Heading in the right direction Praise for the Council in Audit Commission report.

Green Giants Waveney storms up the recycling ‘league tables’.

Time marches on Extensive repairs on Beccles clock faces completed. table to become one of the country’s leading recycling authorities. Best Value survey Now, according to Portfolio Holder for the Built Environment, Cllr Ken Sale, Waveney have greater targets in their A Waveney sights. District Council survey could He said: “These figures reward the hard work undertaken by the Council and its soon be dropping on YOUR communities. Recycling plays an essential doormat. role in our ‘green’ strategy and this table proves how seriously we view the Approximately 5,000 households in the importance of looking after our local area will shortly be asked to take part environment. But we will not stand still and in a ‘Best Value’ survey to measure the with almost every Waveney property now satisfaction of residents and service users involved in the scheme we want to be in with the quality of services delivered by Green the top 10 nationwide for the period Waveney District Council. The survey will 2005/06.” also gauge residents’ satisfaction more Such a target is achievable, according generally with a range of ‘quality of life’ to Cllr Sale, in spite of the suspension of issues in the region. Waveney’s garden waste recycling service User satisfaction surveys play a vital Giants over Christmas which, he explains, will role in understanding what people think only have a modest affect on the figures about local services - what’s working and Waveney District at that time of year. what’s not - and Waveney wants to listen Council has made fantastic He said: “The suspension ensured that to YOU. Answers will be sought on a wide a large number of freighters did not have range of questions covering topics such progress up the ‘league to collect what amounts to very little waste as waste collection, recycling, transport, tables’ that measure and this, in turn, allowed for essential recreational venues, customer services authority’s achievements in maintenance of the 18-strong fleet, and more. thereby saving possible off-road time later Surveys such as these also provide recycling. in the year when there would be far valuable data about how views of local greater demand. services change over time, including Waveney District Council has made “The ODPM figures should leave no-one people’s preferences and expectations. outstanding progress in its efforts to in any doubt as to our commitment to This information can help us shape, become a ‘greener’ authority according to recycling and this suspension, though not deliver and improve local services around national figures published recently. ideal, is a practical and pragmatic solution the needs and wishes of our communities. Having been rated 307th in a league to a situation that needed addressing.” So if a survey drops on to your doormat table of local authorities for recycling in For more information about recycling in - don’t miss your chance. This is a real the period 2003-04, Waveney has shot up Waveney call the Recycling Helpline on opportunity for you to have YOUR say. We the table to 22nd in the country with an 01502 523561 or go to the Council's will listen to everyone and look forward to impressive 34.26% of all household waste website: www.waveney.gov.uk the responses. recycled. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has produced the table of data showing household waste recycling and composting rates for English councils Useful Numbers Opening Times from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005. They Town Hall, Lowestoft ...... 01502 562111 include the recycling rate (dry Beccles Local Office ...... 01502 713113 Main Offices recyclables), composting rate (green Bungay Local Office ...... 01986 892176 Mon - Thurs waste) as well as the total amount of Halesworth Local Office ...... 01986 873162 8.30am - 5pm combined recycling and composting for Southwold Tourist Fri the year. Information Centre ...... 01502 724729 8.30am - 4.30pm Abandoned Vehicles ...... 01502 523361 Blocked Drains (Office Hours) . . . . 01502 523468 Local Offices “This progress proves Blocked Drains (Out of Hours) . . . . 07770 267055 Mon - Thurs how seriously we view Car Park Enquiries ...... 01502 523377 9am - 1pm & 2pm - 4.30pm the importance of Central Control ...... 01502 515435 Fri Council Tax Enquiries ...... 01502 523435 9am - 1pm & 2pm - 4.00pm looking after our East Point Pavilion and Tourist environment” Information Centre, Lowestoft . . . . . 01502 533600 East Point Pavilion Councillor Ken Sale Fly Tipping ...... 01502 523468 and TIC, Lowestoft Housing Benefit Enquiries ...... 01502 523436 Winter These figures are even more satisfying Housing Repairs ...... 01502 523593 10.30am - 5pm when you consider that Waveney was still Marina Theatre Box Office ...... 01502 533200 Summer only part way through introducing its MOT Station ...... 01502 565626 9.30am - 5.30pm proactive recycling scheme during this Pest Control Service ...... 01502 523101 Waveney Leisure Centre, Lowestoft period. Just 66% of households were Refuse Collection ...... 01502 523460 Waveney Valley Pool, Bungay actually covered by the scheme in May Waveney Sports & Leisure Centre . . 01502 569116 Ring for a timetable. 2004 and yet Waveney still climbed the 2 Heading in the right direction A report by the improve services and this assessment shows that the hard work is beginning to Councillor Mark Bee Audit Commission has pay off. There is clearly still much we need praised Waveney District to do and no-one will be resting on their Council suggesting a bright laurels, but I believe Waveney residents future ahead for the people can feel more confident that their Council is making genuine progress in its ongoing Welcome! of the region. efforts to create a safe, clean, attractive and prosperous environment for all our Waveney Leader Waveney District Council has received an communities.” Cllr Mark Bee has his sights encouraging report from the Audit Chief Executive Glen Garrod is equally set on a great year ahead for Commission following a recent Progress encouraged by the Commission’s Assessment review. findings. the District Council and its The report presents an analysis of the He said: “The positives in this review far residents. Council’s progress in the period following outweigh the negatives and after last last year’s Comprehensive Performance year’s assessment we have every reason Hello everyone and welcome to this latest Assessment (CPA) and compliments to be encouraged by the latest findings. It edition of In Touch Magazine. This edition Waveney for its better focus, streamlined shows that we are putting the necessary aims to bring you up to date with the priorities, good progress in priority infrastructure in place to genuinely Council's initiatives and achievements at services and for the profound effect of a improve outcomes for the people of the beginning of what promises to be a new management team. Waveney. challenging and exciting year for The Commission also believes that everyone. there is now better visibility both inside Prior to Christmas we received an and outside the Council, that performance “After last year’s encouraging report from the Audit is being managed more effectively and assessment we have Commission about the Council’s progress that difficult decisions are being faced and and you can read more elsewhere on this dealt with. every reason to be page. Suffice to say that this report shows Although the Commission suggests that encouraged by the we are starting to get things right and we it is taking time for residents to feel latest findings.” are confident that YOU will feel the tangible outcomes, it recognises that Chief Executive, Glen Garrod benefits. Waveney is now clearer about what needs Fantastic recycling figures indicate our to change and is working hard to make it commitment to looking after the happen. “There is still much to be done to reach environment and the building of a The Commission also confirmed that the high standards we set for ourselves breathtaking new Offshore Renewable this overall improvement ensures Waveney and for our communities but I am certain Energy Centre in Lowestoft will offer a real will not be subjected to a Progress that we are heading in the right direction boost for Lowestoft and its people. Read Assessment for under-performing with good people and partners capable of on to find out more. Authorities in the Spring. delivering the necessary improvements. We have also included a piece on the After the disappointment of last year’s introduction of state of the art computer assessment, which categorised the “And with early, un-audited, figures for systems to benefit residents, details of Council as “weak”, Leader Cllr Mark Bee 05/06 already showing significant other regeneration projects and believes these findings prove that improvement in performance, this, in information about exciting forthcoming Waveney is heading in the right direction. tandem with the report, presents clear events. I am sure that this latest edition He said: “The original CPA indicated evidence of an upturn in the Council’s will be both an informative and interesting that a lot of hard work was required to fortunes.” read. I hope you enjoy it! 3 College boost

An exciting accommodate the engineering relationship between development and is looking at the Waveney District Council possibility of opening up the Waveney Sports and Leisure Centre to students as and Lowestoft College is they work their way through college. aiming to secure a Cllr Wendy Mawer, Portfolio Holder for prosperous future for Regeneration and Environment, said the Council was supporting the expanding business in the region. college in other ways, primarily by working with the local business community. Efforts to end Suffolk’s brain drain and satisfy the skills needs of the county’s “The College’s business community are being helped by a partnership between Lowestoft College development will help and Waveney District Council. promote the economic Lowestoft College. As a Learning Centre Hub, the College regeneration of businesses need for sustainable will be an important part of University regeneration in areas like renewable Campus Suffolk, which is expected to take Waveney and Suffolk.” energy and electronics. We are working to its first students in 2007. Councillor Wendy Mawer identify what businesses need and helping The Council is backing the University for to set the educational priorities necessary educational development in Waveney as She said: “We recognise as a local to satisfy that need. We are raising well as supporting the College’s authority that the College’s development business awareness of the purpose of expansion which will include a new will help promote the economic University Campus Suffolk, how business engineering training centre. regeneration of Waveney and Suffolk. feeds into it, and what role business will Waveney has sold some land to “But we need to develop the skills that play in the future.”

health services and public involvement is much higher than in other areas. Healthy option? The new Urban Regeneration Company covers Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft and the two PCTs say that a Waveney and Great Yarmouth PCT would be better able Have your say to tackle their shared health inequalities and deprivation. Waveney and our health care? After all, services will still Following discussions with the four Great Yarmouth - a healthy be delivered locally. Group Leaders, Waveney District Council MPs for the area - Bob Blizzard (Labour) Chief Executive Glen Garrod has option. and John Gummer (Conservative) - point expressed support of Option 2, the Great to Waveney being underfunded and Yarmouth and Waveney PCT. Important and far-reaching changes to the marginalised under past county He said: “We view our local PCT as a way Waveney’s health services are administrations. They want decisions on strategic partner in improving life to our planned and managed mean that the health needs of the population, and communities. We are fully behind our Waveney Primary Care Trust (PCT) will financial control for strategic Waveney health partner that there should soon be replaced by a larger organisation. commissioning, to continue to be as local be one organisation for Waveney and Just what form that organisation will as possible. Great Yarmouth - a sub-regional Primary take is not yet settled but the Strategic They support Option 2, the creation of a Care Trust. We do not support the Health Authority (SHA) in Cambridge is Great Yarmouth and Waveney Strategic Health Authority’s perspective now carrying out a formal consultation on organisation, on the grounds that both that there should be a county-wide PCT. two options for the future: areas are already linked in so many ways. We have an agreed position on this with ● Option 1 places Waveney within a Waveney and Great Yarmouth PCTs our neighbouring authority Great Yarmouth Primary Care Trust covering the whole of work together as a natural health Borough Council and all political parties.” Suffolk. economy. They have jointly invested in Your views are very important, contact ● Option 2 creates a Primary Care Trust health, social services and social Waveney PCT on 01502 719 563 for for Great Yarmouth and Waveney and enterprise, sharing posts and details of the SHA consultation another one for the rest of Suffolk. management of services. Local doctors arrangements. Consultation ends on So why is this such a crucial moment for work closely with them in developing March 22. 4 Benefiting Bungay Waveney and Bungay Town Council are Waiting for currently consulting the public on the buses in Bungay town centre Bungay Enhancement Programme. and walking down to the The scheme will see the introduction of Yorkstone paving similar to that laid Visitor Centre at the historic around the Buttercross and a new Bigod Castle will soon be a bespoke bus stop with information much more enjoyable boards. Bungay Town Council will have the use of one side of the board to give experience if a new revamp details of initiatives such as the town’s is approved. tourist trail.

Access to the 12th century castle and its “This can only be good Visitor Centre is currently via an alleyway off the Market Place next to Swansons for the Town” pub. Councillor John Groom But visitors and local people have complained that the triangular area and bus stop should be refurbished because they don’t provide a suitable access to Ward Councillor for Bungay, John the Visitor Centre, which was created by Groom said: “We’ve looked at the plans Bungay Castle Trust. and the whole town council was very It was also undermining the impact of pleased with them. Anything that previous work carried out around the brightens up a corner that is in need of a Buttercross so Suffolk County Council, new look can only be good for the town.” Bigod Castle, Bungay. Time marches on Beccles church tower. at Beccles Time is marching of the clocks. It’s just a shame it took such on again in Beccles town a long time to find the money to do it.” Simon Michlmayr, of Norwich-based centre after experts clock and watchmakers S. Michlmayr & completed repairs to three Son, said the work was necessary decaying clock faces in the because the clock was no longer safe. The metal dials, which weigh 200 kilos market town’s church Bell each, were removed and completely Tower. restored.

The 100-year-old clock faces disintegrated “It’s absolutely splendid - they’ve just after a major refurbishment to the ancient landmark Bell Tower was finished done a fantastic job” and there was no more Heritage funding Town Councillor Dougie Peck to put them right. Since then the cash has been found The outside surrounds, or bezels, were and clock restorer Simon Michlmayr has renewed, treated and left open to the successfully restored them. weather to prolong their life and the Beccles Town Councillor Dougie Peck translucent glass replaced with perspex was delighted with the restoration. and built into the structure to add strength. He said: “It’s absolutely splendid. This has allowed more of the original They’ve done a fantastic job in rebuilding materials to be used to give the dials the wooden frames and the original faces more authenticity. 5 Artist captures spirits of Lowestoft An impressive represent the changing face of the town looking forward to the future but without new landmark sculpture is turning its back on the past. set to catch the eye in The judging panel from Suffolk County Lowestoft Town Centre. Council, Waveney District Council, the Chamber of Commerce, Lowestoft College Arts Department and the Civic Graceful images of birds in flight have Royal Plain fountains - award-winning spectacle. been chosen to capture the essence of Society were given the daunting task of Lowestoft after a combination of public whittling the 35 down to four before the voters and a panel of judges agreed the public and the panel were invited to vote Fountains find favour winning design for a new landmark in for their favourite. Station Square. And, independently of each other, both Fountains in Spirits of Lowestoft is the work of chose Charles Normandale’s design. Lowestoft have beaten off Councillor Pat Hawes, who was blacksmith artist Charles Normandale, stiff opposition to land a who is based at Burnham Overy in chairman of the selection panel, said: “A Norfolk. majority of both the electorate and the regional tourism award. panel picked the winning design independently so it was both a democratic “I think it will be a focal point The Fountains in Lowestoft’s Royal Plain, and unified decision. I think it will be a complete with impressive light displays, where people arrange to meet focal point where people arrange to meet are now award-winners having been one each other.” each other.” of six attractions shortlisted for this year’s Councillor Pat Hawes The landmark is expected to be Sunrise Coast Tourism Innovation Award. installed in June before which two local They were up against: the Lion House The stainless steel abstract sculpture, middle schools and two high schools will Enclosure at Suffolk Wildlife Park; the Main which is based on an initial design of be invited to get involved with the design Street Development at Pleasurewood Hills; swans in flight, will be erected on the and construction process through an Lowestoft Town Management Yorkstone paved area in the square. It will education programme taking place early Partnership’s Sunday Fundays; Corton be uplit at night and at five and a half in 2006. Coastal Access Scheme; and SLP’s metres high, will be highly visible to The installation will be funded as part of Lowestoft Wind Turbine (Gulliver). people driving down Road South the Waveney Sunrise Scheme, a However, the fountains emerged and arriving by train or taxi. partnership scheme delivered by Waveney victorious. Thirty-five artists entered a competition District Council, Suffolk County Council Collecting the award Paul Moss, to create a design which would be both a and the Lowestoft and Waveney Chamber Waveney Sunrise Scheme Project landmark and a meeting place. It had to of Commerce, with additional funding from Manager, said: “I’m extremely proud to be emblematic of Lowestoft today and the European Regional Development Fund accept this award on behalf of the and the East of England Development scheme. It is very nice to have the scheme Agency. Winning design by Charles Normandale. recognised in this way and to be able to play a fundamental part in encouraging tourism to the area.” Asa Morrison, Waveney’s Tourism Officer, said: "The Royal Plain Fountains have been a real hit with adults and children alike. As the evenings drew in the light displays were even more spectacular at dusk." “The Royal Plain Fountains have been a real hit with adults and children alike“ Asa Morrison, Waveney’s Tourism Officer Kevin Gee, Chair of Waveney Tourism Forum, and Councillor Wendy Mawer, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, presented the award at the Annual Sunrise Coast Tourism Conference 2005, which was held at the Hotel Victoria, Lowestoft. The award was developed as a project of the Waveney Tourism Forum Management Advisory Group to recognise outstanding innovative and outstanding contributions to tourism in Waveney. Sunrise Coast Tourism Marketing Partners 2005 voted for the award. 6 Lowestoft Air Festival Lowestoft’s Esplanade and around four hours of flying Seafront Air Festival will displays from military and civil aircraft during each afternoon. celebrate its 10th When the flying is over, Lowestoft anniversary with its biggest Esplanade will come alive with music and and best show yet. entertainment and a spectacular firework display at 10pm on Thursday will mark the end of the first day's festivities. Lowestoft’s Seafront Air Festival is 10 For the second year running, the years old and after last year’s highly responsibility for organising the festival is successful event, which attracted some in the hands of a new company, Lowestoft 350,000 people over two days, this year‘s Seafront Air Festival Ltd - an independent event promises to be one to remember. and voluntary business support group Flying displays for this spectacular working in partnership with Waveney event on July 27/28 won’t be confirmed District Council. until March but the main event sponsor, This non-profit-making company is Unilever Ice Cream and Frozen Food, is limited by guarantee for charitable on board again. purposes and those involved give their The two fantastic days of entertainment time voluntarily to run the event. start at 10am on Thursday, July 27, when It costs around £250,000 to stage an air the fun fair, amusements and wide variety festival and it can only go ahead with of market stalls, that line the promenade support from businesses and the general and Royal Green, open for business. The public. seafront will be equally busy the following Higher levels of donations will be day, with more fun on the prom and in the needed to cover the cost of the 2006 Become a Friend of the Air Festival skies. event and the company hopes that all the & receive special offers from Hughes There will also be a food village, beer local and national businesses that Electrical and other selected local tent, and other food outlets lining the supported the 2005 festival will again get businesses. behind this popular family attraction in For just £10 annual membership 2006. subscription, you and your family can Members of the public, as well as become Friends of the Air Festival and for voluntarily donating £1 per adult at the your valued support you will receive:- event, can show their support by ● A Friends of Lowestoft Air Festival becoming a Friend of the Air Festival for a certificate £10 annual membership fee. ● Access to the Lowestoft Air Festival For further Air Festival information visit: Website - Exclusive “Friends” pages www.lowestoftairfestival.co.uk ● A Souvenir Programme* For details of how to support the Air ● Two Friend of the Air Festival Festival as a business sponsor or Badges* corporate friend, contact Keith (*Both of these will be posted to you Moughton on 01502 523398. in July prior to the Air Festival)

Friend of Lowestoft Air Festival I would like to become a “Friend” and enclose my cheque for £10 Please make cheque payable to Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival Ltd (Please print clearly as the name(s) shown below will appear on the certificate) Surname (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Other) ...... Forename ...... Address ...... Postcode ...... Date ...... E-mail Address ...... Please return this completed form and your cheque for £10 to: Friends of Lowestoft Air Festival, 41 Tennyson Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 1PS www.lowestoftairfestival.co.uk 7 Lowestoft welcomes

Puccini’s beautiful and tragic love opera classic story La Bohème supplies some of the most sumptuous sounds in opera and it’s heading to the Marina Theatre, Lowestoft.

Moldova’s Chisinau National Opera is one of the few companies from the former Soviet Union to retain it own orchestra, chorus, soloists and ballet and it will be in town on Wednesday, May 31. Written in 1895, La Bohème is a classic tale of Parisian love and loss, featuring famous arias such as Your Tiny Hand is Frozen, They Call Me Mimi, and Muzetta’s Waltz. Puccini himself was said to have been moved to tears after writing the tragic ending to the story. The set reflects Bohemian art of the late 19th Century, with a stunning Cubist design backdrop and costumes by Alexandr Krivoshein, one of Russia’s leading designers, who has worked at the Bolshoi and Kirov. The Chisinau National Opera was formed in the mid-1940s, but came of age as a fully-fledged professional company in 1956 and was eventually ranked as one the top ten soviet opera companies, alongside the Kirov and Bolshoi. Built during the Soviet era, the opera house has superb equipment and facilities in a prominent building in the heart of Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. The company has enhanced its reputation abroad with foreign tours, particularly to the UK and Ireland, and its productions feature soloists from many countries. Ellen Kent’s production of La Bohème at the Marina Theatre features the soprano Irina Vinogradova in the lead role as Mimi and the soprano Rosa Lee Thomas, who sang in Ellen Kent’s opera productions at the Royal Albert Hall. Also performing are soprano Elena Gherman and the young soprano Maria Tsonina, who won the Vienna Opera House Young Opera Singer Competition. The international tenor Ruslan Zinevych, who performed with Pavarotti, will sing Rodolfo alongside the Ukrainian tenor Oleh Lykhach, who returns after his highly praised performances in La Traviata and the Barber of Seville in 2002. 8 Spring highlights at the Marina

Music, comedy, illusion and a thriller with more twists and turns than a corkscrew are among the spring highlights at the Marina Theatre, Lowestoft. Derren Brown brings his special brand of magic, suggestion, psychology and showmanship to the stage on Sunday April 23, in addition to a host of top names from the world Joseph to amaze at the Marina of entertainment. Here’s just a selection of what you can look forward to: The Marina Theatre, Lowestoft, presents Fri March 3 The Circus Of Horrors one of the biggest shows in Fri March 17 Phil Cool its one hundred year history on April 17 when Joseph Sun March 19 The Paris Can Can and the Amazing Technicolor Tues 21 & Wed 22 March Dreamcoat hits the stage. Two - A comedy by Jim Cartwright

Created by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Fri March 31 Webber, Britain’s top touring show will Charlie Landsborough in Concert have a six-day run at the Edwardian Theatre. Sat April 1 The Australian Bee Gees Bill Kenwright’s production of Joseph continues to enjoy huge success across Sun April 2 The Manfreds the country, with standing ovations at every performance. Boasting the liveliest, Sat April 8 Freddie Starr most energetic company of singers, dancers and actors you’ll ever see, Sun April 9 Sooty Joseph is brimming with non-stop action and laughter Mon April 17 - Saturday 22 Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his Joseph And The Amazing eleven brothers and the coat of many Technicolor Dreamcoat colours, the production marked the beginning of the legendary partnership Sun April 23 Derren Brown between and Tim Rice, who went on to write Jesus Christ Mon April 24 Jim Davidson Superstar and together. With a score that includes “Close Ev’ry Door To Wed 26 - Sat April 29 House Guest Me”, “One More Angel” and the - A Thriller by Francis Durbridge unforgettable “Any Dream Will Do”, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Sunday 30 April Dreamcoat reveals the brilliance behind A Night At The Musicals this partnership and the reasons for its phenomenal success. In addition to top live entertainment, Bill Kenwright, one of the world’s the Marina is home to Lowestoft’s best leading theatrical producers said: "It is value night out. Regular film showings hugely important for my company to on the Marina Big Screen are priced at establish new relationships with theatres just £2.50 per ticket. and audiences that we have not visited before.” Check local press for details or call Contact the box office on 01502 533200. 01502 533200. 9 June start for energy centre

Construction of by Lowestoft-based SLP Engineering, will Excellence for Offshore Technology. make the building a landmark for the area, The college has secured more than £1 an Offshore Renewable focusing attention as a million to inject over the next two years Energy Centre begins regional and national centre for the into offshore training in areas such as shortly providing a source offshore renewable energy industry. maintenance, process control, The centre will have facilities for staging instrumentation and computer technology. of ‘green’ energy and exhibitions and small conferences, and an offering a real boost to the area to promote knowledge-sharing local economy. between companies and organisations. It will also feature flexible open-plan office Construction of the Offshore Renewable accommodation over three storeys, Energy Centre (OREC) at Ness Point designed to attract innovative companies could make Lowestoft the offshore wind working in the field of offshore capital of Britain, according to Portfolio renewables. Holder for the Built Environment, Cllr Ken The town’s credentials as a leading Sale. energy centre have been further He said: "The offshore renewable enhanced by the announcement that energy centre will be a tremendous boost Lowestoft College has become the for regeneration in the region and over the UK’s first Centre of Vocational next few years will make the town the hub for businesses linked with this new industry." The East of England Development Artist’s impression of how Waveney’s Offshore Agency has provided £3.65 million Renewable Energy Centre will look. towards the OREC, with other contributions coming from European Regional Development Fund Objective 2 (£2.3 million) and Waveney District Council (£250,000). Suffolk County Council contributed land valued at £50,000.

“The Centre will be a tremendous boost for regeneration in the region.” Councillor Ken Sale

Construction work on the 2,947 square metre building is due to begin in June and will take about 17 months. An official opening is planned for Spring 2008. Its eye-catching design and proximity to the Ness Point wind turbine, constructed 10 Endeavour House, headquarters of Suffolk County Council in Ipswich.

As a bonus the move would free up a wide range of office accommodation Waveney campus latest including CEFAS’ Pakefield site and Lowestoft Town Hall, which stands in five Progress is will be improving customer access points acres of land. being made on a project in Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth, Lowestoft Cllr Mawer said a business case is and Southwold and it is currently talking to currently being prepared for the new which will both create a new Suffolk County Council, the police, Job building and potential partners are getting base for the Council and Centre Plus, health authorities and other together to discuss the new access improve customer access for central government agencies about points. It is hoped it will be completed by establishing a presence in these centres. 2008. Waveney residents Cllr Wendy Mawer, Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration, described it as Plans for a £40 million state-of-the-art an “exciting” project which would provide “This project will building to transform public services Waveney with an “iconic’ building capable improve customer throughout Waveney are making real of inspiring further regeneration in the access points by progress. district. Waveney Campus, as it is currently She said: “In a recent external audit we modernising facilities known, will be the new joint base for were told that our premises were not fit for and bring in a number Waveney District Council, Suffolk County purpose and it wasn’t an efficient way of of partners to try and provide Council and CEFAS (Centre for the operating so we have formed a Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture partnership with CEFAS and Suffolk more comprehensive public Sciences), which is now based in a former County Council to relocate. The building services.” hotel on Pakefield Cliff. will be of the highest environmental Councillor Wendy Mawer It would house some 1000 people in standards and will lead to cost savings 15,500 square metres and be modelled on and efficiencies. The project had received support from Endeavour House, Suffolk County “The project will be funded by loans and the East of England Development Agency Council’s recently built corporate grants and savings will be made through (EEDA) and the Department for headquarters. sharing services with the other partners. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs And it will be built on one of two “This project will improve customer (DEFRA). possible Lowestoft sites – the former Shell access points by modernising facilities She said: “It’s the first time local base at Commercial Road or the Riverside and bring in a number of partners to try government has got together with central Business Park. and provide more comprehensive public government to provide such a facility so it As part of the same project Waveney services in each of the locations.” will have national prominence.” 11 “I can see only benefit coming from this because it will result in safer car parking particularly in the multi-storeys.” Parking shake-up Councillor Stephen Ardley have approximately a five-minute walk to work. This strategy would keep town-centre to increase security traffic moving, attract more shoppers, support town-centre businesses and Car parks in the district are to receive important maximise the use of car parks on the investment for the benefit of residents and visitors. outskirts of the towns in areas such as Alexandra Road and Belvedere Road in Britten Centre car park. Lowestoft, and Blyburgate in Beccles. More than half a million pounds is to be reviewed and a new zonal approach to Cllr Stephen Ardley, Portfolio Holder for invested into car parking in a bid to bring Town Centre car parking developed in Operations and Facilities, said: “I can see extra security to multi-storey parking, conjunction with Suffolk County Council's only benefit coming from this because it upgrade the facilities and a new approach Traffic and Parking Strategy, has gone out will result in safer car parking particularly to a perpetual town-centre problem. to public consultation. in the multi-storeys. It will not only Lowestoft’s two multi-storeys at Battery If this three-year scheme wins public enhance security because we have added Green Road and the Britten Centre are to approval, it would see most town-centre provision for evening parking to support get extra security measures and increased car parks in the area become short stay, our local attractions like the Marina supervision as part of a scheme to make with longer-stay car parking provided Theatre and Hippodrome, but it will also the facilities more user friendly. within a short walk of the town centre. improve out-of-season parking for local There will be electronically monitored The reason for this is that lot of town- residents." ticket machines and alarms, more car centre space is being blocked all day by park inspectors and security work to people who are at work. Under the zonal Waveney District Council wants YOUR prevent unauthorised access. approach they would be using car parks views on these plans - get in touch by Off-street parking has been fully further away from the centre so they would calling 01502 523379.

that a robust funding package is put together to make this project a reality." Beccles takes the plunge District and Town Councillor, Jack Beccles is a step Walmsley, stated: “The people of Beccles Draft plans have been drawn up which will and the children in our schools deserve a closer to welcoming brand form the basis of an extensive public pool that will be open all the year round. new multi-sport leisure consultation exercise. Funding for the The rest of the planned accommodation facilities. project is proposed from private sources will give Beccles some of the best sports as well as sporting bodies and other provision in the county.” partners. A campaign in Beccles to pull the plug on Working together will be key as the And Beccles District and Town Councillor, its ageing outdoor pool and replace it with project identifies the best site and the Chris Punt added: “ We have an top-class leisure facilities has taken a most sensible funding mix. Without opportunity to progress the indoor pool dramatic step forward with the essential funding from other sources the and sports complex. This is an excellent identification of four potential sites. project will not be viable. opportunity that must not be missed. I am The hunt for an alternative to the personally prepared to put my time and Puddingmoor swimming pool has moved “We will be doing all effort into achieving this goal for the on rapidly since the pool was only saved that we possibly can to current and future generations of Beccles from closure in the summer by a last- and District and welcome positive input minute compromise between Waveney ensure that a robust from anybody.” and its insurers. funding package is put Now the search for a suitable site has been narrowed down to four, one of together to make this which, Common Lane, has already been project a reality.” reported in the Press. Councillor Mark Bee The proposed new facility will include: ● An all-weather hockey pitch The news brought a collective welcome ● All-weather soccer zone from councillors. ● 25m indoor swimming pool Leader of the Council, Mark Bee, said: ● Fitness suite "The area is in desperate need of ● Aerobics studio additional community facilities. We will be ● Other community facilities doing all that we possibly can to ensure 12 Sports centre revamp management system so that we save £450,000 is electricity. There will also be new shower being spent to modernise and sanitary fittings designed to conserve and improve the changing water usage” facilities at Waveney Leisure Cllr Ardley is delighted with the project, Waveney Sports Centre is being refurbished which will involve unisex entrances, from top to bottom. Centre. separate changing areas for male and females, family cubicles and disabled centre. Swimmers and keep-fit fans are in for a facilities. The kitchen has recently had a £25,000 real treat when a scheme to replace 30- He said: “The present centre was built revamp with new floors, walls, and year-old changing facilities at Waveney in 1976 so the approach and the stainless steel surfaces and £150,000 has Sports and Leisure Centre is completed. technology is 30 years old - it doesn’t been spent renewing sections of the roof. Attendance at the Water Lane centre is matter how much we clean it the place still As part of a rolling three-to-four-year expected to soar as the “wet” and “dry” looks tatty. I think when this is all finished programme the worst sections of the flat changing rooms are given a complete everything will look spot on and when roof have been replaced using a resin- facelift with modern lockers, showers, word gets around I would expect it to based material, which has included shower cubicles and flooring. attract more people.” replacing the old glass roof lights with Cllr Stephen Ardley, Portfolio Holder for The project is expected to take six or double-glazed polycarbonate units. This Community and Operations, said: “This is eight weeks and should be completed material is the same as used on a complete refurbishment. We are gutting around May/June but the sports centre will Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre. these changing rooms, taking out stay open as work progresses. There may The material, which comes with a 15- everything that’s in there and putting back however be a certain amount of year guarantee and can be revived for a new modern facilities with easy to clean inconvenience to customers which is further 15 years by a covering of resin, and maintain surfaces. regrettable but unavoidable. gives extra insulation and prevents the “We will have new energy efficient The changing rooms are the next stage condensation which has been a long- lighting controlled by an electronic in a series of improvements to the sports running problem at the centre.

community, and ourselves playing an active role from design right through to New play areas completion. “The end result is that the community of Communities are equipment, a picnic area and a ‘trim trail’ Carlton Colville have the facility they want for people wanting to shed a few pounds. and can be proud of and potential benefiting from investment Cllr Stephen Ardley, Portfolio Holder for problems of vandalism and graffiti have in modern play facilities. Community and Operations, said: “This is largely been designed out. the first time we’ve approached play areas Carlton Meadow Park is now the Play areas are proving popular thanks to in this way - they would traditionally have district’s biggest play area but the most new investment and an innovative new been split into four separate areas. used is Nicholas Everitt Park in Oulton scheme. “It is self-policed by the community Broad, where £90,000 has been spent on Carlton Meadow Park is a new £244,000 through the parish team which was set up a purpose-built pre-school area, facility which caters for all ages by by the Parish Council. This was very much landscaping and upgrades to a shelter providing areas for youth activities like a partnership approach with the Parish and toilets. five-aside football, basketball and Council, Parish Team, the developer At Kessingland, the Parish Council has skateboarding, a teen shelter, junior play (Persimmon), ward councillors, the local worked with the District Council and Suffolk County Council to move and New-look play areas are proving a real asset. improve the car parking and play area on Church Road.

“The new play area is a real asset to the area.” Kessingland Parish Council Chairman Liam Martin

Parish Council Chairman Liam Martin said the new area was a real asset as it was right next to the car park as people went down to the beach and he was looking forward to it opening after the last bits of fencing and landscaping were completed. 13 Local Development Plans can also be viewed and the volume of a planned room can be calculated. In fact everything you Planning made easy need to know about planning regulations and how they affect you is available. A wide ranging Land Charges system. Additional benefits Cllr Ken Sale, Portfolio Holder for Built will include a corporate geographical Environment, said: “This is an exciting first modernisation programme information system and much improved step in what we are trying to deliver over the will allow planning access to services via the internet. next few months, a totally flexible and applications to be submitted The first of these to be delivered is the integrated system that will improve public ability to submit online planning applications access to services whilst making them more online - at any time of day or through a link to the national Planning Portal. efficient.” night. Accessed directly from the development control/planning pages on the Waveney “This enables the submission of Waveney’s planning system is going online website the planning portal itself is a one- planning applications 24 hours a in the first stage of a major Local Authority stop shop for planning information and Modernisation Programme (LAMP) involving services online. day, seven days a week and the total replacement and integration of With helpful hints and tips along the way it builds on the improvements to the computer systems for several key service guides applicants through the process and planning service that we have areas. makes sure they have filled in all the relevant Planning, Building Control and sections avoiding the possibility of already put in place.” Environmental Services systems will fully incomplete forms having to be returned. Councillor Ken Sale integrate with each other and with a new As well as there being a tool to help calculate planning fees there is an option to “The public will see a noticeable Planning Portal. purchase site maps and to attach difference in service delivery as the various supporting documents or drawings. elements of the LAMP project are rolled out The whole package, including the fee, can during 2006. The planning portal link is a then be submitted online (via notification by great example of this as it will enable the email that confirms when an application has submission of planning applications 24 been received) or applicants can print off hours a day, seven days a week and builds what they want and submit it by post to the on the improvements to the planning service local Planning Authority in the normal way. that we have already put in place.”

“poor” BFI report in 2003 and has implemented many new working practices in order to provide a better service to the State of the art system public. For example, in October 2004 the team was processing new claims in 99 A brand new as a result of Government funding which days. By reviewing work practices and re- computer system has been was granted in order to assist the council in engineering work streams this was reduced improving its services to the residents of to 32 days in November 2005. installed to improve Waveney. Councillor Bruce Provan, Portfolio Holder Waveney District Council’s The grant has funded two systems: a for Housing and Social Inclusion, Revenues and Benefits core benefits system and a document understands there may be some mild imaging system, which will enable all inconvenience for residents, but believes service. documents to be scanned on arrival at the that long term advantages will make the office. This means that officers working on whole process worthwhile. Waveney District Council is delighted that claims will be able to do so electronically, “This is an exciting time for the Benefits the implementation of a brand new resulting in quicker, more efficient ways of and Revenues Service in Waveney” he said Revenues and Benefits computer system is “We embarked on an ambitious nearing completion and kindly asks “The introduction of a improvement programme following the residents to be patient whilst the final Benefit Fraud Inspectorate adjustments are made. The computer new system is a (www.auditcommission.gov.uk) inspection system is up and running, however there fundamental part of in 2003 with the intention of becoming one are still some modules to be added and the process of of the very best performing authorities in the several routines to be tested. country by 2007. The implementation requires all customer continuous “The introduction of a new system is a records to be transferred across to the new improvement.” fundamental part of that process of system and therefore it has been necessary Councillor Bruce Provan continuous improvement, and I am to restrict access to both systems whilst the delighted that our service partner IBS, has conversion is taking place. However, careful working and improvements in the pulled out all the stops to minimise arrangements have been put in place to processing times of claims. It is intended disruption to customers before we go live.” ensure that payments continue to be made to have both systems fully functional by Should you have any questions about to all existing customers, so tenants and early Spring. the new set-up, please call Adrian Mills landlords should not be affected. The Benefits Service has been going at Waveney District Council on 01502 The implementation of the new system is through a service transformation since a 523692. 14 “If we get to the point where we have to use an ASBO, it is a sign that our preventative efforts have failed. We focus Rachel gets results on the individuals causing trouble but part of my role is to ensure that the group putting ASBOs on individuals it’s about considers the victim’s rights too.” Waveney District getting to the root of the problem and Council is making great dealing with what causes it, although strides in its efforts to deal some of the cases we have dealt with Telephone Rachel Tucker on 01502 have resulted in eviction, prosecution and 523111 or email: with anti-social behaviour. ultimately, even imprisonment, so it’s most [email protected] certainly not a talking shop. Anti-Social Behaviour Officer Rachel Tucker fronts a team that deals with anything that might cause alarm, harassment or distress - everything from verbal abuse and racial harassment to petty vandalism and loud noise.. Many agencies are involved in trying to control such behaviour but it’s Rachel’s job to make sure they work together effectively. She does this through the Anti- Social Behaviour Networking Group, which meets once a month under her chairmanship. The group comprises 20 individuals including representatives from social services, police, Waveney’s Housing Department, social landlords (housing associations), education welfare and environmental health.

“The group is not about putting ASBOs on individuals it’s about getting to the root of the problem Some of the confiscated hi-fi equipment. and dealing with what causes it” Rachel Tucker, Anti-Social Behaviour Officer The group exchanges information about Reducing the volume anti-social behaviour that is causing concern. Members of the group can refer Waveney takes this year, of which 30 to 40 will result in individuals to the group for special some form of legal action, ranging from discussion. Three new referrals are noise pollution very serving an abatement notice to discussed at each meeting to try to find seriously and has made prosecution and from confiscation of an appropriate solution. important progress on amplification equipment to the making of Rachel said: “The group has gone from Anti-Social Behaviour Orders. strength to strength and we have had a behalf of affected residents. The problem is especially severe in the great deal of success in the past summer when music fans take to the great especially with regard to social landlords Council staff were burning the midnight oil outdoors or open their windows. and their referrals to the group. this summer in a bid to stop noisy Unfortunately those trying to quietly enjoy “When individuals are referred to us we neighbours pumping up the volume on a little relaxation or sleep also open their discuss the case and decide what action their hi-fi equipment and making residents’ windows to enjoy the fresh air and the to take. If it’s a youth the behaviour might lives a misery. result is predictable. be related to non-attendance at school so Councillor Ken Sale, Portfolio Holder for Waveney has responded with an we get the education welfare service Built Environment said: “Noise is one of evening service. From May to September involved.” the worst pollutants because it causes it’s available from 7pm to 1am on Fridays Legal tools in the team’s armoury stress, loss of sleep, high blood pressure and Saturdays and from 7pm to midnight include exclusions from play areas, and in extreme cases, outbursts of serious on Sundays and Bank Holidays. injunctions with powers of arrest, violence. It’s difficult to deal with because Details of how to use this service are prosecution or confiscation of noisy it leaves no measurable signs, so we can’t available on the Council’s website stereos/televisions, acceptable behaviour visit the following day to assess it. That’s www.waveney.gov.uk contracts and anti-social behaviour orders why Government guidance requires us to (ASBOs). As a last resort those living in provide an appropriate response outside You can also call 01502 562111 the social housing can be evicted from their normal office hours.” Town Hall out of hours and follow homes if they fail to modify their behaviour. The department expects to deal with instructions to record a complaint. Rachel said: “The group is not about about 700 complaints of noise nuisance 15 Engaging with YOU The Council wants to improve its consultation with local residents and has come up with some interesting new ideas.

Markets stalls and ‘meetings on demand’ are just two ideas being considered as part of a campaign to oil the wheels of community consultation in Waveney. The council has identified public consultation as an area of its activities that needs to get better, said Council Leader Mark Bee. He said: “We need to improve our Trailer fitted with a kitchen and bathroom. community engagement and be more inclusive in our decision making so that we have a much greater dialogue with town councils and parish councils in the future.” Making an informed To that end Waveney has enlisted the Suffolk Association of Local Councils additional benefits and services if they (SALC) to find new ways of connecting vote to transfer their homes to Waveney with the community and establishing new Valley Housing Association - a new, locally channels of communication between the choice based, not-for-profit registered social public, parish councils, police, local landlord. authorities and other agencies. Waveney officers Staff are travelling around the district SALC Chief Executive Mary Mitson- answering questions, addressing Woods said: “We want to look at new have hit the road to explain concerns, and explaining all aspects of ways of doing things and we have come what the proposed transfer the proposed transfer in a trailer fitted out up with some quite interesting ideas. of council homes to a with a kitchen and bathroom of the quality Maybe we don’t need meetings at all, that would be used in modernised homes maybe we can have a stall at a market housing association really should tenants vote in favour of transfer. which will allow people to talk to us about means. At the end of the consultation process, their concerns. in the Spring, there will be a tenant ballot Waveney’s campaign to inform tenants of when more than 50 per cent of those “We need to improve the pros and cons of switching the voting must say “yes” for the transfer to our community management of their homes from the take place. council to a stand alone housing If tenants vote against the transfer the engagement and be association has taken to the road. houses will stay in Council ownership and more inclusive in our In January tenants received a formal financial constraints will mean a less decision making.” offer document that explained the ambitious programme of improvements. Councillor Mark Bee

“We could meet less often but in smaller areas or let the community call the How to get in touch meetings when they have a problem like graffiti or vandalism. People want things Let us know what you think of this publication done when they have a problem and if Post: Town Hall, High Street, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 1HS. they can get results by working with Tel: 01502 562111 Fax: 01502 589327 Waveney District Council and Suffolk Email: [email protected] Website: www.waveney.gov.uk County Council it would be quite revolutionary.” Intouch readers with ideas on how to improve consultation can contact SALC on 01473 833713 email: [email protected] This publication is printed on paper from renewable resources and each copy costs less than a second class website: www.onesuffolk.co.uk/SALC postage stamp. Designed and produced by TMS Media • 01493 662929 16