iWIn TH YOtU AoND WAuVENEYcAUGhUST 20! 11

WHO’S WHO? New Councillors, new Cabinet, making decisions that affect YOU

SUMMER FUN Fantastic events and activities for the school holidays, right here

CUT YOUR BILLS Teaming up with British Gas to reduce the amount you spend on heating

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The exciting refurbishment project at A range of exciting membership packages Waterlane Leisure Centre continues and will be launched in the Autumn, including is on schedule for completion the offer of a lifetime price guarantee. If you THE SHOW in December 2011. would like to track the project as it develops GOES ON! please visit www.pulseselect.com/home Managed by Council, the and click on the ‘Waveney’ page. The With a remarkable number of high multi-million pound revamp will see new Operations Team of Sentinel Leisure Trust calibre applicants seeking to be - facilities at the site, including are also working on the programming and come trustees of the Marina Theatre, a new learner pool, soft play area, thermal the activities for the new facility and the aim Waveney District Council hailed its spa, beauty therapy area and meeting is to have these publicised by the end of recruitment open evening an rooms. October. enormous success.

Alongside these there is a refurbished and Meanwhile, with the installation of elec - Both the Council and theatre manage - improved fitness areas, dedicated studio tric hook up for visiting boats one of the ment teams alike were delighted with space, main pool and café / restaurant. The major obstacles to attracting boating the turnout and - subject to final Council centre will then be managed by the newly holiday makers to has now approval of the decision - believe the formed Sentinel Leisure Trust. been overcome . rigorous selection process will deliver a

Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Stephen Sentinel Leisure Trust in partnership with brilliant team to guide the theatre as Ardley said: “This project is really beginning Waveney have now installed posts in the part of the new charitable, not-for-profit to take shape now and I cannot wait for the quay area and have received positive feed - organisation. Many local people with day when we can open the doors of this back from tourists who have been able to specialist skills attended the open fantastic new facility. extend their stay in the Beccles area. evening in Lowestoft on June 16 to learn more about the opportunity, and how they could work together to ensure WATERLANE ON SCHEDULE the long-term sustainability of the award-winning Marina Theatre. Cabinet Member for Partnerships Cllr Stephen Ardley said: "We couldn't be more delighted with the response we've had so far and I am certain that the the - atre would be in very safe hands."

Subject to business case approval by the Council's Cabinet, Trustees will form the Governing Board that takes over the running of the Edwardian theatre, which is currently operated by Waveney . The Trust will continue delivering a diverse range of cultural entertainment, building on the venue's success in recent years. Waveney's Cabinet is due to consider the final Business case proposal from the Shadow Trust in November and, if successful, the Trust will formally take over the management of the Theatre in December.

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FIVE STAR BEACHES

Waveney now boasts FIVE award- environmental initiative to recognise Accolades such as Blue Flag and Quality winning beaches, with three flying the beaches that promote positive coastal Coast Awards are of great benefit to the prestigious Blue Flag this year and two environmental care and first class local tourism industry. The Sunrise Coast more gaining Keep Britain Tidy Quality management standards. FEE European Visitor Survey 2010 identified that 69% of Coast Awards. Blue Flag Awards recognise beaches visitors to the area had to or intended to throughout Europe, which fulfil strict criteria visit our beaches during their stay, high - The hard work of a range of Waveney relating to both the water quality, manage - lighting just how important they are to teams, with Tourism and Cleansing most ment and the surrounding beach area. Waveney’s £255 million tourism economy, prominent, has helped raise the standard which attracts just under four million visitors yet higher, boosting the profile of the district More success came when two further per year, supporting 12.8% of all jobs. as a great destination. Beaches at Lowest - beaches – Denes and Kessing - oft North and South of Claremont Pier have land – won Keep Britain Tidy Quality Coast For more information about the beaches retained Blue Flags – an internationally Awards for the 2011 season. The Quality near you please go to the tourism website recognised symbol of a clean and well- Coast Award recognises the diversity and www.visit-sunrisecoast.co.uk ; for further managed beach – for the 2011 season, quality of England’s coastline and all details on Keep Britain Tidy and Blue whilst the beach at Southwold Pier has beaches achieving this award have one Flag visit www.keepbritaintidy.org ; and regained Blue Flag status after a two year thing in common: they provide the very for the Quality Coast Award visit absence. The Blue Flag Campaign is an best standards for their visitors. www.qualitycoast.org .

VALUING THE VALLEY A project co-founded by Waveney and seeks to provide an identity for the worth of funding through the Rural Devel - District Council to create greater Valley, improve signage to the towns, opment Programme England, funded by awareness of the Waveney Valley as villages and features within the Valley and Defra. Cllr Bruce Provan, Portfolio Holder a tourism destination has received support promotion of the Valley as a for Tourism, said: “By developing the infra - crucial funding. visitor destination. As such, the three structure around the Valley we hope that Councils with communities in the visitors will be able to discover the won - The Waveney Valley Identity Project is a Waveney Valley have come together to ders that this special area has to offer.” partnership between Waveney, South develop this project, which has recently For information on the project email Norfolk and Mid District Councils been allocated approximately £90,000 [email protected]

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REDUCING YOUR ENERGY BILL Did you know that through this scheme, To arrange a free, no obligation survey to you could receive cashback up to £100 just check whether your home is suitable for for insulating your home? Or that you could insulation improvements, or to simply find nsulate both your loft and cavity walls and out more about this scheme, customers save hundreds of pounds a year on your should call 0800 980 8174 and quote the energy bills? code 'Waveney11'.

If you own your home or rent privately, and Lines open Monday – Friday 8am-8pm and receive certain income-related benefits, or Saturday 8am-4pm. Your calls may be are over 70, you may even qualify for recorded and/or monitored for quality FREE insulation. And you don’t even have assurance and compliance purposes. 0800 to be a British Gas customer to take advan - numbers are free from a BT landline. tage. You just have to own or rent a home Mobile and other providers' charges may within Waveney. vary.

Waveney District Council is committed to increasing the energy efficiency of all Portfolio Holder for Housing Sue Allen said: If you would like to be able to reduce your the homes in our area, and have teamed “At a time when utility bills are rising, we energy bills and ensure that your home is up with British Gas to make it easier for are seeking ways to lessen the blow and warmer and cheaper to run next winter, residents to save money on their energy this particular scheme could make a real please do not miss this excellent bills. difference tio many households opportunity to do so.

TAKING ACTION TO HELP TENANTS Waveney District Council’s Housing Team has been praised for its efforts to improve the lives of tenants.

To help improve the service, the Housing Department spoke to tenants late last year about the housing service and the area in which they lived. Over 1400 tenants were contacted in early January and talked face to face about their views. Additionally a series of focus groups were staged, all leading to a presentation for tenant repre - sentatives and councillors to agree a new troducing an ‘Estate Ranger’ on two es - Mandie Wiles (the editor of the tenant’s action plan in response to the points raised tates in Lowestoft and improving the level magazine) said: “This really was a good by our tenants. of grounds maintenance in Waveney by piece of tenant engagement with views and developing a tenant led agreement with our comments really being taken into account. Two documents were sent to all tenants: partners Waveney Norse. “We asked…You said ”, and “ You said… “I know the Action Plan genuinely reflects We did ”. The latter included a full list of the The Housing Team is due to report back to those views as I was one of the five tenants agreed actions anmd direct answers to tenants in October next year to see how involved in deciding what should be in concerns; including improving how the the action plan is progressing. For now the plan after listening to a detailed council deals with low level nuisance by in - though, tenants are enthusiastic about it. presentation of the survey feedback.”

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FAIRER FOR ALL Following wide consultation with * Introduction of additional businesses and community groups, and extended free spaces proposals for revised car parking in and Halesworth charges throughout the district were in line with previous approved by Cabinet recently. changes in Beccles.

With the emphasis on balancing revenue to Elsewhere, charges will be maintain existing facilities with value for introduced for 'blue badge' money to encourage visitors and shoppers, holders in line with other the revised scheme includes a number of regional authorities and price reductions across the district. while some 'longer stay Additionally, previously introduced 'free charges' are coming down, parking' incentives are also being retained. the vast majority of in - creases are by no more Deputy LeaderStephen Ardley (right, with than 5p per hour to round Head of Service David Gallagher) said: up charges where "Car parks provide a vital revenue stream machines no longer accept to the Council and we have to be very 5p coins. careful to get our prices exactly right. Too cheap and our revenue drops, too expen - Reflecting on the decision sive and customers are rightly put off. " to begin charging Blue Badge Holders Cllr Ardley Proposals include: continued: “The main * General alignment and simplification of purpose of the blue badge Nevertheless, Blue Badge holders WILL car parking fees and charges across the scheme is to reserve parking in convenient receive additional time for the charges they district to improve clarity and consistency, locations closer to the holders’ destination. pay in recognition of the increased time it providing some reduced parking fees. However, in the interests of fairness, there can take to leave and returnto their vehicle. * Continued Free Parking from 6pm is no reason for it to be a discount scheme. throughout the district, all year round, “Additionally, revenue will assist in the assisting businesses and sea front traders. “Disability should not automatically be upgrade of car parks to improve * Continued provision of reduced all day confused with vulnerability. Many drivers accessibility and increase number of parking on selected outer car parks to with disabilities receive a special mobility disabled bays. Also free on-street parking support businesses and tourism. allowance to help with their transport costs. WILL continue for Blue Badge holders.” KEEPING YOU SAFE Criminals in Lowestoft are being has helped in both the prevention and dent police were interested in had been warned that their chances of being detection of crime. captured. In 26 of these there was a caught on camera are now greater negative result with no evidence found, following the introduction of a new New figures provided by Waveney Norse, while 11 were positive - the CCTV digital CCTV system in the town. who operate the system on behalf of cameras caught evidence that could be Waveney District Council, show the used in court - a success rate of 30%. The new digital equipment, which covers system is already having promising much of the shopping and night life heart results. In March, before the introduction In May, when the new system was up and of Lowestoft, and other busy areas of the of the new system, 37 reviews of CCTV running, 40 reviews were carried out with town, was unveiled in May and since then material were carried out to see if the inci - 22 positive results - a 55% success rate.

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PRESERVING WAVENEY’S HISTORY

Waveney District Council’s Design & closely with its communities to ensure that an example, certain types of work are usu - Conservation team are committed to they are suitable for each town and village. ally permitted without the need to apply for a rolling programme of work designed planning permission. However, an ‘Article help to preserve and protect the There are no fewer than 14 conservation 4(2) direction’ was imposed, meaning that district’s beauty. areas managed by Waveney and following planning permission is required to make work in the villages of Wrentham and changes of design or material to any part of The historic environment is all around us in Somerleyton, all 14 now have up-to-date a property facing a public thoroughfare. the buildings, landscapes and archaeology ‘conservation area appraisals’ and ‘man - of Waveney. It is a precious and irreplace - agement plans’ which can be viewed on the Including those managed by able asset; once gone it is gone forever! Waveney District Council website. Authority, there are 16 conservation areas in Waveney. They are in North and South With this in mind, “Conservation areas” As elsewhere, residents in Wrentham and Lowestoft, Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth, were introduced in 1967 as a way of man - Somerleyton were invited to attend a public Southwold, Southwold Harbour, Walber - aging the historic environment, by ensuring exhibition to give their views on proposals swick Quay, Homersfield, Holton, Wissett, that physical changes cannot be made and with fully up to date pland in place, the Wrentham (pictured), Wangford, Somerley - without local planning authority consent. local residents are now fully aware of what ton, Ellingham and Oulton Broad. The latter However, within these broad agreements is and isn’t permissable in relation to his - two are managed by the Broads Authority, Waveney District Council has worked toric buildings, land and development. As as are some small parts of Beccles, Bun - gay and Somerleyton that fall within the Broads Authority area.

If you want to learn more about the plans for where YOU live, simply look up ‘conser - vation areas’ in the A-Z directory. For fur - ther information, or clarification as to whether work you propose requires plan - ning permission, please contact Waveney’s Planning Team on 01502 523072 or the Broads Authority on 01603 756074. YOUR VIEWS ON PLANNING The Council is seeking the views of its Space’, is designed to assist applicants ap - advertising, satellite dishes, replacement communities on planning documents plying for planning permission by informing windows, locally listed buildings, renewable which have been designed to provide them about the planning process, new energy, sustainable construction and con - important guidance on what can and development and open space. This in - servation areas. can’t be done to buildings and open cludes standards for open spaces and an spaces in the district. explanation of the financial contributions re - These consultations will take place over the quired to provide new (or improve existing) next few months. Similar documents to be These ‘Supplementary Planning Docu - open space. prepared shortly include Affordable Hous - ments’ have been created too assist ing, Development and Coastal Change and developers understand Local Development The ‘Built Heritage and Design’ document a development brief for the south side of Framework policies and proposals. How - provides guidance relating to the modifica - Lake Lothing, Lowestoft. Visit ever the Council would like as many people tion, maintenance and replacement of www.consult.waveney.gov.uk for the latest as possible to see them, before they are historic buildings within the District. Areas information, or call 01502 523029 / email approved. The first, dealing with ‘Open covered include shop front design, lighting, [email protected] .

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WAVENEY’S SPORTING HEROES

Waveney’s sporting stars who shine on ships for Lowestoft & Beccles and High pean Championships 2010. Charley is the local, national and international Suffolk, the Lowestoft Journal and currently ranked No. 1 in Europe and No. 2 stage were recently recognised by the Waveney District Council. in the World. Active Waveney Sports Awards. Among the many awards handed out, best Gymnast Giarnni Regini-Moran won the Individuals and organisations that have sportsman this year is Lowestoft’s Anthony best junior sportsman award having demonstrated success throughout the year Ogogo who won a Silver Medal at the 2010 finished in the medal positions at the Lon - or have made a significant contribution in a Commonwealth Games and is a genuine don Open, the Pegasus Open, the National non-playing capacity were honoured. Olympic hopeful as part of the ABA Great Elite Grades, the English Championships Britain Squad. and the British Championships and Caitlin The Active Waveney Sports Partnership is Dyer, also a gymnast was presented with a key player in shaping the current and The best sportswoman award also went to the best junior sportswoman prize. future provision of sport and physical a boxer. Charley Davison won silver at the activity in the district. The Active Waveney inaugural AIBA Women’s Junior and Youth Meanwhile, Lowestoft Ladies Hockey Club Sports Awards is supported and promoted World Boxing Championships last year. claimed the best team trophy after finishing in partnership by Active Waveney Sports She enjoyed an exceptional 12 months, fourth in the top tier of the East Regions Partnership, the Schools Sport Partner - also winning the Gold Medal at the Euro - Hockey league. ROYAL APPROVAL On 1st June The Princess Royal took Library Staff and other invited guests. time out from a busy schedule to visit Whilst there she was entertained by a and officially open the new community choir made up from local children and complex in . residents.This is the first time that a member of the Royal family has visited The Marram Green Complex houses Kessingland and it was a wonderful day Kessingland Library, a sheltered housing for all concerned. development and a cafe, and is used by a number of local community groups. The The visit was organised by the Flagship Very sheltered housing units. Waveney Princess (pictured right, meeting Council Group who own the building and their District Council and the Citizens Advice Chairman Peter Collecott and Mrs staff worked tirelessly to make it the Bureau are available at The Compass Collecott) spent just over an hour at success it was. Marram Green complex Suite, first floor Marram Green every Kessingland touring the building meeting houses Parish Council Offices, a Commu - Wednesday from 10am to 4pm, no residents, Parish Councillors, Waveney & nity Cafe and a Library as well as the 32 appointment necessary. 7 in touch!

YOUR COUNCILLORS: 2011-2015

Beccles Beccles Beccles Beccles North North South South Blything Bungay Bungay Carlton

Graham Chris Keith Alan Alison John Simon Stephen Elliott Punt Jenkins Thwaites Cackett Groom Woods Ardley 01502 714661 01502 575518 01502 713494 01502 714161 01986 874442 01986 894681 01986 896040 07828 135819

Harbour Harbour Harbour Kessingland Kessingland Kirkley Kirkley Kirkley

Tess Ian Julian Alan Bruce Yvonne Gareth June Gandy Graham Swainson Brown Provan Cherry Douce Ford 0778 698 1655 07985 462200 07771 810037 01502 518801 01502 742079 01502 582114 07759 531707 07754 528147

Southwold Southwold Saint Saint Saint Pakefield Pakefield Pakefield & Reydon & Reydon Margarets Margarets Margarets

Sonia Peter Malcolm Sue Michael Allyson Roger Malcolm Barker Byatt Pitchers Allen Ladd Barron Bellham Cherry 01502 580065 01502 568115 01502 538413 01502 722768 01502 724337 01502 560258 01502 565499 01502 582114

Waveney District Council moved to 'all vote to elect Conservative Group Lead Cllr two seats, the Greens retained their one out' elections this year meaning that, for Colin Law as Leader of the Council. seat and the two vacant seats were filled. the first time, all 48 seats were contested at the same time. Cllr Law replaces former Leader Cllr Mark Cllr Law said: "I want to ensure that we re - Bee (both pictured, right) who stepped main recognised as a high-performing au - The election produced one of the more down from the role at the election. Cllr Law, thority and a benchmark for other councils. dramatic outcomes, courtesy of a dead has subsequently formed a new adminis - The previous Conservative Administration heat: 23 Conservatives, 23 Labour, 1 tration (details of which are on page 10). managed its finances so well, it had no Green, 1 Independent. This means that the need to cut any frontline services at the Council is now under 'no overall control' by In terms of how the make-up of the District last budget. Therefore, in many ways, it will one party and, after discussions about the Council has changed, the Conservatives be business as usual here at Waveney. formation of a new administration, Inde - lost two seats, the Labour group gained pendent Member, Cllr Peter Collecott was eight seats, the Liberal Democrats lost “I am determined to settle for nothing but elected as Chairman and used his casting their only two seats, the Independents lost the best for Waveney and its communities. 8 www.waveney.gov.uk in touch!

Conservative 23 Labour 23 Green 1 Independent 1

Carlton Carlton Carlton Gunton Gunton Carlton Colville Colville Colville & Corton & Corton Halesworth Halesworth

Frank Jose Kathleen Paul David Mary Paddy Tony Mortimer Bamonde Grant Light Coulam Rudd Flegg Goldson 01502 565915 01502 566065 01502 587792 01502 514775 01502 567550 01502 562073 01986 872391 07808 776245

Oulton Oulton Lothingland Normanston Normanston Normanston Oulton Oulton Broad Broad

Paul Peter Keith Jacki Peter Mike Mike Colin Ashdown Coghill Patience Wheatley Collecott Ives-Keeler Barnard Law 01502 573948 01986 873203 01502 582283 01502 723628 01502 564396 01502 731908 01502 562458 01502 573389

The Wainford Whitton Whitton Whitton Worlingham Worlingham Wrentham Saints

David Kevin Tod Nick Sarah Mark Andy Martin Ritchie Springall Sullivan Webb Webb Bee Draper Parsons 01986 783889 01502 714922 01502 526933 01502 514464 01502 514464 01502 717481 07795 033822 01502 744307

I will be a listening Leader, determined to learn from the people of Waveney, ensuring we deliver what is in their best interests.

“Our number one priority is to ensure that the needs of our most vulnerable citizens are met and that we continue to deliver services which they want and need. We must continue to build on the excellent performance ratings we have received from our tenants and make sure that the voices of those hardest to hear are not ignored.” www.twitter.com/waveneydc 9 in touch!

NEXT GENERATION Gareth says he hopes to be a voice in tough times for the community, but in particular for young people. As the youngest councillor he believes he could have a better grasp on the issues that af - fect young people.

“I hope to be able to support and strengthen the voice of young people in Waveney, and will be working closely with colleagues to ensure that this happens.”

In his first few weeks, Gareth has been Gareth Douce is hoping to bring a John Leman High. In his working life he active in the community, attending meet - ‘fresh, youthful focus to Waveney’ has worked in a variety of jobs; in public ings of community groups such as the Fen following his election in May as a libraries, ASDA and recently as IT support Park Friends and the Our Kirkley project. Labour Councillor for the Kirkley ward. in schools. He has recently had some graffiti removed from Kirkley that he spotted while touring A first time candidate, at the age of 24 he is Gareth said: “Although councillors all work the ward with Labour County Councillor, the youngest councillor currently serving on hard and do their best for their communi - Sandy Martin. “I’ve really enjoyed my first the Council and says he is thrilled to be ties, there might be a feeling that some of few weeks, and I’ve deliberately tried not to given this fantastic opportunity. Gareth them have been there for ever! I'm a get trapped in the Town Hall, but to be out comes from a local family and grew up in normal young guy, who does an every-day in the community; thanking those who the area, going to local schools; Kessing - job and I hope I can bring fresh ideas to supported me during the election by land Primary, Gisleham Middle and Sir Waveney.” supporting them now.”

THE NEW TEAM One of Cllr Colin Law’s first tasks as Leader of the Council was to choose his Cabinet: the Members of the Council who will take on special responsibility for specific service areas.

From left to right: Stephen Ardley - Deputy Leader / Green Environment & Operational Partnerships, Andy Draper - Without Portfolio, Bruce Provan - Leisure, Tourism and Economic Development Colin Law - Leader of the Council, Frank Mortimer - Customers & Communities Mary Rudd - Community Health & Information Technology, David Ritchie - Planning, Sue Allen - Housing Mike Barnard - Resources

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BRIDGING THE GAP BENEFITING YOU A brand new online system created to speed up residents’ applications for benefits has more than halved the amount of time it takes to process an application.

Waveney's new e-Claim system, which allows people to apply for housing and council tax benefit online, or to go through the application with a Member of the team by phone, has been unveiled and whereas previously appli - cants had to fill in a 28-page form, the new system only asks questions that are relevant to a person's claim.

This will cut the average time it takes to deal with applications from NINE days to FOUR. An e-calculator online also provides the opportunity for residents to estimate if they are entitled to bene - fits and how much they would likely re - ceive. Waveney District Council has helped ice will also be introduced connecting the secure funding for Suffolk County outskirts of the town to each other and the Cllr Sue Allen, portfolio holder with re - Council to improve transport links town centre. sponsibility for benefits: "With the coun - across Lowestoft. try's economic problems continuing to County councillor Guy McGregor, Portfolio impact families, councils everywhere £5 million has been awarded by central Holder for Roads, Transport and Planning, can expect to see an increase in claims government and together with a £1.25 said: “Suffolk County Council, together with for benefit in the coming year. million investment from the county council, Waveney District Council and our local MP the £6.25million scheme will make it easier Peter Aldous, have worked hard to put the “Our new online application system will for residents and visitors alike to travel case for Central Government support for help us to deal with the increased around the town and will boost economic this major transport improvement in the workload without having to take on growth. heart of Lowestoft. more staff and, crucially, without affecting the efficiency of the benefit As part of the scheme, a new bridge for “This year, Suffolk County Council will be service we provide." pedestrians and cyclists will be built over bringing forward a number of other Lake Lothing to help residents travel more schemes for Lowestoft as part of the easily within the town and to increase foot - county council’s policy to make the town residents have been waiting to hear. I am fall to local shops. even more attractive to walkers and cyclists grateful to officers here at Waveney for the and to improve the flow of traffic.” part they have played and I am absolutely Improvements to bus facilities at the rail delighted that Suffolk County Council have station will create a hub for all of Lowest - Leader of Waveney District Council Colin been able to secure this funding for such a oft’s public transport. A new ‘loop’ bus serv - Law added: "This isnews that Lowestoft major project."

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SERVING UP THE PERFECT COURSE Food businesses in Waveney and Suffolk Coastal are being given the chance to brush up on food hygiene knowledge and make it possible for staff to gain a food safety qualification.

Food service staff can enrol in a course, led by the two councils, to help businesses improve production, reduce the risk of supplying harmful food, and ultimately attract more customers. Food businesses have a legal responsibility to ensure all of their food handlers are trained in food hygiene matters and this course makes it easy for local eateries to ensure their staff are up to the task. After successful completion of the course, candidates are the two venues email foodsafetyteam@suf - Woodbridge dates (held at Suffolk Coastal awarded the nationally recognised Char - folkcoastal.gov.uk or call 01394 444357. District Council in Melton Hill) are: tered Institute of Environmental Health Thursday 11 August 2011 Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering. Lowestoft course dates (held at the Town Thursday 22 September 2011 Hall in Lowestoft ) are: Tuesday 11 October 2011 Cllr Mary Rudd, Waveney's Portfolio Holder Monday 11 July 2011 Tuesday 15 November 2011 with responsibility for Food Safety, said: Monday 5 September 2011 Thursday 1 December 2011 "Food businesses are a vital part of the Monday 7 November 2011 Wednesday 18 January 2012 local economy and we are pleased to offer Monday 9 January 2012 Tuesday 21 February 2012 access to cost effective training that will be Monday 5 March 2012 Thursday 15 March 2012 hugely beneficial to them. The training emphasises the special responsibilities that anyone who works with food has for safe - guarding the health of consumers and, with YOUR PLACE, YOUR VOICE the course on offer at both Lowestoft and Communities are seizing the opportu - provide the tools to fulfil community ambi - Woodbridge on various dates, food nity to shape the future of their vil - tions and Waveney was delighted to pro - handlers have plenty of opportunities to lages and towns thanks to training vide further training thanks to funding take advantage of this offer. It's great to from Waveney District Council. from the Local Strategic Partnership. see the Waveney and Suffolk Coastal district councils working together to deliver The training was provided in response to A successful first event - included work - an important service to our communities." people who felt that they needed some shops on setting up and running a new support in better understanding ‘Commu - group and accessing funding was held on Both Councils also operate a ‘scores on the nity Led Plans’ - the scheme which brings May 21st in Lowestoft and a further ses - doors’ food hygiene rating scheme which people with a shared vision for the area sion will take place on Saturday Septem - marks each eatery out of five for hygiene they live and work together; to identify ber 17th, at Wenhaston Village Hall. standards. Links can be found on the priorities, such as providing a new com - homepages of both council’s websites. munity centre, improved transport or im - If anyone would like to attend or learn proving an area of open space. more about Community Led Planning, The cost of the training is £60 per person contact Jo McCallum, Community Devel - and includes a handbook, examinations & With the Government focus on commu - opment Officer on 01502 523186 or a certificate. To reserve a place at either of nity responsibility, Community Led Plans e-mail [email protected] .

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PLAYING FOR KEEPS

Thanks to the fantastic effort and hard work of local communities, the Waveney Play Partnership has secured funding for some wonderful new play spaces and residents are now enjoying the BEING fruits of their labour. Driven by Waveney District Council, The HEARD Waveney Play Partnership is a district-wide group of representatives from different sec - A successful Waveney Wide consul - tors and geographical areas who are work - tation, encouraging young people to ing together to oversee the development voice their issues and concerns and and delivery of the local Waveney Play give their views on their local area, Strategy and action plan for the District. saw 400 young people take part.

Bonds Meadow play space The Waveney Youth Council (WYC), On Saturday 4th June over a hundred local which has representation from all high children and residents in Oulton opened schools in Waveney and The Ashley their new play space. The new space fea - and Warren School, promoted the tures play equipment, willow tunnels and questionnaire with local schools, youth parents seating area to encourage families clubs and youth organisations. Young to use open space together and promote people were also able to complete the community cohesion. questionnaire electronically through the Waveney Council website and WYC The live willow structures allow children to Winston Road play space facebook and Twitter pages. access and engage with natural elements Children and residents of Reydon are now and wildlife from an early age through play. benefitting from a complete overhaul of the The reason for this consultation was so The project has been achieved through a Winston Road play space, thanks to the the WYC could highlight the main con - £50k grant from The Big Lottery Fund’s work of the Waveney Play Partnership. The cerns facing young people and as a re - Community Spaces programme applied se - project cost £50k and was funded through sult adopt a set of priorities, which they cured by the Bonds Meadow Association. Section 106 contributions from Waveney can look to address, with support from District Council. other groups and organisations. The Marram Park following priorities were agreed at the June also saw the completion of the Tibby’s Green Southwold: last WYC meeting; new-look Marram Park in Kessingland. This Etrensive engagement with local children in • Access and cost of transport. project was funded by a £50k Playbuilder Southwold produced the design specifica - • More facilities for young people grant and £25k Section 106 contributions tions to totally transform Tibby’s Green. from Waveney District Council. The space £70k of what is known as Section 106 The WYC also agreed on a set of ac - features landscaped play and equipment contributions, generated from the adjacent tions as a result of this consultation for ages up to 13 years and once the grass housing development is funding the which they are already moving forward has established back will offer a very project. Southwold Town Council, Waveney on. For more information on this con - attractive play space at the heart of the District Council and Waveney Norse have sultation, the actions and the priorities largest village in Waveney. The Parish been working together to ensure the plans set by WYC, or simply how YOU can Council has worked very hard to secure the are lead by local children and residents. get involved, email funds for this and they intend to hold a Construction will commence it the [email protected] community event in the Easter of 2012, to beginning of July and the new layout ready or call 01502 523354. celebrate their efforts. for use by the end of the Summer.

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SWITCHOVER SOON Waveney television viewers have only a the postcode checker on the few months left before the big Digital UK website: switchover to digital TV. www.digitaluk.co.uk . This site provides a wealth of The switchover is a process of turning off information on the the UK's ‘analogue’ TV signal and replacing switchover, providing it with a new, stronger digital TV signal. detailed answers to a range This will mean that, with the right of questions you may have equipmen,t almost everyone will be able to about why this is happening. receive digital TV through an aerial. The transmitters which provide television There is also a Digital signals for Waveney residents will be Switchover Help Scheme switched off later this year, in two stages. which will be available to you if you are: aged 75 or over, Stage one (BBC Two analogue off): or have lived in a care home Tacolneston transmitter (Norfolk and north for six months or more, or Suffolk): 9 November 2011 get (or could get) certain disability benefits, black and white one so there is no need to Stage two (All analogue channels off) or are registered blind or partially sighted. buy a new TV unless you want to. Tacolneston transmitter (Norfolk and north Suffolk): 23 November 2011 For further information on the scheme, call If you do decide to get a new TV, make free on 0800 40 85 900 or visit the website sure it carries the ‘digital tick’. The ‘digital Viewers can find out more by calling the www.helpscheme.co.uk . Almost any TV can tick’ means that it is designed to continue advice line on 08456 50 50 50 or by using be converted with a digital box, even a working after the switchover.

BETTER TOGETHER Waveney is continuing to seek ways to administrative teams who work within the costs down – saving over half a million save money through its burgeoning two organisations, with ongoing work in the pounds per year so far. relationship with its preferred partner, areas of human resources and customer Suffolk Coastal District Council. services just two examples. “Additionally, sharing the knowledge, expertise and skills of two organisations The two councils have shared a Chief Cllr Colin Law, Leader of Waveney District means that we can actually provide a much Executive since 2008 and in October 2010 Council said: “Barely a day goes by without better service overall and we will continue a new joint management was created reference in the media to the financial to explore ways to develop the partnership across the two Councils. Since then, both pressures on local government and yet - for the benefit of all our communities in authorities have been busy joining up the by working jointly - we are able to keep our East Suffolk.”

Waveney District Council is on Twitter! Follow news and updates from the Council at twitter.com/waveneydc for instant up to the minute information on a variety of services and topics. Several hundred individuals, companies and other groups are already following the council’s feed and early activities included the ‘live tweeting’ of news and results from election night in May!

14 www.waveney.gov.uk in touch!

WHAT’S ON? There are plenty of fantastic events in Waveney this summer. For more information on any of the events listed above please contact Lowestoft Tourist Information Centre on 01502 533600 or email [email protected] .

30th July: Music on the Green South Green, Southwold 31st July: Dereham Band Concert Nicholas Everitt Park, Lowestoft 2nd August: The Canterbury Tales Sparrows Nest Gardens 5th-7th August: Gig in the Park Halesworth POOLING RESOURCES 7th August: Lowestoft Carnival Fete Having handed over the running of Prices are low because the café is run en - Royal Green, Lowestoft Beccles Lido to a community run tirely by volunteers. Anyone wanting to 7th August: Midlife Crisis Jazz Band charitable organisation, Waveney Dis - help out, for even a few hours a week, Concert trict Council is delighted to see it go should contact [email protected] . Nicholas Everitt Park from strength to strength. Fund raising activities such as the Bec - 11th & 12th August: Seafront Air cles Lido Lottery also help keep entrance Festival Over £300,000 has been raised by fees low. The prize fund is over £500 per Lowestoft Beccles Lido Limited to revamp and refur - month and it only costs £2.50 a month to 13th August: Harvest Moon Festival bish it, creating a fabulous facility enjoyed join! Application forms are available from Beccles Quay this summer by thousands of visitors! the Lido and can be downloaded from 14th August: Fakenham Town Band www.beccleslido.com. Concert The Council agreed to hand over the Nicholas Everitt Park operation of the loss making pool when it Cllr Graham Elliott, Councillor for Beccles 20th & 21st August: Beccles Carnival became clear that they would be unable said: “The hard work continues, however Weekend to fund the work required to keep it at the this is a real success story and I hope our BecclesTown standard required. Numbers of users of local community will continue to support 28th August: Lowestoft Classic the old pool had declined over the years this fantastic facility.” Vehicle Club Show (less than 10,000 in 2008), and Beccles Royal Green, Lowestoft Lido Limited’s aim when they took over Beccles Lido is also in the running for a 28th August: Antiques Street was to “create a destination facility where large British Gas grant, but they need Market local people, visitors and tourists would your support! Please go to www.ener - Halesworth want to visit and where bathers can have gyshare.com/beccleslido and register as 29th August: Gala Day fun, keep fit or just relax in the beautiful a supporter – the best supported groups Oulton Broad surroundings of the river Waveney.” have the best chance of securing the 3rd & 4th September: 1st Annual Real funds, possibly as much as £100,000! Ale & Seafood Festival This year that vision has been well and Pakefield truly realised. In just five weeks over The pool is open until September 11th - 4th September: Antiques Street 10,000 people visited the pool to swim, for all the latest news go to: Market sunbathe, use the new springboard and www.facebook.com/beccleslido Beccles enjoy the delicious food and drink on offer. www.twitter.com/beccleslido

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GET IN TOUCH CHECK YOUR DETAILS Our Contact Centre is your first port of call for general enquiries. Call 01502 562111 Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday: 8.30am to 5.00pm. Thursday: 8.30am to 6.00pm, Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm. You can also contact the council by email: [email protected] .

The Marina Customer Service Centre in Lowestoft is open to the public at the fol - Having successfully completed the quickly and easily confirm that the infor - lowing times: Monday, Tuesday, Wednes - District, Parish elections and AV mation is still correct. Information about day, Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm and Referendum in May Waveney’s the automated services is given on the Thursday: 9.30am to 6.00pm. Electoral Services Team has moved top right-hand corner of the form. onto the annual task of updating the Services provided include: Register of Electors ready for If the pre-printed information on the form Council Tax & Recovery publication on 1st December. is now incorrect then please make any Housing Benefits amendments on the form in pen. This Customer Services ( all general enquiries) Each year the team send out an ‘Annual can include crossing off the names of Housing Options/Homelessness Voter Registration form’ to every property people who are no longer resident at the Home Choice in Waveney to give residents the chance address, adding new residents on to the Land Charges, Planning & Building Control to update their details on the Electoral form, and amending incorrectly spelt Private Sector Housing Roll. It is a legal requirement for every names or names that have changed by Payments household to make a return to ensure marriage. If you make any changes to We accept payments by debit/credit card they are registered at the correct address the form it must be signed and then re - viaour automated telephone line: 01502 for voting. As well as being used for turned to the Elections office by post in 511805 and on our website: voting, the Electoral Roll is also used to the envelope provided. check residence at an address for www.waveney.gov.uk/payments.htm finance / credit purposes, so it is very Using the automated services saves important to ensure your details are money so please use them if you have Local Offices are available in Beccles, correct and up-to-date. no changes to your details. Last year, Bungay & Halesworth and are open: just under 42,000 households had no Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 1pm and Your form will be landing on your door - changes to make to their details. Of 2pm to 4.30pm, Friday 9.00am to 1pm and mat from around 15th August. The forms these, over 24,000 were sent back in the 2pm to 4.00pm. are A4 in size and are pre-printed with post instead of using any of the auto - the current information that the Register mated services. As a result this cost the A Drop-In Surgery is also available for of Electors contains for that address. tax payer an extra £2715. Please help us enquiries each Wednesday from 10am to to reduce the costs for everyone by using 4pm at Marram Green, Kessingland If the pre-printed information on the form an automated response method if you (above the Library). More information is has not changed then please use one of have no changes to your details and just available on our website: the automated response methods (tele - as importantly encourage family and www.waveney.gov.uk . phone, internet or text response) to friends to do likewise.

In Touch is written & produced by Waveney District Council with printing arranged by Emagma in Lowestoft.