In Touch Spring 2007

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Inside this issue: Seventh Heaven Waveney breaks in to national recycling top 10 Bungay Bounces Back European funding benefi ting Bungay A New Direction Waveney’s strategy to improve performance Waveney Campus Project praised in important report �� Climate matters Welcome! Waveney District Council have underlined their commitment to energy A warm welcome everyone saving and the environment by signing to the latest edition of the Nottingham Declaration on Climate In Touch, the magazine Change. produced for YOU, the �� The Council acknowledges that climate Authority is already taking on board residents of Waveney. change will continue to have far the issues of energy saving and Cllr reaching effects on the UK’s people, Bee is looking for even more effort in places and environment and, by signing this direction. “ The exciting Waveney Now produced three the declaration, is committed to working Campus project has challenging green times a year, this with central government for the delivery targets in terms of carbon emissions and magazine intends of the UK Climate Change Programme, the use of materials from sustainable the Kyoto Protocol and the target for sources. Meanwhile, the very magazine to provide you with Carbon Dioxide reduction by 2010. that you are reading is now produced on the very latest news Mark Bee, Leader of Waveney District 100% recycled paper. and information Council said: “The scale of the challenge Meanwhile Cllr Peter Collecott, about our services presented by climate change means that Chairman of WDC’s Sustainability Panel, all sectors of the community will have to is calling on residents in Waveney to and performance. As you can tell be involved if we are to meet the targets do their bit. “We are asking everyone in from this diverse and interesting set. By signing, we pledge to actively Waveney to help do their bit by focusing publication there is a lot going on but tackle climate change in this area and on a few simple measures that we can work with others to reduce emissions all introduce in to our daily lives – from we continue to seek improvements country-wide. boiling less water in the kettle to getting in everything we do. “By acting together, Local Authorities cavity wall insulation. By doing this you can have a major impact on national can help to reduce our carbon dioxide Greenhouse Gas emissions and our emissions and save money. Ordinary One of the reasons for producing efforts to adapt to climate change actions can make extraordinary things this magazine is to help you learn a can help protect us all against the risk happen!” little bit more about what we do and of climate change, including extreme Note: for more information on the how we do it. We strive to combine weather events, such as flooding.” Nottingham Declaration go here: At Waveney District Council, recently www.est.org.uk/housingbuildings/ value for money with the highest audited figures indicate that the localauthorities/NottinghamDeclaration/ quality of service and this ‘flavour’ of the Council hopefully underlines our commitment to YOU, the people of Making payments Waveney. You can now pay for most Council Debtor Invoices, Residents Parking Fines services without having to visit Council and Car Parks Excess Charges. Cllr Mark Bee offices or sending a cheque! Payments Both services are available 24 hours Leader, Waveney District Council. can be made via Direct Debit or over a day seven days a week except a the telephone using our automated short period between 11.30pm and service - just call 01502 511805 and 00.15am each day. If you have any have your debit or credit card ready. Or queries please call our payment helpline you can head to the Council’s website, on 01502 523502. If you are required www.waveney.gov.uk/ payments and to leave a message you will get a follow the instructions. response within one working day. �� This service is available for Council Edited by Phil Harris. Designed by TMS Media. Tax, Business Rates, Housing Rent, An additional charge of 1.5% is payable on all credit card payments for Council Tax and Business Rates payments. Printed by Ancient House Press Housing Benefit Overpayment, Sundry There is no surcharge if you use a debit card. on recycled paper.

Boats moored on Oulton Broad. 2

�� Recyclers in seventh heaven Waveney District Council is celebrating the release of statistics for 2005-06 �� which confirm the Council as the 7th best recycling authority in the entire country. In only its third full year of recycling Waveney has shot in to the top 10 from 22nd last year, out of 492 local authorities, thanks to the introduction of a three-bin scheme which has been enthusiastically welcomed by the residents of the Waveney District. The audited figures, which have been released by DEFRA, indicate that more than 46% of all waste in Waveney is now recycled - up from 34% in 2004- 05 and a massive increase And for details of from the figures for 2003- Waveney District 04 when Waveney was Council’s recycling Fed up with a lowly 307th in the programme go to: overall rankings. www.waveney. Cllr Ken Sale, Waveney’s gov.uk/Environment/ Portfolio Holder for the Built Refuse+and+Cleansing/ junk mail? Environment is thrilled with the Recycling/recycling_index.htm news. He said: “This is an absolutely or call the recycling helpline on 01502 You’re not alone! Half a million tonnes outstanding achievement and is the 523561 or 01502 523460. of junk mail is generated in the UK each result of a real team effort. The people year. The average household receives of Waveney understand the importance over 220 pieces of unwanted and junk of recycling and its benefit for the mail, most of which ends up in the bin. environment and they continue to work Green waste Each tonne of junk mail produced uses hard to make a difference. 17 trees, 7000 gallons of water and “I would also like to pay tribute to our 390 gallons of oil! With environmental recycling teams at Waveney who work concerns increasing all the time, the tirelessly to educate and inform our - winter 06 Suffolk Waste Partnership (including residents both at home and in schools. Green waste collections moved to a Waveney District Council, Suffolk County monthly basis in mid-December but are Council and the County’s other District • WAVENEY • due to resume normal alternate weekly and Borough Councils) is encouraging collections from the week commencing us all to take action to reduce junk mail This Council is fully committed to a green March 13th. Information ‘hangers’ and help reduce the amount of waste agenda and these figures underline that. were placed on bins prior to Christmas we generate. It is a success story both for Waveney showing the collection sequence. These Register NOW with the Mail District Council and its residents. can also be downloaded from the WDC Preference Service and remove your “But we won’t stop here. It is our website at: http://www.waveney.gov. name and address from 95% of mailing ambition to be the number one recycling uk/Environment/Refuse+and+Cleansing/ lists. Call 0845 703 4599 or register authority in the entire country. We will Recycling/Roads+and+Rounds/. online at mpsonline.org.uk. continue to find new ways to improve our record and encourage greater If you would like a paper copy please recycling. The hard work will continue contact 01502 523117, or email for the benefit of us all.” [email protected]. 3 ��

prevented the recovery of the beaches. Because of this, the lowering of the Lowestoft North Denes beach at Coastal protection its southern end has exposed large quantities of concrete and steel reinforcement debris from two previous The Southwold Coastal sea wall constructions. This beach lowering, which occurs periodically and update Frontage Scheme is should at least partially recover when drawing to a close! the northerly air ﬂows resume, means that the exposed debris of the ruined 1920’s Mobbs sea wall constitutes a The work, undertaken by a partnership Southwold seafront and will help preserve hazard to beach users. of Waveney District Council (WDC) this beautiful coastline for generations It has been estimated that this set of �� and the Environment Agency (EA), was to come. “We are also very pleased that circumstances coincide only once in 100 substantially completed in the autumn visitors during the Easter holidays will years and it is the persistence of this of 2006 with further works to improve not be unduly affected. Overall the level phenomenon rather than the severity of public access to and along the beach of disruption will be far lower than that the winds themselves, that has resulted due for completion by Easter. experienced during 2006.” in the lowering of beaches in parts of Funding from the Department for Corton, Lowestoft, Easton Bavents and Environment Food and Rural Affairs • SOUTHWOLD • parts of Southwold, as well as at North (DEFRA) was provided to complete Denes, and increased the stone content all original outstanding scheme Meanwhile Waveney District Council of Lowestoft South Beach. tasks, including the building of a new is warning visitors to North Denes to Cllr Sale said: “Public safety is of ‘promenade to beach’ disabled-access take special care when walking in this paramount concern and we have pedestrian slope near to the Lifeguard area due to an unavoidable natural therefore erected barriers and Hut. phenomenon. information signs both to inform the Cllr Ken Sale, Portfolio Holder for the Strong southerly winds over the public of the risks and advise walkers Built Environment, said: “We are delighted last three months has resulted in the to avoid this area of the shore. The to have received the funding required ‘scouring’ of many beaches over the promenade between Links Road car to complete this outstanding project. Waveney frontage and the prolonged park and Ness Point is unaffected and This scheme will safeguard the future of exposure of the coast to these winds has remains open.”

facilities,” said Cllr Stephen Ardley, This development is the start of a Portfolio Holder for Operations and programme of investment that is Facilities. The development, which had planned to improve all of Waveney Leisure sports and leisure centres facilities and • LOWESTOFT • will see a joint development with the local college’s university campus. a budget of £450K, has refurbished the More information on the future main wet and dry changing facilities. investment will be available in the next delight The work improves facilities for all edition of In-touch magazine. For more visitors, including enhanced disabled information please call 01502 569116. changing and improved access to Local residents families and community groups. are in for a treat with the newly opened changing facilities at Waveney sports and leisure centre.

The new wet and dry facilities will improve visitors’ experience, and maybe assist with improving local residents health and wellbeing. “It is hoped that the investment will attract new visitors to the centre and demonstrate the council’s commitment to improve the district’s leisure 4 �� Bungay bounces back Having previously been identiﬁed as a rurally As a result of these and other funding opportunities, the Fisher deprived area with few amenities, Bungay is Theatre opened last October following reaping the rewards of a European funding major renovation funded by East of England Development Agency (EEDA), scheme administered by Waveney District Historic Buildings and Heritage Lottery, �� Council’s Economic Regeneration team. totalling nearly £1million. Cllr Wendy Mawer, Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration, said: The scheme itself may be a mouthful; completed and it is planned that a full- “Bungay has beneﬁted greatly from this the “European Transitional Objective length dramatic production relating to funding and I am proud that Waveney 2/Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) the local heritage will follow. District Council has played its part.” Suffolk Market Towns” scheme, no less! But from 2002 to 2005 it contributed towards the renovation of the town’s historic Fisher Theatre, a business plan for creating a new Community Centre, the acquisition of land for new sports provision on the Maltings Meadow at Ditchingham and provision of a Skate Park with hard- surface play area for teenagers. An additional £10,000 was also provided, assisting local Girl Guides to obtain new mobile classroom premises. • B U N G A Y •

This all followed the appointment of a Projects Officer by Waveney District Council in 2002 who headed a community consultation which identified the major amenities Bungay lacked. And the appointment was so successful that in October 2005, Waveney Community Forum (in Council who are again sponsoring the partnership with WDC) created TWO regional competition and who will new Rural Officers posts, one to cover Village of decide which two Waveney entries will Bungay and Halesworth and the other, go forward to the county competition. Beccles and Southwold. All entries must be returned to Jo And now the remaining funds have the year Archer, Rural Community Cohesion been allocated to initiatives in the officer at Waveney District Council or other Market Towns. Suffolk Youth Will Waveney provide the sent via email to jo.archer@waveney. Clubs in Halesworth and Bungay have gov.uk. Entries must be in by 5th April received grants of approx.£4,000 Suffolk Village of the Year 2007. Waveney District Council are to provide mini-bus transport so again sponsoring the competition with that members can attend youth club for 2007? a £200 cheque as first prize. Council meetings in both towns, and training The winner of the Suffolk competition members have kindly agreed to help sessions have been organised at goes forward to the national with the judging again. weekend residential courses. Bungay competition for the chance of a national And as part of its East Coast Child & District Sports Association received title! Judging is over a number of criteria Campaign Beach Radio have again a grant of £3,000 to provide tennis- including community spirit, the parish offered a special prize of £250 for the courts on their new Maltings Meadow council, the natural environment, village that best describes what they sports complex, and “And Action” general appearance of the village and are doing to meet the needs of children received a similar grant to produce any special achievements. in their community and how they can films involving young people. Short Waveney parish councils are being spend the prize to better meet their ten-minute pilot films have been encouraged to enter by Waveney District needs. 5 ��

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making the park a real success story. Cllr Bruce Provan of Waveney District Council Said: “Green spaces Great Gunton of this kind are a real asset to local communities and there is a recognition They say that Rome wasn’t built in a day and that by engaging with local residents it’s no different with the Gunton Community in preserving these areas, so much can be achieved. Now the broken play Park, situated just off Montgomery Avenue, equipment and fly tipping has gone North Lowestoft. there is something the community can be proud of. We are looking forward to What once was a neglected and local people, WDC and contractors. the next stage and creating something under used open space, where the Stage two will see the development of that the local people will be able to abandonment of unwanted vehicles and a wildlife and woodland area and, with enjoy for generations to come”. fly tipping were a regular occurrence, the introduction of more trees, plants If you live in the Gunton or has now became a modern and vibrant and shrubs, a gradual increase of wildlife surrounding area and would like to be in the area. Stage three will see the involved, please contact the Community • LOWESTOFT • construction of a peace garden, enabling Development Team at Waveney District the community to relax and admire Council on 01502 523186 or 01502 community facility. It doesn’t stop there, all the good work that has gone into 523354. as there are further plans to improve the area, with local residents, Police and Waveney District Council working in The consultation is engaging with partnership. a range of focus groups, statutory A local voluntary group, known as the services,clubs and organisations and Friends of Gunton Community Park, have Sea views other key individuals. The general scope been instrumental in the development for the bye-laws will cover the do’s and of the 25,000m park. With funding Waveney District Council dont’s for the public areas, including from Transforming Your Space (Big has embarked on a cycling, skateboarding, use of powered Lottery) and the Lowestoft Together Neighbourhood Management Project, process of consultation to • WAVENEY • stage one of the project has now been review its bye-laws for the completed. The community group are water craft, responsibilities of vessels now ready to continue their excellent Seashore and Promenade entering the harbour, games, tents, work by moving onto stages two and covering Corton to paying of fees and more. three. Cllr Ken Sale, Portfolio Holder for Stage one consisted of installing an Southwold and more the Built Environment, said: “This enclosed state of the art play area, with specifically Southwold consultation is very important and will modern equipment, and this involved ensure that any action taken is done so intense planning and consultation with Harbour. on the basis of public opinion.” 6 �� A new direction Waveney District Council has laid down important plans to improve its performance and services for residents in a refreshed ‘Strategic Direction’ for the Authority.

The document incorporates a refined Performance Assessment (CPA) review �� set of priorities, an understanding of the by the Audit Commission in 2004 need to improve in certain areas and identified a lack of priority in the Council an analysis of the Authority’s financial and inadequate consultation. But position for the next three to five years this refreshed Strategic Direction has – and Cllr Mark Bee believes that this produced a list of priority outcomes will herald a bright future for both the based on the views of a wide cross- Council and the people of Waveney. section in our communities. We have the Council’s activities in areas such He said: “The revised Strategic listened and now we intend to act.” as Council Tax, Fees & Charges, Debt Direction represents the culmination Meanwhile the purpose of the Medium Management and Housing Revenue. of a long and thorough process. We Term Financial Strategy is to consider the Cllr Bee said: “The Medium Term have identified the priorities for our implications of this Vision. The idea is to Financial Strategy is designed to communities in Waveney, consulted on ensure we can make responsible these priorities and considered what • WAVENEY • judgements about our ability to deliver. needs to be done to ensure these By incorporating such a strategy in this priorities can be realistically delivered. place the Council’s objectives in financial report Waveney District Council will “It represents a significant change for terms to ensure that the Council has ensure it keeps its promises to residents the Council and will be the framework for adequate resources available. and combines effective service delivery the Council to deliver the improvements The Council is continuing its drive to with sustainable, prudent financial needed for Waveney. By defining the become an enabling authority, so that management.” priorities for the next three to five years, Waveney does not deliver all services but The full report on the Strategic the Council will become more focused instead seeks out the most appropriate Direction and Medium Term Financial and can now deliver a long-term vision deliverer of a modern cost-effective Strategy can be found here: www. for the area.” service. This is particularly timely in light waveney.gov.uk/agendas/2006/ And Cllr Bee believes there is a new of the Government’s recently published November/Council/2/. determination to both listen to what white paper on Local Government. residents want and act on their wishes. The Financial Strategy covers the He said: “The Comprehensive period 2008-09 to 2010-11 and reflects Priority plans Following extensive consultation the Strategic Priorities for Waveney District By asking for your views through Council are: extensive consultation exercises last year, the Council has now produced • Environment – Value Waveney’s environment and protect it for future its priority plans. Seven plans have generations been approved by Portfolio Holders to reflect the seven priority outcomes – • Community Safety – Reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in Waveney and Performance, Environment, Community improve community safety Safety, Housing, Regeneration, Health and Well Being and Customer Access. • Housing – Meet the housing needs of the most vulnerable people living in The plans prioritise the key actions Waveney to be completed by the Authority’s Service Teams over the next three • Regeneration – Encourage economic vitality and develop cultural activity across years, to make Waveney a better place the Waveney district and the sub-region with improved services for you the community. Each of the actions have a • Health and Well Being – Improve the health and well being of Waveney’s corresponding target, so progress can communities be clearly monitored and measured to ensure the plans remain on track. • Customer Access – Improve customer access to information and services Anyone wishing to view the plans will find them on the Waveney District • Performance – Improve use of resources and performance Website: www.waveney.gov.uk/ Your+Council/Performance. 7 ��

create 2,000 new jobs in the two towns by 2011. Around 1,400 new homes will also be built in and around the waterfront. If you want to know more about Transforming the proposals you can log onto the 1st East website www.1steast.co.uk or the Waveney District Council site www.waveney.gov.uk/Consultations/ lakelothing_ap_consultation.htm. Over the next few months 1st East and Waveney District Council will look at Lowestoft all of the ideas and suggestions coming from business and the community and �� Lowestoft has a great history and new will see how they can be incorporated into the plan and, if they cannot, they proposals to regenerate the town aim to give will let the people who put the ideas it a great future - with ideas to create shops, forward know why. ofﬁces, a new town square, marinas and a • LOWESTOFT •

‘power park’ at England’s most easterly point. The plans will then be submitted to Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for All of the ideas in the overall waterfront living and the potential for 50 Communities and Local Government who regeneration plan, known as an Area water homes. will hold a public examination – giving Action Plan (AAP) came out of the With 45 hectares of land available for local people another chance to have their first round of consultation by urban redevelopment in Lowestoft, the AAP is say about the ideas for their town. If regeneration company (URC) 1st mainly about creating new workspace necessary, the plan will then be amended East. This has now been approved by and will have the capacity to achieve and the final plan will be adopted Waveney District Council and during and even exceed the URC’s target to – probably sometime during 2008. January and February residents had a second chance to let us know their views on the preferred option to transform their town. 1st East has proposed six key action areas in each town where it will concentrate on attracting new investment. These are: East of England Park (Ness Point) – an idea for an open events space celebrating the most Easterly point, together with a power park focussing on the new Orbis Energy centre Fishers’ Wharf (the outer harbour) – new shops and restaurants themed around the trawling industry, offices and homes Peto Square (Station Square) – a new town square next to the water with shops, offices, restaurants, a new station and a transport hub Free websites! Kirkley Waterfront (the southern side ‘OneSuffolk’ supported by Waveney of Lake Lothing) - a new high quality District Council are hosting an event business and light industry park with a at the Bloodmoor Hill Community new East-West link road together with Centre in Lowestoft on April 16th the Waveney Campus where YOU can learn about websites Lothing Crossing – two locations are and how the internet could boost identified. Transport and engineering YOUR organisation. To book a studies will show which is the most place call Kerry on 01473 583891 suitable. or 07818 005958. And to view Brooke Peninsula (the former Brooke examples of the free websites Marine works) - marina/leisure and ‘OneSuffolk’ have already provided, community development with around head to www.onesuffolk.co.uk. 500 new homes to provide high quality 8 �� Campus latest The Waveney Campus project has been singled out for future and continued operation within Lowestoft with employment for 400 high praise in a recent report by special advisor to the including 80 new scientific jobs bringing Treasury, Sir David Varney. an undoubted boost to the local �� economy. In it he published his recommendations science agency), are in full agreement “This will be a building with high on transforming the delivery of public and believe the project is a key part of environmental sustainability: lower services and he identifies significant the strategic plans for the area and will CO2 emissions, lower waste and noise improvements and cost savings that can act as a catalyst for regeneration. outputs, more efficient heating and be made. Cllr Ken Sale, Waveney District Council’s water solutions, and cycle routes and He believes that many of the most portfolio Holder for the Built Environment secure parking to encourage sustainable positive examples of innovation are transport to the site. It will be a in local government and the Waveney • WAVENEY • landmark, a beacon for regeneration in Campus project is identified within the the area and a project to be immensely report as “an exciting new development said: “The decision to pursue the proud of.” in Lowestoft involving the co-location development was not taken lightly and it The businesses currently occupying of three local and central government will provide excellent long-term solutions, the site have been offered financial bodies in new offices and laboratories such as reducing the burden for Council help and support to relocate to suitable that are part of a wider strategy for taxpayers through the efficient use of premises elsewhere and if required a improving customer service in the town.” combined services, such as computer fully transparent public inquiry into the The three partners, Waveney District technology, shared reception and meeting compulsory purchase of the land will be Council, in partnership with Suffolk areas, cleaning and building maintenance. held before the summer. Subject to the County Council and the Centre for “It will enable the regeneration of outcome of the inquiry and the granting Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture derelict land and the adjacent quayside of planning permission, construction work Science (Cefas: the government’s marine and will also secure Cefas’ long-term would begin in approximately mid-2008.

will provide high quality, flexible office accommodation for up to 30 companies and will include an area for holding exhibitions and small conferences. Orbis Energy is being built with Energy boost support from the East of England Waveney District Council has The landmark played a key role in developing and • LOWESTOFT • Orbis Energy supporting the project and Cllr Wendy Mawer, Waveney’s Portfolio Holder Development Agency (EEDA), development in for Economic Regeneration said: Government Office for the East of Lowestoft has “Orbis Energy will not only assist the England, Suffolk County Council, economic regeneration in and around Waveney District Council, Renewables been given a £3 million Lowestoft, but will also encourage the East and ERDF Objective Two funding. boost. development of the supply chain within the renewable The East of England Development energy sector in the East of Agency (EEDA) has increased its England.” investment to £6.7 million, which The centre will be built will help to improve the design and at Ness Point in Lowestoft, configuration of the iconic building. and is designed to Detailed planning and development provide an energy efficient work has shown that there are now landmark building to opportunities to improve the design of stimulate the development the building that will cement its status as of the offshore renewable a landmark building and help to improve energy sector for Lowestoft its long term viability. and the East of England. It 9 �� Getting kids on the MEND

By 2020, one in five British children will be obese, happier and have more friends.” James 12, of Carlton Colville added: “I can carrying the type of excess fat that puts their lives in now get into jeans and enjoy shopping danger. for trendy clothes, I have learnt new healthy recipes and enjoy cooking with However, this does not have to be so picture if they are to make healthy my mum” Eleven-year-old Amanda, for Waveney youngsters – they could choices,” said Sarah Barnes, who runs of Lowestoft said: “I can join in all the take part in MEND, a free fun fitness the local programmes on behalf of games and I’m now playing football �� programme for overweight kids (seven Great Yarmouth and Waveney PCT. “The regularly.” to 12-year-olds) running at Kirkley High scheme helps parents and children work If you are interested in what MEND School in Lowestoft and supported by together to understand how they can could do for your children and your Waveney District Council. A programme make changes for a healthy life.” family, call Sarah on 01502 719533 or is also planned for the Beccles area. Waveney District Council is supporting visit www.mendprogramme.org. MEND by giving each family who • LOWESTOFT • attends the scheme a free swimming pass for three months to encourage MEND - Mind, Exercise, Nutrition... them to continue being active. Already, Do it! - is a scheme from Great Ormond 24 families have already completed the Street Children’s Hospital. MEND is NOT scheme locally, with some great results. a diet, and does not encourage rapid They are fitter healthier and happier. weight loss. Holly, 11, who lives in Lowestoft said: “Children need to see the whole “I have so much more energy, I feel

and now this safety measure is being extended to hospitality workers. Smoke-free Simon’s position is unique in that it is the only one of its kind in Suffolk, provided by funding from Suffolk Waveney Strategic Local Partnership. He is available to provide help and advice on To help and advise all aspects of the smoke-free regulations. It is estimated that 600,000 smokers Waveney businesses to will give up smoking, inspired by comply with the new the new law and for these there is plenty of help available. Suffolk Stop smoking law, Simon Smoking Service can offer advice, support and training to help people Hughes has been give up. For general information on appointed as the new the new law: 0800 169 1697. The Smoke-free England Website is: www. ‘Smoke-free’ ofﬁcer for effects of other people’s smoke. smokefreeengland.co.uk. Waveney District Council. Smoking kills around 300 people per day in the UK, with over 600 a year Smoking is to be banned from virtually dying due to exposure to second-hand Stop smoking start living all public and work premises from 1st smoke while at work. The long-term If you want to make the break, you July this year. From this date it will be health effects include increased risk of can increase your chances of success illegal to smoke in enclosed spaces such cancer, heart disease, respiratory illness, with professional help or medication. as pubs, restaurants, nightclubs, cafes adult asthma and dozens of other We’re here to help you go smoke free. and company vehicles. “I’m really happy to be helping • WAVENEY • For free one-to-one or group-based Waveney to become smoke-free” said advice call Suffolk NHS Stop Smoking Simon. “This is an excellent opportunity health problems. Many people have no Service helpline: to protect employees, as well as choice but to breathe smoke as part 0800 085 6037. improving the health of people exposed of their job; bar workers, betting shop For online help and support and the to second-hand smoke”. workers and restaurant employees for chance to ‘Ask an Expert’ visit: The law is being brought in to protect example. Workers exposed to dangerous www.GOSMOKEFREE.co.uk. people at work from the dangerous fumes are protected in other industries 10 ��

Waveney District Tenants’ Council’s Housing Options Team are looking satisfaction forward to further Waveney District Council positive developments in is delighted with the tackling homelessness. findings of a survey which indicate that the �� authority’s tenants are “highly satisfied with Tackling their homes and the services provided by their landlord”. homelessness The Council carried out a survey of tenants through an independent The availability of Council properties Waveney. Our aim is to build upon company during the summer of 2006 is now very limited and there are these achievements by improving and to assess their satisfaction with the very long waiting lists for all types developing the scheme to increase housing service delivered to them. of accommodation other than private sector solutions to the benefit The Council wanted to know what sheltered. With this in mind, the role of both landlords and tenants.” tenants felt about a range of issues such of the private rented sector is now To contact Katie to discuss any as their satisfaction with the council crucial to resolving housing needs in aspect of private sector renting as their landlord, their satisfaction the District. please telephone 01502 523181. with the way they were dealt with The Housing Options Team now offer a more accessible ‘housing • WAVENEY • advice surgery’ at the Navigator centre, situated within Lowestoft by the Council, satisfaction with the Library. The surgeries are held on way repairs were carried out and a Monday, Wednesday and Friday Can you whether tenants felt there had been morning and offer free, confidential an improvement in the housing service advice on housing related matters. delivered to them. The Council has recently recruited And the report concludes: “The result a dedicated private sector liaison of the survey demonstrates convincingly officer, Katie Best (pictured above) help? that Waveney DC’s tenants believe that who is available for advice and With a shortage of affordable the Council is providing an excellent accommodation empty homes housing service”. • WAVENEY • are also a wasted resource. The WDC’s Portfolio Holder for Housing Council now has the ability to bring Cllr Bruce Provan is pleased with tenancy related issues. Katie has a long term empty homes back in to the findings. He said: “Following the strong track record of working in the productive use. If you live next door tenants’ decision to retain the Council private sector and will be an asset to to an empty home or know of an as their landlord, we have made every the Strategic Housing services Team. empty home within the Waveney effort to ensure the service delivered is Katie said: “Since its introduction District please report it to the of the highest standard possible – and in January 2005, the ‘Home Finders Council. this independent survey support this. Scheme’ is continuing its success in “The result from the survey working in partnership with private To report an empty home please demonstrates convincingly that Waveney landlords to address the housing call 01502 523160 or email DC’s tenants believe that their council is needs/options of the people of [email protected]. providing an excellent housing service. Typical figures being reported are that 88% of tenants find staff helpful, 86% their commitment and hard work. I challenges we face. feel they obtain good value for money know that they will see this as a reward The full results of this survey are from their rent, and 85% are satisfied for their efforts and this will provide a available on the Council’s website www. with us as their landlord overall. platform for Waveney District Council to waveney.gov.uk and printed versions “I would like to thank all staff for improve the service further to meet the can be viewed at all council offices. 11 �� Lowestoft Waveney together Lowestoft has been allocated funding gets FRANK from the Government �� programme ‘Safer and Waveney District Council’s Substance Stronger Communities Misuse Officer David Clubley is working Fund’ (SSCF), for the with youth organisations under the hugely worthwhile banner of the ‘Harm Reduction Group’, Neighbourhood to help young people get the right Management Project. information on drugs. This programme aims to improve David says: “The Harm Reduction (Norfolk Counselling Advice Service) the quality of life for people living in Group was formed to identify issues and Waveney CDRP (Crime & Disorder, disadvantaged neighbourhoods. around substance misuse, teenage Reduction Partnership). The young At the last Lowestoft Together lifestyle issues and alcohol. With this people were also able to talk in meeting, Sue Bowring, a local resident, challenge in mind, the Group set up a confidence to the Peer Educators and and Margaret Oldham, Manager of the campaign last year to give young people professional advisors from the Harm local disability advice service, D.I.A.L, the opportunity to talk to other young Reduction Team. Every student was also were voted in as co-chairpersons. people about substance misuse issues.” given FRANK literature about substance Waveney District Council’s Bob In conjunction with ‘FRANK’, a misuse issues. Russell was appointed the Manager government initiative providing support in September last year, and since then and information on substance misuse, • WAVENEY • the Lowestoft Together Board has been six young people from the ‘Positive created, made up of active members of Changes for Young People in Waveney’ The whole day was a resounding the community, voluntary groups, and group, trained for a day as “Peer success and is to be repeated, with the various representatives of local public Educators” before speaking to over same Peer Educators with a new theme services. Local councillors are invited to 500 students on the facts of substance around self-esteem and relationships. attend meetings and Waveney District misuse. For further information please telephone: Council is the responsible authority for The day took place in partnership 01502 523357, or website: www. administering the finance. with Lowestoft College, NORCAS waveney.gov.uk/harmreductiongroup. Margaret Oldham said: “It’s all about consulting with the community – and Lowestoft Together is working for the benefit of the community – listening to what it collectively says, and then trying to do something about it. It can make good changes possible, at a very local Play in Waveney level. I’ve been working one way or another in the voluntary sector for many Waveney District potential, giving them the basis for a years, and I think this is one of the best Council are inviting successful life as active members of government initiatives yet.” their community. Lowestoft Together will be carrying residents to help create Waveney District Council is out an intensive survey of residents’ a ‘play’ Strategy for interested in YOUR views on the perceptions of their own area. The group adequacy of play provision and hope to employ local residents to do the Suffolk. the needs of your children, young actual survey. “Watch this space” said Sue. people and future generations. For fuller details of Lowestoft Together, The vision is to create inclusive If you are interested in taking information on projects under way or play opportunities for all children part please contact Jo Archer: in the pipeline, contact: Bob Russell, and young people in Waveney to [email protected] or call on Lowestoft Together Neighbourhood aspire to, and achieve their full 01502 523185. Manager, on 01502 523183 or 07919 427585. 12 �� Tourism success story Tourism is now worth in excess of £153 million to the Waveney economy and supports �� 9.9% of total jobs in the area* and with this in mind, the official launch of The Sunrise Coast Marketing Campaign 2007 took place in December. booked their holiday to The Sunrise Councillor Wendy Mawer, Portfolio Coast will bring their Holiday Handbook Holder for Economic Regeneration with them. This is a valuable publication New handed over ‘The Sunrise Coast Holiday as part of a valuable campaign to boost Handbook 2007’ to Paul Thomas, the local economy.” Chairman of the Waveney Tourism Forum The Holiday Handbook can also be appointment at Southwold Pier. downloaded in full on The launch event was well attended by www.visit-sunrisecoast.co.uk. Waveney District Council’ Waveney Tourism Forum Management *Source: East of England Tourist Board, Volume & Value Study 2004. Advisory Group Members, Sunrise Coast brand new Cultural Marketing Partners for 2007, along with Strategy sets out an councillors and officers from Waveney District Council. agenda for developing The Sunrise Coast Holiday Handbook Cultural Sport, Art, Tourism, is the cornerstone of the Marketing Campaign and is the official tourism Leisure and Heritage over publication promoting the Lowestoft, directory the next five years and • WAVENEY • Waveney DC is in the one of the key objectives

Southwold and Southern Broads area. process of compiling was the appointment of The Holiday Handbook has a print a Cultural Directory of an officer to support the run of 60,000 copies, which will be distributed over the coming months to the area. Arts and Heritage sector potential visitors to the area. New for The directory will have sections in Waveney. 2007, 5,000 of the handbooks have on Arts, Sport, Tourism, Heritage, been printed with a winter theme on the Events, Volunteer groups and more. By working in partnership with Arts cover, which will be distributed towards It will provide a wealth of information East, WDC secured funding for this post the end of the campaign to aid in the for residents as well as visitors to the in late 2006 and as a result now has promotion of a year-round destination. area and will be available in printed appointed Andrew Kitchen as Service Cllr Mawer said: “The 2007 campaign and electronic formats. Manager for Arts and Heritage. Andrew has been developed by the public and A number of officers from the will be spending the next few weeks private sectors within the Waveney Culture, Tourism and Sport Team meeting with appropriate groups, Tourism Forum to increase visitors to have been working on the project organisations and individuals, and The Sunrise Coast. A 2006 research and the directory is due to go to beginning to formulate a long-term plan programme has shown that visitor and print in late winter. If anyone has any for the regeneration of Arts and Heritage industry support for the Handbook is events, social groups, sports clubs in Waveney. very positive with results identifing that they would like included please call If you would like to speak with him 68% of people who received a Holiday 01502 523331 or email: sunrisecoas Andrew can be contacted on 01502 Handbook intended to visit as a result [email protected]. 523397 or email: and that 97% of people who have [email protected]. 13 �� Seeking your views �� Waveney District Council has been asking for YOUR views on the future of Waveney and would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to respond to the following recent public consultations:

Seeking your views on land suggested policies for further for future development This document consultation this sought your views on land already Autumn. suggested for uses such as housing, 1st East Area employment, shopping and community Action Plan for the facilities to meet the future needs Lake Lothing and of Waveney to 2021. All the sites Outer Harbour suggested by developers, landowners, area of Lowestoft parish and town councils and other – following on from interested parties, including the Council, the options consultation in 2006, this partnership with 1st East waterfront were published for you to comment on consultation sought your views on the regeneration company and their before the Council makes any decisions preferred way forward for the Lake consultants Halcrow, before further on the preferred sites. Lothing and outer harbour areas of consultations (see page 8). Cllr Wendy Mawer, Portfolio Holder Lowestoft. Again, a good response For further information on the Local for Economic Regeneration said: “We was received and the Council will Development Framework please visit www. received a huge response and would like now consider all your comments in waveney.gov.uk and www.1steast.co.uk. to thank all those local residents who took the time to ‘spread the word’ and ensure that as many people as possible made their views known.” • WAVENEY • All the comments will now be Open spaces considered before the Council publishes the preferred sites for consultation WDC continues to To complete an online this Autumn. As made clear in the welcome your views questionnaire, please go to the documentation, many of the sites will consultations section on the NOT be needed and we envisage very on open spaces and is council’s homepage at few of them being carried forward to the now staging a further www.waveney.gov.uk. The next stage. consultation lasts from 5th March Seeking your views on policies to consultation. – 16th April 2007. help make decisions on planning applications – this document sought This time we would now like to hear For a hard copy of the questionnaire, your views on key issues affecting what you have to say about allotments, please contact 01502 523572 or development in Waveney together with cemeteries and churchyards, how write to Waveney District Council, a range of solutions. e.g. affordable well they meet the needs of the local OS Needs Assessment, Monckton housing, renewable energy, housing community and to find out what Avenue, Lowestoft, NR32 3EQ. density, car parking. A good response changes people would like. was received and your views will help the Council in drafting specific 14 �� Flying high once more Detailed are very grateful to all businesses and the public who supported the Air planning for this Festival. year’s Lowestoft The company hopes that all the local and national businesses that supported Seafront Air the 2006 festival will again get behind Festival is well underway. this popular family attraction in 2007. �� For details of how to support the The hugely successful 10th Anniversary Air Festival as a business sponsor or 2006 event attracted an estimated Corporate Friend, please contact Keith 420,000 people over the two days Moughton on 01502 523398. and generated £9.8 million to the Members of the public, as well as local economy and planners hope that voluntarily donating £1 per adult at the this year’s extravaganza will be bigger event, can also show their support by and better than ever. Two fantastic becoming a Friend of the Air Festival. The days of entertainment, sponsored by annual membership subscription is just Birds Eye, start at 10am when the fun £10. fair, amusements and wide variety of trade stalls and exhibitors, that line the For further Air Festival information the promenade and Royal Green, open for website is: business. The RAF are increasing the www.lowestoftairfestival.co.uk. size of their ground display and hope to bring a full size Hawk aircraft. There will Become a Friend of the Air Festival & receive special offers from Hughes also be static displays from the Army Electrical Ltd. and Navy and the very popular ‘Meet the Pilots Experience’ will be back. For just £10 minimum annual membership subscription, you and your family can Plus there will be food outlets become Friends of the Air Festival and for your valued support you will receive: positioned along the Esplanade with • A Friend of Lowestoft Air Festival certificate on joining a wide variety to satisfy everyone’s • Access to the Lowestoft Air Festival Website - with Exclusive “Friends” pages taste and a beer tent on Royal Green. • Entry into a draw to win a flight with Denny Dobson in his aerobatic Extra There will then be around 4 hours of 300XS display aircraft flying displays during each afternoon, • Entry into monthly prize draw to win a selection of electrical goods from featuring both military and civil aircraft. Hughes Electrical Each evening when the flying is finished, • A Souvenir Programme * Lowestoft Esplanade will come alive • Two exclusive Friend of the Air Festival Badges* with music and entertainment. (*Both of these will be posted to you in July prior to the Air Festival) • LOWESTOFT • Friend of Lowestoft Air Festival 2007 For the third year running, the I would like to become a “Friend” and enclose my cheque for £10 (no cash please) responsibility for organising the festival Please make cheque payable to - Lowestoft Seafront Air Festival Ltd is in the hands of Lowestoft Seafront Air Please PRINT clearly Festival Ltd, formed by an independent and voluntary business support group Surname (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Other) ...... working in partnership with Waveney District Council. Forename ...... It costs a considerable amount Address ...... of money to organise an air festival – around £325,000 including “in-kind” ...... benefits – and, as previously, it needs the support from businesses, traders Postcode ...... Date ...... and the general public. With the help of sponsorship, traders E-mail Address ...... income and donations – visitors being invited to make a voluntary donation of Please return this completed form and your cheque for £10 to: Friends of £1 per adult – the 2006 festival made Lowestoft Air Festival, 41 Tennyson Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 1PS. a small operating profit, The organisers

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please contact Lowestoft 24th June or Southwold Tourist Halesworth Food, Drink & Craft Happening in Waveney Information Centres or visit Fair www.visit-sunrisecoast.co.uk. 7th –29th July As the summer season fast Bungay Town Festival 22nd April approaches Waveney can boast Halesworth to Southwold Annual 12th July Classic Vehicle Run Powerboat Racing World a vast and varied programme Championships, Oulton Broad May – Sept of events throughout the year! Power Boat racing – Nicholas 12-15th July Everitt Park, Oulton Broad (Most Latitude Festival – Henham Park This year sees the return over 40 boats take part in a Thursdays) 20-22nd July of the award -winning race off Lowestoft seafront. 4/6th May Eastern haze, Somerleyton Hall Latitude festival as well The race series takes place at Laser Sailing World 21st July �� as favourite such as the four other locations through Championships, Lowestoft Beccles carnival Beccles carnival, Gig in the the year including the Isle of Seafront 26/27th July Park, Powerboat racing at Man, Tyneside and Plymouth 28th May Lowestoft Seafront Air festival Oulton Broad (including attracting up to 40,000 Southwold Lions Spring bank the World Championships) visitors to each event. Holiday Fete, Southwold 28th July Jazz on the green, Southwold the Southwold Amber hunt The list below offers Common Green and the Lowestoft Seafront highlights from the many 10th June Airshow. events due to take place Halesworth Lions Carnival Fete 28/29th July Honda Formula 4-Stroke New for 2007 is the Honda on the Sunrise Coast. But 16th June Powerboat Series, Lowestoft Formula 4-stroke Powerboat there is so much more to Lowestoft Seafayre, Lowestoft Beach Series. The event will see enjoy! For further information Fish Docks

April 13th by the celebrated Sun 8th April at 7.30pm Chisinau National Opera RUSSIAN COSSACK and The Royal Philharmonic STATE DANCE COMPANY Marina Theatre Orchestra, now in its third Fri 13th April Lowestoft’s Marina Theatre year of residency at the Chisinau National Opera Marina presents its spring AIDA has been at the cultural heart concert on Friday 20th April. Then the legendary Petula Sat 14th April at 7.30pm of the town for over 100 years. Clark appears in concert MAGIC OF MOWTOWN on Wednesday 25th April This year’s Spring season week only from Monday 26th and rounding off the spring Sun 15th April at 7.30pm THAT’LL BE THE DAY has been hailed the best ever March, Willy Russell’s Blood season in style is another with a host of top artistes, Brothers. During April the major musical, the national Mon 16th to Wed 18th April shows and attractions lined venue presents even more tour of the Louis Jordan hit Nightly at 7.30pm up. In addition the Marina top class entertainment with Five Guys Named Moe. THE PLAY WHAT I WROTE will continue to present top Aled Jones performing in movies on its giant cinema Lowestoft. Having released Thurs 22nd March at 7.30pm Friday 20th April at 7.30pm screen and with tickets for 16 albums, all of which JOE LONGTHORNE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ﬁlms priced at just £2.50 went Platinum or gold and ORCHESTRA Resident at the Marina Theatre each, there is so much more selling over 6 million albums Fri 23rd March at 7.30pm THE BIG BALLET SPRING CONCERT to enjoy at Your West End In worldwide, his appearance is The East! expected to prove extremely Sat 24th March at 7.30pm Sun 22nd April at 7.30pm Highlights include popular. CHARLIE LANDSBOROUGH THE BILLY FURY STORY entertainer Joe Longthorne Opera enthusiasts can look making a welcome return forward to a major production Monday 26th to Sat 31st March Wed 25th April at 7.30pm to the Marina and, for one of Verdi’s classic, Aida on Nightly at 7.30pm PETULA CLARK in concert Matinees Wed 28th & Sat 31st at 2.30pm Thurs 26th April at 7.30pm Willy Russell’s FREDDIE STARR How to get in touch BLOOD BROTHERS Fri 27th April at 7.30pm Let us know what you think of this publication Wed 4th April at 7.30pm PAM AYRES Post: Town Hall, High Street, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 1HS. THE BEST OF ALED JONES Tel: 01502 562111 Fax: 01502 589327 Email: [email protected] Website: www.waveney.gov.uk Thurs 5th April at 2.30pm All of these top artistes and events THE MR MEN in addition to great value movies on our giant cinema screen. For more information or to book any Marina Sat 7th April at 2.30pm & movie, concert or show please call 7.30pm the box ofﬁce on 01502 533200 or

BROADWAY! go to www.marinatheatre.co.uk. Designed and produced by TMS Media • 01493 662929 16