be emptied. time, extra food, packaging, Waste Any waste put out that is not wine bottles, wrapping paper. Council’s position contained in the proper wheelie But how should we be dealing Following last remains absolutely bin (“side waste”) will not be with this extra waste? year’s suspension clear. collected. For full details of what can of Green Bin If you have any extra waste go in you bins go to: “The Council currently has no the Household Waste and www.waveney.gov.uk Collections for the winter season the plans whatsoever to begin Wrapping paper, using the technology and if Blue Bin Christmas cards Council has we ever do the public will be kept fully informed of our Hard plastic packaging, reviewed its

Blue Bin WAVENEY cardboard packaging collection plans,” says Cllr Ken Sale, Portfolio Holder for the Built Real Christmas trees Chop them up and put them in your Green Bin arrangements. Environment. “We want the Holly, Ivy, Mistletoe Green Bin public to be reassured that How about a home composter, call us for Vegetable peelings, This winter Green Bins will be they will be regularly updated more details. (don’t put kitchen waste in and fruit peelings collected on a request basis. every step of the way and a your green bin) From Monday 18th December full consultation process will Glass bottles Take them to your nearest bottle bank 2006 those householders who take place. Plastic Christmas Blue Bin still require their Green bins “If the technology is ever decorations emptied will be able to switched on, it will only be Old Christmas Lights Black Bin contact the council for the used to monitor trends in Drinks cans Blue Bin ‘request service’. particular areas and help Fibre-optic Trees Black Bin This will mean their Green educate people about the Bin will be emptied as usual. benefits of recycling. These Normal Collection day Christmas Collection day It is hoped that this will lead to are not ‘bugging’ devices and Monday 25th December Saturday 23rd December efficiency savings on do not transmit information. Tuesday 26th December Wednesday 27th December collections, vehicles and They would merely allow us, Wednesday 27th December Thursday 28th December crews during this period of when linked to a computer, to Thursday 28th December Friday 29th December traditional low amounts of measure the weight of bins Friday 29th December Saturday 30th December garden waste. Full collections and learn more about the Monday 1st January Tuesday 2nd January Tuesday 2nd January Wednesday 3rd January will restart on Monday 5th amount of recycling taking Wednesday 3rd January Thursday 4th January March 2007. For more place in our district. This is Thursday 4th January Friday 5th January information on this service not about charging, or Friday 5th January Saturday 6th January phone 01502 523460 or email monitoring individuals but [email protected] or about helping communities to Please remember that all bins should be out for collection by 7.00am and that Blue and Green bins containing the wrong material cannot be emptied. look out for more details in look after our environment the local press. and our planet.” 9 WITH NEWS AND EVENTS IN WAVENEY The Waveney Prospectus The regeneration provide the business case for 3-5 year regeneration plan of Waveney covering Lowestoft, depends on and the Market inward investment Towns. Waveney residents will be and with that in fully consulted regarding the mind, Waveney look of the Prospectus and District Council - in work is due to start shortly for

WAVENEY completion in Spring 2007. For partnership with further information, please the East of contact: economicregen@ England Development waveney.gov.uk Halesworth is part of a 10-year regeneration plan. Agency, the Waveney Economic Partnership and the Waveney Community Forum - is A European Union considering the development of a Waveney District areas have much in common in To date £23.7 million has relation to coastal towns and been committed to the Waveney ‘Prospectus’ Council is making to help ‘sell’ the towns their communities. Waveney is Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth new friends in looking forward to working with sub-region and the next cycle of Lowestoft, Beccles, Europe. WDC is the towns and surrounding of programmes are now being areas along the Flemish developed for 2007 to 2013. Bungay, Halesworth working with and Southwold while coastline for the mutual benefit The focus of future EU Suffolk County of all involved.” programmes relevant to agreeing a 10-year Council (SCC) to The European Union’s Waveney will be on

WAVENEY Structural Funds support social competitiveness and plan for their access a new regeneration. and economic restructuring employment. Future funding European Union across the EU. They account will not be limited to specific for over one third of the clusters of wards as has been There have been very few funding programme European Union budget and the case to date. Some funds studies that take a coordinated that will link regions are used to tackle regional available to Waveney will also approach to explore the across the southern disparities and support require co-operation with other particular or specific needs of regional development. EU areas. the market towns and rural North Sea. areas, in relation to investment Fun in West Flanders. and community regeneration. To prepare for the programme This is an area of work, which Waveney is ‘getting to know’ its is much needed and which will near neighbours across the assist with attracting sea and has recently investment and funding in the established links with West future. Flanders following a 10-year The Waveney Prospectus will relationship between SCC and consist of two elements: the Belgian region in which The Economic Investment Suffolk has shared its Framework which will map experiences of supporting current and planned activities market towns and West ahead of an agreed action plan Flanders has reflected on its for investment for the next 5-10 experience of rural policy years. planning. The Community Cllr Wendy Mawer, Portfolio Regeneration Framework will Holder for Economic develop the priorities and Regeneration said: “The two 10 KEEPING WAVENEY PEOPLE

advantage we have for the oil and gas industry. This together with the quality of life in the eastern region of Waveney and Devoting our Energy Great Yarmouth offer an exciting future for any company wishing The energy sector supply chain activity relating to “This partnership has to expand and relocate.” is a vital exploration and production. previously provided a platform Many of the companies In 2005 over 32,000 for 20 companies from across operating from the sub-region contributor to the attendees travelled from 108 the region to showcase their are well known in the industry local economy countries worldwide. The East skills and expertise to a global and have been in the area since providing of England adopts a audience,” says Councillor the pioneering days. These collaborative approach featuring Wendy Mawer, Portfolio Holder companies have grown and hundreds of jobs a strong sub-regional presence for Economic Regeneration now operate on a global scale. and injecting courtesy of a partnership (pictured below with WDC’s Waveney District Council and its WAVENEY millions of pounds between Great Yarmouth Rob Fisk and Steven Wood). partners will be working with Marketing Initiative (GYMI), “Our sub-regional brand has these companies to help ensure into the area and Waveney District and Great everything the industry needs, the industry in the region Waveney District Yarmouth Borough Councils together with proximity to the continues to prosper and Council is proud of the and the East of England Energy Southern North Sea and Europe benefit from future Group (eeegr). and the unique geographical opportunities. role it plays in promoting the region to potential investors.

Waveney’s Regeneration team supports this sector at a number of high profile events including the Offshore Europe gathering - the largest oil and gas conference and exhibition outside North America. The biennial event features over 1500 companies covering all aspects of the industry and

The Waveney of individual car journeys. Waveney District Council Campus project is Leader Mark Bee said: “This making excellent Campus progress building will be the example progress with which other buildings with the only two ‘public service have on Lowestoft and the Urban Regeneration confirmation of villages’ in Suffolk. wider Waveney economy. Company area will need to the preferred Aedas (www.aedas.com) The project has very follow, not only in location and the are internationally renowned challenging sustainability architectural scale but also in

WAVENEY architects who have been performance with lighting green credentials.” appointment of involved in many landmark obliged to produce less than All three organisations, architects to buildings, including: Greater 25% of the carbon emission Waveney District Council, oversee the design London Authority Building, of the whole building whilst Suffolk County Council and near Tower Bridge London; 90% of wood used during Cefas, involved in this project and operation of the University of Connecticut; construction and as part of are now looking at their new building. Hilton Plaza, Beijing. the building must be from business processes and One of the major legal and recycled and/or operational activity. The three The new building is intended challenges for the design will sustainable sources. organisations are ensuring to provide a brand new state be the sustainability of the In addition to these that the services they are of the art base for Waveney building, not only in relation examples, a Green Travel able to share are brought District Council, Cefas and to the materials and running, Plan will be developed so together to provide best local offices for Suffolk but also its impact on the that people using the building value, but also taking the County Council. It will enable immediate surroundings, and will be able to use the most opportunity to improve Waveney to improve its importantly in relation to the sustainable transport business practice that a new service to customers, make wider regeneration available which will building of this type real efficiencies as one of credentials this project will encourage the reduced use demands. 11 WITH NEWS AND EVENTS IN WAVENEY

quality housing right across the district. The Council would like to Housing Matters hear from you if you are aware of any properties that As well as being private landlords to secure as have been empty for long much accommodation as periods or if you are a tenant the provider of possible to meet local needs in a property in multiple service to their tenants. 4,000 homes in and this is an area that we occupation and you are Similarly, if you have been a the area, intend to focus on in coming concerned about your living user of the Housing Options months.” conditions, please contact the service or had contact with Waveney District Another of Waveney’s most Council on 01502 563155 for the Housing Options advisors Council also plays challenging issues is that of further information. the Council would really like to a vital role in housing in multiple Waveney also wants to hear how the experience was occupation. This means that WAVENEY establish positive links with for you. Please request a terms of looking any property which is the vast majority of private customer feedback form on at the whole of occupied by more than one landlords who provide a good 01502 523141. the housing scene household, is subject to specific standards and it is and planning for the the responsibility of the local future in order to meet authority private sector current and projected housing team to ensure that the properties are safe and needs. Involving Tenants - kept in a good state of repair. Similarly, the private sector On a day-to-day basis, the team are engaged in bringing strategic housing team deal empty homes back into use The Next Step with some of the most difficult and in making disabled issues that face any local facilities grants to people who involvement as well as authority. There is an qualify, for adaptations to be Following the training to ensure tenant increasing problem of carried out on their homes. overwhelming representatives are informed homelessness and the team Over the next year the support by and competent when dealing work in a highly pressurised strategic housing team will be with housing issues. and often emotionally draining taking a detailed look at the tenants earlier this To check that the Council environment, helping many of privately rented stock in the year to stay with complies with its part of the the most vulnerable members district as the Council aim to the Council, steps Compact, a monitoring group of the community. meet the Governments target has been established Cllr Bruce Provan Portfolio of meeting the Decent Homes have been taken WAVENEY composed of tenants and Holder for Housing and Social Standard for the sector. to try and involve some Council officers. Cllr Inclusion said: “We are Colleagues in the housing tenants more in Bruce Provan, Portfolio Holder working very hard on the management team are for Housing and social prevention of homelessness already working hard to the housing service Inclusion said: “This is a first and this helps to stem the ensure that the Council’s own they receive. for Waveney District Council, root causes of the problem, at stock will be fully up to the and we are immensely proud the outset. We are very keen Decent Homes Standard and The Tenant’s Forum, which is to support an initiative to work with a wide range of it is important to see good a collection of interested undertaken solely by tenants.” tenant associations and tenants, have been working If you are a Council tenant hard with a tenant advisor and want to be more actively who is independent of the involved we want to hear from Council to develop something you. Please telephone our called a Tenant’s Compact. Tenant Participation Officer This Compact recently on 01502 523145. received approval by councillors and is a step change in relations and tenant involvement for the Council. It makes a commitment to allocate resources for greater participation, and aims to provide a variety of ways that tenants can be involved. The Compact also makes a commitment to fund tenant 12 KEEPING WAVENEY PEOPLE All Year Round After one of the Waveney operates an array of hottest (and leisure facilities throughout the district. wettest) summers Facilities open all year draws to an end, round include: it is worth Waveney Sports and Leisure Centre Southwold Harbour. remembering that Waveney Valley Pool Phoenix Pool harbour users have been while there are a WAVENEY The Marina Theatre drawing up a proposal aimed number of Southwold Harbour Southwold at sustaining, and improving summer-only Beccles Public Hall the fishing industry within Halesworth Public Hall Southwold. facilities available to Suggested improvements enjoy, there is plenty Fishermen If you would like to know more include the introduction of a more to do all the year about Waveney District new fishing dock in replace of Council’s Leisure facilities, call the current dock wall, the round! Stuart Everitt on 01502 523681. aim to building of an ice and cold Marina Theatre. store and creating electricity supplies to fishing huts and Catch EU stages. It is hoped that the new facilities will improve the industry within the town, whilst Grant creating other economic benefits for Southwold and Waveney district. Southwold The funding is highly fishermen and competitive with only £5 harbour users are million available throughout England and Wales but the crossing their working group are hopeful fingers in the their hard work will prove hope their hard successful. Cllr Ken Sale, Portfolio work will attract Holder for the Built £1.71 million of Environment said, “The EU Fisheries working group have worked

SOUTHWOLD extremely hard over the past funding to twelve weeks to make the bid Funding Facilities happen. If successful it will be Southwold. wet changing facility. down to the excellent Over the past six The improvement partnership working and Waveney has submitted a bid months Waveney programme has moved onto dedication of the local to the EU aimed at improving its second area of the facility. community. This bid has been working facilities for Southwold It is currently in the process of demonstrates Waveney’s fishermen. Over the past 12 hard to improve completely rebuilding the dry commitment to partnership weeks a working group the changing changing facilities. These working in helping to consisting of Local fishermen, improvements are part of a regenerate our community.” facilities within Southwold Town Council and rolling programme that aims one of its oldest to improve the facility and Waveney Valley Pool. leisure centres. make it more enjoyable and accessible to the whole

LOWESTOFT Waveney Sports and community. Leisure Centre in Water It is hoped that in the next Lane Lowestoft has issue of In Touch magazine recently been subject to an we will be able to announce extensive improvement new improvements planned programme that has already for the leisure centre and seen the opening of a new other facilities with Waveney. 13 WITH NEWS AND EVENTS IN WAVENEY

Carol Service

The Chairman’s and Mayor’s Joint Carol Service Tourism Seminar takes place on Tuesday 12 In Early December at St Peter and September St Johns Church in Kirkley. This popular event officers from commences at 6pm and we Culture, Tourism look forward to seeing as and Sport many people as possible for what promises to be an hosted a group enjoyable evening. of Tourism Managers from areas with LOWESTOFT similar sized Arts and resorts, these included officers Heritage from Hastings, Following the Morecambe, adoption of the Swansea, Felixstowe Cultural Strategy, and Hunstanton. Waveney is set to The Group met as a part of appoint an officer Destination Performance - with the remit of UK (DPUK) (which is a national association). The developing Arts WAVENEY meetings provide officers and Heritage in from similar destinations the the area. The opportunity to meet, discuss and resolve shared Summer Success position, which is part funded by Arts East, issues. It was the first time Waveney District Meanwhile, Newlands Country that DPUK had met in House in Southwold won the will be recruited this Council Leader Lowestoft and officers in gong for best B&B Autumn and the attendance were given a Mark Bee accommodation to complete successful candidate tour of the seafront and believes that an impressive hat-trick for the regeneration areas. district. is expected to take up tourism in Discussion in the meeting “With the weather their post in centred around managing Waveney is encouraging more and more December/January. the proposed changes to getting the people to take their holidays beach awards, identifying in this country, I believe that WAVENEY issues that will arise recognition it there are few nicer places to Areas of work will include following changes in deserves visit than Waveney and these working with the Arts and accommodation grading, following the success awards vindicate that. Heritage sectors developing future joint research and “Local people and and expanding the existing critically how individual of three local businesses have worked offer in partnership, as well as seaside towns were businesses at the extremely hard to welcome taking an active role in changing to accommodate recent Suffolk Tourism visitors to the area and a delivering actions from the present and future visitors. summer holiday in Waveney is cultural strategy. Awards. becoming a more attractive If you would like further proposition with every year For further information information on DPUK Africa Alive! the safari that passes. regarding Cultural please contact Asa adventure park at “I would like to personally Development in Waveney Morrison - Principal Service Kessingland won the much congratulate the award please contact Asa Morrison - Manager - Culture Tourism coveted Best Attraction award winners and thank everyone Principal Service Manager - and Sport 01502 523332 or while Heathland Beach associated with the Waveney Culture Tourism and Sport email: Caravan Park - won the award tourism industry for their 01502 523332 or email: [email protected] for best Holiday Park. continued efforts.” [email protected] 14 KEEPING WAVENEY PEOPLE

Events throughout 2006 have received great reviews with local and national press. Well done Quite a Year! to Hektor Rous Air Festival, the main event Provisional dates for 2007 If you are thinking of WAVENEY and Mean Fiddler on the Sunrise Coast are: organising a public event in Music Group for entertained more than four Beccles Carnival - 21st the future and would like it to hundred thousand people be featured on our website or the very successful July to 23rd July 2007 from all over the globe. This (1pm-11pm daily) would like to book WDC land Latitude Festival that 10th anniversary show was please call a member of our won BBC6’s 2006 the biggest and most diverse British Open Crabbing team on 01502 523335 or show to date with 40 displays, email: Best Festival, Best Championship - 5th 38 Aircraft and hundreds of August 2007 (registration at [email protected] Alternative Festival stalls. The event was 2pm) and Best Overall commentated by aviation historian Tim Callaway and Facilities. Eastern Haze - 4th and 5th co-commentator and local August 2007 radio host Tom Kay. Thanks More than a thousand and praise must be given to Latitude Festival - 13th July Motorcycles joined Eastern all involved as it just gets to 15th July 2007 (TBC) Lights Motorcycle bigger and better every year! Cavalcade for their annual Special 10th Anniversary Lowestoft Seafront Air rally between Norwich and DVD’s of the festival are Festival - 26th and 27th Lowestoft this year. They available from the Lowestoft July 2007 attracted several thousand Tourist Information Centre. spectators and many more The list could go on, but as Lowestoft SeaFayre - 16th lined the streets along their the new-year draws ever June 2006-09-21 route as the event provided a closer, organisers are hard at great day for all while raising work preparing for next year. money for charity as the Sea Events for 2007 will be King Search and Rescue detailed on our website - Helicopter staged a call out www.visit-sunrisecoast.co.uk with help from a smoking and the Sunrise Coast Events fishing boat in shore. Guide 2007 published for The Lowestoft Seafront Easter next year.

absolutely fantastic news for football Premiership and I am the theatre, Lowestoft and the certain that people from people of Waveney. At last across the district will be Blood Brothers our audiences do not have to delighted with this truly travel hundreds of miles in wonderful news.” It’s home to the starring Ruth Madoc search of high quality musical Royal and now it has entertainment, I am delighted Blood Brothers will be at the Philharmonic announced the and extremely honoured to Marina Theatre for just one have been able to secure this week from March 26. For Orchestra, biggest theatrical terrific production for the more information or to book regularly features coup in its one Marina.” seats, please contact the Box some of the top hundred year history - Cllr Stephen Ardley, Portfolio Office on 01502 533200. Holder for Operations and names from the Willy Russell’s Blood Facilities at Waveney is entertainment Brothers will be equally pleased. “Over the industry, is presented at past few years we have had

LOWESTOFT some spectacular productions currently Lowestoft’s Marina visit the Marina, in addition to preparing to Theatre next March. our residency with the Royal welcome the national Philharmonic Orchestra, but Service Manager for Venues at this is just huge! The Marina is touring production of Waveney District Council, firmly establishing itself in the musical, Annie, Martin Halliday said: “This is theatrical equivalent of the 15 WITH NEWS AND EVENTS IN WAVENEY Knowing the Score The 2006 Scores Race, Britain's most easterly hill race. The Scores Lowestoft Scores Race was resurrected in Race, now in its 1996, the first since the 1930's eleventh year, is and the event has now been running for 11 years, six years one of the most under the management of unique road races Waveney District Council and in the country. more recently Waveney Valley Athletics Club with This hugely sponsorship being generously popular event, provided by Bird’s Eye. The LOWESTOFT attracting top event is also supported by the runners, saw entry Market Traders Association. This arduous 4.75 mile race whose support is vital to the First across the line was starts from Lowestoft’s historic continuation of this event and numbers once again David Miller, representing the High Street, along a fairly level for that Waveney District exceeding the 200 Woodbridge Shufflers, in a course to Links Road, followed Council is extremely grateful. mark, including teams very good time of 26 minutes by 13 scores - includes 409 Huge thanks also go to and 28 seconds. Once again, steps - finishing at the Triangle Waveney Valley Athletic Club and individuals. the first female to finish in 33 Market, High Street. for their superb organisation minutes and 30 seconds was Our thanks must go to the and management of this Each year Waveney District Denise Doddington, race sponsors this year - as in highly successful annual Council hosts the Lowestoft representing Unilever. previous years - Bird’s Eye, event.

hectares of land immediately People who value their available for redevelopment in environment, place and Lowestoft and 75 hectares in quality of life will want to live Great Yarmouth, the here” proposals also include the Further consultation on the development of around 3,000 Area Action Plan will take homes in the two towns place early in 2007 after which (1,200 in Lowestoft and 1,800 it will be submitted to the in Great Yarmouth). Government for approval. 1st East Chief Executive, Meanwhile 1st East is setting Philip Watkins said: “Our up a community forum to vision is to make allow local people to Lowestoft and Great get more involved. Yarmouth great places to live, work If you would like to and visit, join a community building on the forum you can do so 1st East Update unique by logging onto the 1st opportunities of our east East website at: Ideas from the 1st East, the urban coast location. Our plan www.1steast.co.uk or by community and regeneration company for supports business growth and picking up a freepost card (no Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth in particular aims to build stamp required) at your local our schools have (URC) aims to turn derelict expertise in the environmental council office or library and helped to shape and brownfield land into a economy, on and offshore. posting it. jobs oasis with the regeneration regeneration plans and is plans for grateful to the community for Lowestoft getting actively involved in its approved by consultation earlier this year. 1st East predicts the plans How to get in touch Waveney District submitted will have the LOWESTOFT Council during the capacity to achieve and even Let us know what you think of this publication Summer. exceed its target to create Post: Town Hall, High Street, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 1HS. 2,000 new jobs in the two Tel: 01502 562111 Fax: 01502 589327 towns by 2011. With 45 Email: [email protected] Website: www.waveney.gov.uk 16 Designed and produced by TMS Media • 01493 662929