Partnership investing in future of Suffolk Coastal (November 30, 2009)

An ambitious investment programme targeted at improving all aspects of life across the whole of the district which has been agreed by the Suffolk Coastal Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) was outlined recently at its annual forum.

Nearly £200,000 has been set aside for 14 different projects that will involve a range of organisations working together to tackle some of the key issues facing the district, such as climate change, the social and economic problems facing rural areas, health, and coastal communities.

“This is the most wide-ranging and ambitious package of projects ever backed by the LSP and we are optimistic that it will make a real difference to the lives of many of our communities and residents of all ages, which is of particular importance in these tough economic times,” said Cllr Ray Herring, Chairman of the Suffolk Coastal LSP Board, who opened the forum at Snape Maltings held on November 18.

“Our backing for the projects will help attract more funding and support from other organisations working in our district, meaning that there will be nearly £500,000 set aside for these important initiatives.

“Our latest Sustainable Community Strategy sets out the challenges facing this district over the coming years, and these projects are a coordinated response to some of those key issues. We will be monitoring them closely to check that they are achieving the tough targets we have set them,” added Cllr Herring.

The projects include a part-time community climate action advisor working with individuals, local communities and businesses to address both the causes and consequences of climate change. For example, with those living in Aldeburgh, Felixstowe Ferry, Shingle Street and South Felixstowe, to provide advice on how to reduce and deal with flooding.    

Planning for and controlling the effects of climate change will also be the aim of the Future Landscapes project which will work with farmers and local communities.

The importance of the voluntary and community sector to the district is recognised with an initiative to recruit 200 new volunteers, focussing particularly on young and older people, and renewed funding for the voluntary and community sector coordinator who has helped 200 groups in the last two years and helped attract £230,000 of new funding.

The Heritage Market Towns Initiative will get further support to helping the businesses in areas around Aldeburgh, Leiston and Saxmundham to build up their skills and opportunities to help improve their local areas.

Two healthy success stories will be expanded, with 20 new trainers across the district offering older people, particularly in rural areas,  chair-based exercise classes, and more ‘Stepping Out in Suffolk’ health walks in those areas where people are most in need of exercise  to help them get fitter.

A pilot scheme is also being launched to help older people whose health is at risk because they live in cold homes and who are unable to install free loft insulation because they cannot clear their lofts to make way for the insulation.

The Go With The Flow bus will visit more rural areas offering activities for young people at night, while during the day it will give adults information and advice. There will also be activities for young people developed in Saxmundham, Leiston, Friston and the surrounding villages, while also encouraging more volunteering.

“The LSP is already helping to make a real difference across our district and these projects which involve nearly 30 local or national organisations show the commitment is there to work together to improve the qualify of life in our district,” added Cllr Herring.

Press release issued by the Suffolk Coastal LSP on November 30, 2009