Flying the Flag beaches get ‘Blue Flag’ status Towns together! Partnership goes from strength to strength Regeneration game Improving Lowestoft, improving life Safer and stronger communities Huge funding boost for local communities Welcome! Councillor Wendy Mawer with Sports Awards winners

A very warm welcome to this latest edition of In Touch magazine. This publication is Sports awards intended to provide a flavour of what we do and the services we provide for YOU, the Achievements in the sporting to Sport award. arena were honoured recently Having overcome people of Waveney. at the annual Waveney Sports potentially life-threatening Awards ceremony at injuries after being stabbed As you will see, this Council is made up of many Lowestoft Town Hall. Leading eight years ago, Darren departments and people all dedicated to our the honours were a sporting Lovell has progressed to communities. But this is only the tip of the iceberg! We are all-rounder and three talented such a level that he’s now striving to make improvements in ALL areas and I hope swimmers, who have won Norwich City FC’s Football in that you will feel the benefit of our strenuous efforts. numerous medals in the past the Community (FITC) year. They were among other Disability Officer and was Waveney is a very special place, deserving the best that a sportsmen and women, awarded the Most Valuable District Council can offer its residents. I hope you enjoy juniors, veterans and Contribution to Disabled this edition of In Touch and that you will learn a little bit volunteers who were Sport. The popular Waveney more about what we do and the role we play in the area. honoured for their successes Gymnastics Club won the in 2005. Sponsored by The Most Valuable Contribution Journal and Juler Sports, the to Schools Sport award and ninth annual Waveney Sports the last award of the night - Cllr Mark Bee Awards produced another the Long Service award - Leader, Council. high calibre field of entrants. fittingly went to John Pitts. Masters swimmer Neil Some 25 years ago he Howell took the plaudits to lift founded Pakefield Boys the Best Sportsman trophy. Football Club and ‘thousands With fellow swimmer Laura upon thousands of Healey named Best youngsters’ have benefited Making payments Sportswoman. Equally from his commitment, impressive in the swimming dedication and involvement in pool, teenager Leanne youth football. Barnard won the Best Junior Cllr Wendy Mawer, as Sportswoman award and Deputy Leader, brought the ’s U16 badminton evening to a close, saying: champion Michael Wood ‘This is my third year of You can now pay for most instructions. lifted the Best Junior presenting prizes at the sports Council services without This service is available for Sportsman award. There was awards and it’s one of my having to visit Council offices Council Tax, Business Rates, more success for the popular highlights of the year. It or sending a cheque! Housing Rent, Housing Lowestoft Kuk Sool Won club makes me feel very proud to Payments can be made via Benefit Overpayment, Sundry as they lifted the Best Team be part of this evening as we Direct Debit or over the Debtor Invoices, Residents award. And badminton are able to recognise that so telephone using our Parking Fines and Car Parks coach Phil Lowe won the many people do so much automated service - just call Excess Charges. Most Valuable Contribution good in Waveney’. 01502 511805 and have your Both services are debit or credit card ready. Or available 24 hours a day you can head to the Council’s seven days a week except a website, short period between www.waveney.gov.uk/ 11.30pm and 00.15am each How to get in touch payments and follow the day. If you have any queries please call our payment Let us know what you think of this publication helpline on 01502 523502. If Post: Town Hall, High Street, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 1HS. you are required to leave a Tel: 01502 562111 Fax: 01502 589327 message you will get a Email: [email protected] Website: www.waveney.gov.uk response within one working Edited by Phil Harris. day. Designed by TMS Media. An additional charge of 1.5% is payable on Printed by Ancient House Press all credit card payments for Council Tax and on recycled paper. Business Rates payments. There is no surcharge if you use a debit card. 2 KEEPING WAVENEY PEOPLE Flying the Flag Three of environmental care. ENCAMS European Blue Flag Awards Waveney’s recognise beaches beaches have throughout Europe, which fulfil been awarded strict criteria relating to both the water quality and the Blue Flag status surrounding beach area. for the 2006 Councillor Wendy Mawer was season for the delighted that Waveney’s beaches have been The Blue Flag presentation at Lowestoft fourth successive recognised again. year. "Its a recognition of how Station. These awards already attracts nearly 4 million LOWESTOFT hard the whole Team at add to the ENCAMS Resort visitors per year and local Beaches at Lowestoft, Waveney works to enhance Seaside Awards given to research identified that over North of Claremont Pier and the quality and enjoyability of beaches at Lowestoft North of 55% of visitors to the area South of Claremont Pier have our beach facilities. This Claremont Pier, Lowestoft visited/intended to visit been successful in retaining award acknowledges what a South of Claremont Pier and beaches during their stay, this prestigious award. And great place Waveney is to visit Pier. Beaches at highlighting the importance Southwold Beach (South of and what great facilities and Southwold that The Sunrise Coast the pier) has also retained Waveney residents have right Denes have also been Beaches have on Waveney’s Blue Flag status for 2006. on their doorstep.” awarded ENCAMS Rural £153.8 million tourism The Blue Flag Campaign is A Lowestoft Blue Flag Seaside Awards, bringing a economy. an initiative which recognises Launch Event was held on total of five award winning For further information clean, well-managed beaches Tuesday 23rd May 2006 at the beaches in the Waveney area. about the area head to: that promote coastal Lowestoft Lifeguard South It is estimated that Waveney www.visit-sunrisecoast.co.uk

The £6.5m coast protection scheme to provide higher Southwold success standards of erosion and flood protection to Southwold and Reydon properties, and an improved

SOUTHWOLD beach at Southwold, is nearing substantial Work continues apace on Southwold beach completion. Come and eight rock groynes to the north old groynes using a jack-up scheme itself but also from see the works in action! of the pier, eight timber barge with a 76 tonne the recycling of old materials. groynes are now in place and excavator on board. There is A good job all round! The Southwold Coastal the reconstruction of the certainly plenty going on! Cllr Wendy Mawer, Porfolio Frontage Scheme has been promenade is just about Around 270 tonnes of scrap Holder for Regneration and developed by a partnership of complete. The beach recharge steel from the old groynes Environment, said: “We know Waveney DC and the project also continues, has been recovered and sold that there has been some Environment Agency to involving the delivery by to steel recyclers on behalf of disruption but it will all be provide higher standards of suction dredger of imported the Council and Environment worth it in the end. This protection to some 740 beach material from a licensed Agency. Also, a large number project will benefit Southwold properties against flood and dredging site offshore from of old timber groyne piles and for years to come.” erosion risks, and is funded Felixstowe. Then there is the planks have been recovered For more information by Defra grant aid. operation to remove the ensuring that our communities contact Paul Patterson on Following the construction of outward ends of the redundant will benefit not only from the 01502 523 349. 3 WITH NEWS AND EVENTS IN WAVENEY Pooling resources

Waveney District Council spent over £25,000 on new changing and shower facilities at outdoor pool in time for BECCLES the Summer season.

The pool attracts local residents and visitors alike and Cllr Mark Bee believes that the investment is money well spent. “At this time of year Beccles pool is a wonderful place to visit, but it was clear that work needed to be done to bring it up to the standards both we and the public would expect. We have built new disabled Facelift for Beccles Town Hall. changing facilities as well as installing brand new showers and I am sure that those who use the pool regularly will be pleased with the upgrade.” The pool will also be open Benefiting Beccles for two weeks longer this summer after initial delays to opening caused by problems The completion of began in 2003 and in the first problems will be uncovered with the heating system. improvements to phase, the exterior was until the work is underway,” Waveney’s heating repaired and re-decorated. said Cllr Stephen Ardley, contractors worked around Beccles Town Hall Then a second phase of work Portfolio Holder for the clock, fitting new boilers not only benefit commenced to create male Operations and Facilities. after faults were found in the residents, they and female dressing rooms “However, this only makes the original set - ensuring the and more toilet facilities within satisfaction all the greater pool could be heated to the also help to keep a the basement which saw a once work has been optimum temperature of 26 to promise made by significant amount of completed and, as in this BECCLES 30 degrees centigrade. The the Town Council asbestos removed by case, much needed facilities pool will stay open until specialist contractors. are in use. Saturday September 17th. 220 years ago! With costs rising, work was “Whilst it has been possible “The weather is often temporarily halted but to keep the hall open for the excellent in September and On 11th May 1785 Councillors eventually the District Council duration of these works, the this at least means that the decided that “the building of a was given the go-ahead for Council would like to take this length of the season will be public room as an Assembly further funding and opportunity to thank the users unaffected and the people of room and a Playhouse would improvements which were of the Hall for their patience Beccles can make the most be conducive to the benefit, completed at the end of May whilst the works where of the facilities,” Cllr Bee said. advantage and prosperity of 2006. undertaken. It is anticipated the town…” and Waveney “It is always a challenge that visitors and user groups of For pool times and more District Council says “long working with old buildings the Public Hall will appreciate information call: 01502 may that continue!” such as this, because you and fully enjoy the improved 713297. The current renovations never fully know what facilities for many years.” 4 KEEPING WAVENEY PEOPLE A tidy effort in the local papers, the Waveney’s consequences of the anti- Waveney will begin issuing social behaviour of a tiny fixed penalty notices for dog Council’s website and other Environment minority. Our objective fouling and littering in August. media. Support Officers therefore is to try to persuade Further extensions and Full details of the fixed penalty are out and about them to take more care of our developments in the scheme surroundings. The will be publicised in due notice scheme can be found this summer on Environment Support Officers course through public notices at www.waveney.gov.uk. the streets, in the will be doing this through a parks and on the combination of education and a high-profile presence in WAVENEY beaches selected areas to deter this encouraging us to sort of behaviour.” Caravan take more care of our Nevertheless, Cllr Sale is keen to point out that the environment. ESOs will also follow up ‘education’ with ‘enforcement consideration Their role encompasses a action’ when required. “We Waveney District best outcome for the site can wide range of environmental know that our message will now be achieved. issues, including dog fouling, need pressing home very Council has “Our vision for the site has littering, fly-posting, graffiti firmly in some cases, and our been been subject to a full six-week and fly-tipping. They will also Environment Support Officers considering consultation giving people help tackle the growing are equipped with the legal plenty of time to have their say problem of congestion and powers to achieve this. It YOUR opinions and the views that have been nuisance caused by car sales includes the right to issue on the future of submitted really will lay the in lay-bys and repairs on the Fixed Penalty Notices with the North Denes foundations for the future of highway. fines of up to £80 for dog North Denes. The Council Cllr Ken Sale, Waveney’s fouling, littering and other Caravan Site. simply doesn’t have the Portfolio Holder for the offences”. capital to modernise the site Environment said; “We all So although the ESOs are LOWESTOFT The Council has to today’s expected standards know how disheartening and concentrating on education proposed a progressive and by transferring its frustrating it is to live with the and promotion to begin with, plan that would see the operation to experienced northern end converted to professionals we hope to Environment Support Officers Hayley Darlaston, Mark Seaman and Peter Middleton open space and the southern safeguard the future of North end redeveloped as a Denes. modern, privately-owned static “If the plans are approved and touring caravan and by Members we believe this camping site. will lead to the creation of an Nevertheless, Waveney has attractive, safe and welcoming always believed it is vitally environment for residents and important for interested parties visitors alike. But it is vital to to have their say before any hear from a wide range of plans can be finalised and people to be sure that all copies of the Council’s views and opinions are Planning and Use vision for considered before the final the site, known as the ‘Note decision is made.” on Implementation, have been For further information go to distributed’. www.waveney.gov.uk/Leisure/ Cllr Stephen Ardley, Portfolio Caravan+and+Camping and Holder for Operations and click on ‘The future of Facilities, hopes that the very Waveney’s campsites’. 5 WITH NEWS AND EVENTS IN WAVENEY Towns together!

The Rural The Youth Partnership, chaired by Communities Geoff Young, identified Partnership goes that the 9 to 13 year from strength to olds in the area had no youth club facilities in strength! The RCP Bungay. Although there is developing was a successful Senior initiatives to provide BUNGAY Club running from the

WAVENEY Community Education services and help Youth Centre the junior club improve facilities in had shut down two years ago. each rural town as well Bungay Youth Partnership and creating joint projects the Rural Development Halesworth Town Market Project Officer put together a for the combined benefit funding application to the of Beccles, Bungay, set up a committee. He also running costs for one year. Local Network Fund for provided assistance with This included the hiring of the £7,000 to provide a really Halesworth and completing the ‘Awards for dance studio / instructor and active youth club for juniors in Southwold. All’ application for the £5,000 childcare facilities. Bungay one night per week. of funding required to pay for This application was recently The RCP is a great example approved. of partnership working at its best and is supported and A Four Towns Initiative! funded by, amongst others, The Waveney Rural the four Town Councils, Planning for a Communities Website was set Waveney District Council and up at the request of the four the Waveney Community towns linking with the One Forum, (WCF). Voice Suffolk website to brighter future provide a more detailed web One successful site covering all community community project in Waveney District deliver services, our role as and voluntary services as well Halesworth is the Council’s a community leader and as sports and leisure Groovy Gap Dance lays down specific targets activities. This is not a Group which was set up Executive has for us to achieve. commercial web site and is to provide lunch hour approved a new Cllr Colin Law, Portfolio run by volunteers to help dance and fitness “High Level Holder for Corporate maintain this service. The four sessions for young Governance, said: “We have towns are linked to each other parents. The group Improvement received very positive on the site so the user can wanted to help young Plan” which comments from our external jump between each town. The mums and dads enjoy a WAVENEY contains a auditors about the new Plan. hope is that youth web sites break from their little They consider it makes will also be linked into this site ones, to incorporate number of clear realistic statements about eventually. The Rural

HALESWORTH some kind of health objectives to help our challenges and contains Development Partnership benefit and provide a improve our service good plans which Officer worked in partnership social group in a nice acknowledge the with the four towns, environment. Part of the to you, the residents importance of knowing the community and voluntary scheme provides childcare of Waveney. community’s needs.” groups to secure the funding facilities and the dance class The full version of the Plan, and put together the new takes place for one hour every The Plan lists the key things which will be refreshed every website. Tuesday at the New Cut Arts that the Council needs to do six months, can be viewed Want to know more? Centre in Halesworth. The to improve and focuses on on the Council’s website, Call the Waveney RCP officer helped the group priorities, our capacity to www.waveney.gov.uk Community Forum on to work up a constitution and 01502 582201. 6 KEEPING WAVENEY PEOPLE

We have included two surveys which we would like you to complete - one relating to the Community Strategy or ‘plan’ for the area involving key partners such as the Police and Suffolk County Council, and the other focusing specifically on OUR service to YOU.

You can either pull out these pages and drop them in or post them back to the Council offices, alternatively if you wish, you can complete the Over the next four pages we’re going to tell you surveys online. Full details are on page 10. about our plans for Waveney and our ambitions for the future provision of Council Services. And Your views are vital to us. we want YOU to have your say! Please help us to help you! Have your say! So what exactly is the Strategic Partnership has What have you said so far? important things first: Community Strategy? been developing action plans Based on the consultation we to achieve that vision, have done so far, we’ve put Step 1 In 2002, the District Council however, much has changed together a draft of the Take a look at each of the co-ordinated the production since the production of the Community Strategy, which following seven priority areas: of the first Community original Community Strategy. outlines a proposed new Environment, Community Strategy or plan for the area. Therefore we need to check vision for the area. We have Safety, Health, Housing, The strategy explains how we out that the vision still reflects used some of the feedback Regeneration, Information & can work closely together on the needs and aspirations of you gave us in the ‘Local Customer Services and the key things that make up everyone who lives and works Development Framework’ Education. ‘quality of life’ for the in Waveney and for this consultation to identify our Within each one there are community and helps public reason, the Local Strategic draft set of new priorities in key issues relating to the service bodies such as the Partnership has committed to the Community Strategy. priority areas - and this is Police, Primary Care Trust and undertaking a series of These are listed below. what we want you to rank. So, Suffolk County Council as well consultation activities starting with ‘ENVIRONMENT’, as the business sector, throughout 2006, to get YOUR What’s next? if you believe that ‘Tackling voluntary organisations, views on how we can refresh This is where you come in! Climate change’ is most community groups and this vision to meet your needs Although we now have a important to you - give it a individuals to work more TODAY. sense of what your priorities score of ‘1’, then give the next closely together on the key look like, we will not be able most important the score ‘2’ things that go to make up The District Council to address them all at once, and so on until you have ‘quality of life’. Using their Waveney District Council is a so we would like to ask you to numbered them all. experience and knowledge of key player in the Local rank them in order of the area, the partners pooled Strategic Partnership. Since importance to you. What’s the Then do the same with information about needs and the Community Strategy most important and what COMMUNITY SAFETY, then aspirations, their activities and outlines the hopes and comes first? HEALTH and so on! their plans for the future. aspirations for the Before arriving at a vision for community, it’s important that Key Community Strategy the area, called the the District Council’s Issues Community Strategy! priorities match these. For These are the key issues and this reason, we would also priorities you have told us A fresh look like to ask you about the about. We now need to Over the last few years an priorities that the Council narrow these down to ensure Please start your organisation called the Local should focus on. that we focus on the most priority list overleaf. 7 WITH NEWS AND EVENTS IN WAVENEY

Environment Information and Customer Services ...... Redevelopment of previously used sites ...... Increase access to services in rural areas ...... Tackling climate change ...... Increase provision of public transport ...... Combating the risk of flooding ...... Continue to focus on the rural areas as well as the towns ...... Tackling coastal erosion ...... Providing services and facilities within new developments ...... Minimising the amount of waste ...... Dealing with rising levels of traffic Education ...... Protecting biodiversity, landscape and built heritage ...... Improve education ...... Improve educational facilities Community Safety ...... Improve teaching ...... Meeting the needs of young people ...... Improve discipline ...... Visible police presence ...... Increase levels of GCSE attainment ...... Tackling car crime ...... Increase adult literacy and numeracy ...... Tackling anti-social behaviour ...... Improve skills in line with local business needs ...... Dealing with use of illegal drugs ...... Combating the impact of alcohol consumption Step 2 because now we need to ...... Reducing the fear of crime Finally in this section we need focus on those priorities within ...... Combating domestic violence you to rank the priority areas the Community Strategy ...... Combating racial harassment themselves. Is Health most which the District Council has important to you? How about a specific responsibility to Education? Below, score the deliver. In short, what WE do Health most important as number ‘1’, for YOU! ...... Encouraging healthier lifestyles then ‘2’ and so on to the least important which should be So how does Waveney ...... Improve healthcare facilities, particularly for ageing ranked ‘7’. District Council fit in? population ...... Tackling child and adult obesity ...... ENVIRONMENT It is the Council’s responsibility to listen and ...... Reducing the prevalence of heart disease ...... COMMUNITY SAFETY react to the community’s ...... Reducing teenage pregnancies views on priorities, and ...... Promoting mental health and well-being ...... HEALTH ensure that priorities and services are delivered to a ...... Get more people more active, more often ...... HOUSING required standard. This ...... Reducing smoking doesn’t mean that the Council ...... REGENERATION provides everything itself, but must work in partnership to Housing ...... INFORMATION & ensure services are provided ...... Providing affordable housing CUSTOMER SERVICES as efficiently and effectively as ...... Increasing the range and types of housing development possible...... EDUCATION The Council must ensure that its own priorities are Regeneration Now, we would be really driven by the needs and ...... Improving the perception of Waveney grateful if you would read on aspirations in the Community ...... Increasing average earnings ...... Supporting and encouraging economic growth ...... Developing all year round tourism ...... Increasing the vitality and viability of town centres ...... Provide well paid and skilled jobs ...... Provide infrastructure to support development ...... Encourage young people to remain in the area ...... Tackling unemployment ...... Increasing business start ups ...... Making land available for business use ...... Developing new industries 8 KEEPING WAVENEY PEOPLE

Strategy, and to ensure it Creating and sustaining job Environment supports other partners in opportunities ...... Protecting the coast delivering THEIR priorities. For example, how can the District Public conveniences ...... Promoting good design, conservation and landscape Council support the newly advice formed Waveney and Great Step 3 ...... Providing a building control service Yarmouth Primary Care Trust So now, the Council has in reducing adult and drafted a revised ‘Strategic ...... Dealing with planning applications and enforcement childhood obesity? Direction’ or business plan, to ...... Protecting the environment (noise, air and land pollution) Back in 2002, you gave us help us to prioritise our ...... Food safety and port health the following views as part of resources and capacity. We the ‘Listening To You’ survey. would like YOU to tell us if the ...... Dealing with high hedges From a list of five Waveney priorities that we should focus ...... Land drainage District Council services, on in the next few years look people were asked to identify correct, and how important ...... Providing a planning policy framework the most important ones. The you think they are...... Recycling top five were: ...... Waste management We have drafted these priority Refuse collection and outcomes to achieve our vision ...... Beach and seafront management recycling of a safe, clean and ...... Energy conservation prosperous environment for ...... Grounds management - parks, allotments and open Highways and footpath our communities and as maintenance before, please rank the issues spaces in each key area with ‘1’ being ...... Street cleaning Street Cleaning the most important to you, right ...... Land charges continued overleaf through to the least important.

9 WITH NEWS AND EVENTS IN WAVENEY

Community Safety ...... Dealing with abandoned vehicles ...... Providing a licensing service ...... Street wardens ...... CCTV

Regeneration ...... Arts and culture development ...... Economic development (urban and rural) ...... Festivals and events ...... Heritage and museums ...... Industrial development ...... Increasing the viability and vitality of our towns ...... Promoting regeneration initiatives ...... Promoting tourism ...... Providing tourist information ...... Working with First East ...... Provision of car parks ...... Provision of markets ...... Provision of yacht stations and harbours ...... Community regeneration ...... Provision of caravan sites ...... Housing advice ...... Provision of affordable housing Information and Access ...... Provision of housing benefits ...... Promoting access to the countryside ...... Services for travellers ...... Providing footpaths and Rights of Way ...... Provision of temporary accommodation ...... Traveller liaison ...... Provision of council housing ...... Provision of concessionary fares ...... Improving housing estates ...... Improving accessibility of services ...... Provision of sheltered housing ...... Communication to the public and the press ...... Consultation with the community Many thanks for your time. Your views are Health valuable and we are extremely grateful. We ...... Sports development will LISTEN to what you say! ...... Provision of leisure centres Please carefully remove these or return them to any ...... Provision of facilities for young children and parents pages from your magazine Waveney District Council and post them to: office by no later than August e.g. Sure Start 31st. You can use the local ...... Provision of public conveniences Phil Harris offices in Beccles, Bungay, ...... Leisure concessions Waveney District Council Halesworth, or Southwold and Town Hall the Town Hall on the High ...... Cemeteries Lowestoft Street or the Clapham Road NR32 1HS offices in the centre of Lowestoft. Housing ...... Dealing with houses in multiple occupation This consultation is also available to complete on-line at: ...... Providing improvement grants www.waveney.gov.uk/consultations/haveyoursay ...... Estate caretakers ...... Provision of centre for independent living ...... Homelessness 10 KEEPING WAVENEY PEOPLE Regeneration game Making Lowestoft congestion with a third river changes to the area around the and Great crossing seen as key to both South Quay of Lake Lothing towns, whilst in Lowestoft were popular options. Yarmouth a better improvements to the outer For more information call place to live, work harbour, reconfiguring the area 01493 334455 or head to: and visit through around the Railway Station and www.1steast.co.uk improvements to transport are the top priorities for the public say the LOWESTOFT results of a recent consultation by urban regeneration company 1st East.

With almost 1,000 responses to the regeneration proposals, 1st East also has a clearer idea of what the public would like to see included in its masterplan to improve quality of life in both towns. A common theme was the need to reduce traffic

Proposed regeneration plan Campus progress

Waveney District It is expected that the epitomised by the view of Cllr service facilities in Lowestoft, Council, Suffolk proposed site of the project Wendy Mawer who is an along with the market towns will be located within the elected representative at both of Beccles, Bungay, County Council newly created boundary of the District and County level. Halesworth and Southwold. and CEFAS are 1st East Waterfront “We recognise the This will provide a entering the next Regeneration Company and importance this venture - not comprehensive service offer that this project will prove to only in providing more cost- to all parts of the district so important stage of be a hugely important effective and efficient that the people of Waveney the Waveney catalysts for regeneration, buildings to work from but, will be able to access all WAVENEY Campus project, providing a very sound basis importantly, in providing a real Council services in one place, for the sustainable future of confidence boost to the local and as close to where they which intends to the local economy. economy and a major live as possible. This work is establish a joint, state The project passed a investment sign to external being carried out in tandem of the art office critical approval stage in June inward investors. with the Waveney Campus when Cefas’ ministerial In addition to the main Project and an announcement complex for the three approval was announced. building in Lowestoft, will be made soon about the organisations. This followed the unanimous Waveney District Council and location of Waveney’s first support given by the two Suffolk County Council are joint service outlet. Councils to the project in May, also looking for joint customer 11 WITH NEWS AND EVENTS IN WAVENEY

Connections, but primarily for Forum, Partnerships with groups and organisations that Older People, Waveney Double decker delight! haven’t got facilities in the Women’s Health Information towns and villages and wish Centre, Action for Families A DOUBLE- access and safety legislation. to ensure that the rural and youth clubs and forums After touring the four towns, communities can access their from the four market towns DECKER bus Leader of Halesworth Town services.” and surrounding areas. designed to Council and Chair of the Bus Groups and services taking For more information about provide a steering group Alan Holzer part in the project include the bus and its services, call thanked all those who had NORCAS, Suffolk Association Matt Deal, Four Towns “community/youth been part of the project. of Voluntary Organisations, Community Bus Co-ordinator centre on wheels” It only took the Four Towns Waveney Domestic Violence on 07877 898917. to people living in Bus Project six months to secure its initial funding, with rural areas, was the support of Waveney launched in the District Council officers, from Four Market the Single Regeneration

FOUR TOWNS Oakwood is OK Budget, managed by Suffolk Towns, Beccles, County Council. This money Bungay, was then added to funds Halesworth and donated by Waveney Crime Southwold recently. Reduction Partnership, the Waveney Drug Action Team Oakwood and the Neighbourhood Community This superb bus is fully Renewal Fund and used to Field before equipped with training areas purchase an old London and after. complete with laptop double-decker to be computers, providing internet refurbished and provide a link access, a 42” plasma TV with between the four DVD, meeting area, private communities. meeting room, air Christine Pinsent, from the conditioning and hot and cold Bus Steering Group said “The refreshments. The bus is also Bus is for all the community, The fully compliant with disabled young and old. It will be open through the day and is regeneration available for a wide range of of a public groups from Waveney open space Women’s Aid to the CAB, from Youth Groups to in South Lowestoft has Living Spaces, (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister), Community/youth centre on wheels. been completed Suffolk County Council and with the Waveney District Council. It installation of the has been developed by LOWESTOFT Whitton Tenants’ & Residents’ community Association in partnership mosaic using with Whitton Life, Waveney designs by the District Council, Suffolk County Council, children at Whitton Neighbourhood Watch and Green Primary School. Suffolk Police. Cllr Bruce Provan, Portfolio Manager for The once neglected and Housing & Social Inclusion, underused Oakwood believes the project sets a Community Field, in Whitton, fantastic example for others. South Lowestoft has been “A group of committed and transformed into an attractive determined people have community garden with a brought about a positive large emphasis on attracting change to the area they live, wildlife to the area. for the benefit of the whole The project received community, I would urge funding from the Countryside anyone with a similar vision to Agency, Doorstep Greens take that step to seeing their Programme, (Big Lottery), ideas become a reality”. 12 KEEPING WAVENEY PEOPLE Green delight

Waveney District Councillor Ken Sale joined Portfolio Manager Martin Plane and members of the Council’s waste WAVENEY management team to show off a recent award that recognised their Grove in the groove! contribution to tackling Cllr Ken Sale with pupils at Grove Primary School the county’s growing said Cllr Ken Sale, Portfolio councils, Suffolk has Waveney District waste problem. Holder for the Built significantly improved the Council are proud Environment. “We diversion of waste from landfill congratulate all the children Suffolk's waste authorities to award Grove to recycling and composting. who have worked hard to sort were jointly awarded Beacon Primary School the In making the award, it was the recyclables, and all the Status by the Office of the recognised that a wide range status of ‘best staff who have taken the time Deputy Prime Minister of communications have been to understand what the (ODPM) and Waveney is recycling school’ in used to ensure that the scheme entails.” particularly proud of its the region. The community have been fully In recognition of their achievements in waste and engaged with the waste and Staff and children achievement Grove Primary recycling. recycling strategy. Funding School was presented with a "The award of Beacon have recycled was also secured for a six LOWESTOFT composter to further aid their Status reflects the hard work almost TWO tonnes month door-stepping green ambitions. This will not undertaken by our waste and campaign covering 100,000 of material since only reduce waste going to recycling teams. Waveney is households, and recycling landfill but also allow the genuinely delighted that we they joined the scheme and waste education officers school to get value from their are being recognised,” Cllr last year - a massive are very active in attending all waste, both through Sale said. schools. A “Perfect Bin” 95% of their Waste! composting and education. Beacon status is awarded scheme has been run at Congratulations again, Grove by the ODPM to authorities Bungay Middle School and On joining Waveney’s ‘Blue Primary School! who have shown excellence Elm Tree Primary School, and Bin’ recycling scheme, Grove Other high achievers in and innovation and a Waste Minimisation Projects recognised that almost all Waveney are St. Margaret’s commitment to sharing their have run at Roman Hill their waste was recyclable Primary in Lowestoft at 75%, expertise with others. By Primary, Holton St. Peter and boldly opted to swap followed by The Ashley pooling resources and the Primary, Bungay High and almost all their black waste School, Lowestoft (68%), vast experience of individual Halesworth High Schools. bins for Blue recycling bins. Bungay Middle & Roman Hill This decision, backed up by a Primary in Lowestoft both on Waveney’s award winning waste management team lot of hard work, brought real 63%, and Holton St. Peter dividends and earned praise Primary School on 55%. Well from the Council. done to these, and all of “We are all very pleased those schools, currently some that a school in Waveney has 44 (77%) who have opted to taken on the challenge of join the Schools’ Recycling recycling and reducing their Initiative, keep up the good waste with such enthusiasm,” work. 13 WITH NEWS AND EVENTS IN WAVENEY Waveney Sunrise Scheme

£11.5m has now complete and traffic calming deliveries (4pm to 10am), together with links to our been spent on the measures in south Lowestoft converting Waveney Road partners and associated Scheme, the are progressing well. and Katwijk Way to two-way projects. Phase one of the Royal and closing Suffolk Road Cllr Wendy Mawer, Portfolio largest Plain scheme, which includes between Station Square and Holder for Regeneration, said: regeneration the fountains (pictured, front Bon Marche. “A big thank you to the public programme the cover), was opened to the In South Lowestoft the for their patience while these public in June 05 and works opening of the South works are undertaken. They region has seen, to extend the East Point Lowestoft Relief Road in June will genuinely enhance the WAVENEY and it is due for Pavilion are underway with has allowed for northbound area for residents and visitors completion in completion due in October. traffic to be diverted away alike.” Looking ahead, detailed from London Road South and June 2007. designs for a two-way works are progressing well on gyratory loop around the main the Clifton Road car park Programmes to improve London Road North shopping which will be completed London Road North from precinct are almost complete. during the summer. Artillery Way to Suffolk Road, The plans include restricting the Britten Centre market traffic in Gordon Road to Further details can be found stalls, Station Square and public transport, disabled at: Bevan Street East are all drivers, permit holders and www.waveneysunrise.org.uk

A new £6.4 million between Waveney District centre aimed at Council, Suffolk County Council, EEDA, the boosting the Government Office of the East region’s Offshore OrbisEnergy and Renewables East and will Renewable have immense benefits for companies in the region as Energy Industries well as the region as a whole. has a new name We are delighted that Steve and a new takes shape Clarke has been appointed Development Development Director,

LOWESTOFT bringing experience, vigour Director. Regeneration, is delighted work to establish a Centre of and enthusiasm to the that the project is off and Excellence for Offshore project.” The centre, which will be built running. Renewables in Lowestoft. The Mr Clarke will be at Ness Point in Lowestoft is “This project is the project has relied heavily on a responsible for developing to be called OrbisEnergy and culmination of over five years very strong partnership and realising the region’s work to build it will get opportunity in and around underway this summer. OrbisEnergy Centre offshore wind, wave and tidal. The total cost of the project He will focus on attracting is £6.392m and is being led companies into the by Suffolk County Council OrbisEnergy facility which is (SCC) and the East of scheduled to open at the end England Devlopment Agency of 2007. (EEDA) in partnership with OrbisEnergy will be a Waveney District Council. central point for companies EEDA are the main funders working in the renewables with contributions from SCC industry and is intended to be and Waveney. Cllr Wendy a flagship development for Mawer, Portfolio Holder for the regeneration of Lowestoft.

14 KEEPING WAVENEY PEOPLE

Waveney District has been allocated £1,599,600 over 4 years from the Safer and Government programme ‘Safer WAVENEY and Stronger Communities Fund’ (SSCF). The objective is to improve stronger the quality of life for people living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods and to ensure that service providers are more responsive to neighbourhood needs and improve their delivery. The Waveney Local communities Strategic Partnership has selected parts of Harbour, Normanston, St Margaret’s, Kirkley and Whitton wards for the funding. This represents a population of about 13,500 and the funding will be used where this is possible and consultation with local people neighbourhood as part of this to improve people’s lives by empowering local people by who live in the area, carried funding. reducing educational involving them in local out in Partnership with the Fair For further information underachievement, offending, decision making to foster Share Trust (Big Map), to please call our Community transforming neighbourhoods community spirit and identify the problems and Development Officers: through reconnecting them cohesion. services that they would like Lowestoft 01502 523186, with housing and job markets There has been wide to see improved in their rural areas 01502 523183.

review of the Council’s Allocation Scheme with a view Homelessness prevention to introducing a Choice Based Lettings Scheme, determined to reduce the to get a step on the property which will be a transparent Homelessness need for temporary ladder. and hopefully more effective prevention is at accommodation in the Waveney has a close way of allocating social the heart of Waveney area.” working relationship with the housing. Service users as well These programmes include Citizens Advice Bureau and as service providers can then Waveney District a Homefinders Scheme which tenancy support providers make more informed Council’s Housing enables families to secure through the Council’s Tenancy decisions about the pros and Strategy and a accommodation in the private Sustainment Officer and we cons of each housing option. sector and assistance for continue to work with Sub- Meanwhile a ‘Sanctuary number of people to stay in their current Regional and Regional Scheme’ is being explored to WAVENEY programmes have accommodation through the Partners to maximise the enable people who may been established use of the Homelessness supply of Social and private ordinarily flee domestic Prevention Fund. Sector Housing. violence to stay in their own to achieve this. Waveney is also working Waveney is also currently homes. with Private Developers and exploring ideas such as the Information on general Councillor Bruce Provan, Registered Social Landlords development of respite housing matters and advice Portfolio Holder for Housing & to increase the amount of housing/crash pads as an relating to housing issues in Social Inclusion said: “The shared equity/shared alternative to the use of Bed & Waveney can be obtained by: Council is facing an extremely ownership schemes for Breakfast for 16 to 17 year telephoning 01502 523141 or busy year in this area but is people who can’t quite afford olds. There will also be a 01502 523175. 15 WITH NEWS AND EVENTS IN WAVENEY What’s on! A taste of events in and around The Sunrise Coast this Summer! AUGUST Monday 14 to Friday 18 August Friday 4 to Sunday 6 August Summer Soccer School Gig in the Park, Halesworth 5 day soccer school 10-3pm, Kessingland, £55 per week. Contact Sunday 6 August - 10am to 4pm David Harrison-Jones 01502 519944 Model Boat Regatta Kensington Gardens, Lowestoft. Monday 14 to Saturday 19 August 54th Lowestoft & East Suffolk Sunday 6 August Junior Tennis Tournament Emergency Services Open Day Normanston Park, Lowestoft. Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad Contact 01502 523010

Monday 7 to Friday 11 Thursday 24 August Summer Soccer School Last Children's Day + BLAZE Culture in Waveney 5 day soccer school 10am to 3pm, Dance Team Poplars Primary School, Lowestoft Sparrow’s Nest Gardens, Lowestoft - Waveney District museums and attracts almost £55 per week. Contact David Contact: 01502 514402 four million visitors per year. Harrison-Jones 01502 519944 Council has spent Sunday 27 August - 12noon The strategy covers a huge Thursday 10 August - 5.30pm Music in the Park a year consulting range of cultural activities in Power Boat Racing Sparrow’s Nest Gardens, Lowestoft - with the public to the District from media, Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad Contact: 01502 514402 museums and artefacts to provide a Thursday 10 August - 12 noon Sunday 27 August sports events, parks, open K-Syl-R Roadshow Wild Wild West Entertainment Funday direction for the spaces and Children’s Day Royal Green, Lowestoft playgrounds establishing the Sparrow’s Nest Gardens, Lowestoft. development of Contact: 01502 514402 Monday 28 August - 12noon WAVENEY value of shared memories cultural activities Last Gig in the Park Bank Holiday and experiences and the Sunday 13 August - 2pm Monday in the region. diversity of our heritage. 26th British Open Crabbing Sparrows Nest Gardens, Lowestoft - Reflecting on the new Championship anything goes, it could be you on Walberswick - Registration 1pm, stage! Contact: 01502 514402 On 13th April 2006 a Cultural document, Cllr Wendy Mawer Competition starts 2pm. Contact: Strategy for Waveney was said: “Long in need, deep in 01502 722359 or go online at: The information listed is correct at adopted by Full Council. consultation, and a living www.walberswick.ws/crabbing/index. time of going to print. Please check Cultural activities produce document which php the latest information before travelling. considerable benefits to the demonstrates the great Sunday 13 August A full list of events can be community, whether enjoyed diversity of Waveney and all it Lowestoft Carnival Procession found by going online at: directly through participation has to offer for its residents, through the town. Contact: 01502 523398 www.visit-sunrisecoast.co.uk or on the periphery as an the County and the rest of the observer. Cultural activities UK”. Mon14 to Thur 17 August - Monday not only enrich the lives of For a copy of the cultural to Wednesday 10am to 1pm, Thursday 10am to 4pm those who participate, but strategy please visit Summer School Workshop (Polka also contribute to the long- www.waveney.gov.uk/ Dot Arts) term ambitions of the district, downloads at the Marina Theatre, Lowestoft. the quality of life is improved; or telephone 01502 523334. Contact: 01502 533200 social exclusion is overcome; the district is regenerated; community development is Lowestoft’s superbly showbusiness as well as presents the very best in film enhanced and all participants hosting major touring theatre entertainment and with are party to lifelong learning. restored Marina productions, ballet and tickets priced at just £2.50 Waveney offers some of the Theatre has been at opera companies. In 2005, each, has one of the lowest most prestigious beaches the cultural heart of the Marina became the East prices of admission in the and waterways in the country. Anglian residence of the UK. In addition, the district is the town for over one Royal Philharmonic For more information or to home to a renowned maritime hundred years. Orchestra, which presents a book seats for any Marina heritage, a distinctive history Situated just off the town’s regular series of concerts Movie, Concert or Show, and an abundance of main shopping precinct, the throughout the year. please call the box office on countryside, wildlife and venue regularly plays host to With one of the largest 01502 533200 or check out nature. It has a developing some of the leading names cinema screens for miles our website at Arts cluster, numerous sports from the world of around, the Marina also www.marinatheatre.co.uk and leisure clubs, many 16