Lowestoft Town Council
At the monthly Full Council meeting in the evening of Tuesday 26th January, the Council agreed the budget for the 2021/2022 financial year. Given the current challenges facing Lowestoft and after careful budget management, it was agreed to submit a precept of £1,765,245, Band D Council Tax equivalent £142.68 (equating to a 1.54% reduction on the Band D Council Tax equivalent for 2020 – 2021). This will not affect any services the Council is responsible for and will continue to maintain the facilities through your Council Tax.
The detailed budget is available to view on the Town Council website.
It is with sadness that the Town Council has to announce that Councillor Susan Barnard passed away peacefully yesterday (Tuesday 2nd February 2021) at the James Paget Hospital.
Sue was a dedicated and energetic councillor representing the Gunton Ward since Lowestoft Town Council was formed in 2017. She was re-elected in May 2019, with a large majority, testament to how well thought of she was in her local community. Sue served on many of the Town Council’s committees and had a particular interest in open spaces and the local historical environment. Her love and knowledge of gardening and plants was beneficial to the Council including the many voluntary hours she spent planting bulbs in Sparrows Nest and Arnold’s Bequest.
Outside of the Town Council, Sue was an active member of Gunton Residents’ Association, the Lowestoft branch of Suffolk Family History Society and helped to establish the Friends of Dip Farm Group.
Sue will be greatly missed by her fellow Councillors and the Officers of the Town Council.
NHS Norfolk and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group has written a letter containing important information about the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme. This is not an appointment letter but contains important information about the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme. A copy of this letter can be found on the CCG’s website: www.norfolkandwaveneyccg.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccination-programme/17-coronavirus/226-covid-vaccination-letter.
The letter covers:
Suffolk needs supermarket customers to follow basic safety guidelines to stop COVID-19 from spreading. Shoppers are being reassured that supermarkets are safe to visit, however shopping must be for essential items and trips kept to a minimum. If you are planning a trip to a supermarket or shop, it is important to follow these steps, even if you have received a vaccination:
In the last week of reported data up to 27th January there have been 190 cases in Babergh, 604 cases in East Suffolk, 486 cases in Ipswich, 228 cases in Mid Suffolk and 476 cases in West Suffolk. All areas have decreased in cases since last week. Please continue to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.
Enjoy an hour with nature and discover the wildlife on your doorstep! Join thousands of people taking part in the world’s largest survey from the comfort of your own homes this weekend. The Big Garden Birdwatch starts from tomorrow, Friday 29th January – Sunday 31st January 2021. Taking part is easy, spend an hour calculating the birds you see in your garden or from your balcony and feedback your discoveries to RSPB. For further details, visit the RSPB website: https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/birdwatch/
Need help identifying the type of birds you have found? RSPB bird identifier lists 406 species of birds found in the UK, including some rare overseas visitors, with six simple questions to answer you might discover a brand new species! Visit RSPB: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/identify-a-bird/
View the Holocaust Memorial Day Commemorative Virtual Event video here. December last year marked 82 years since the Kindertransport train arrived at Lowestoft Station, transporting mainly Jewish refugee children escaping persecution. The Holocaust Memorial Day Commemorative Virtual Event video was developed by Joshua Freemantle (Life of Lowestoft), featuring a reading from Member of Parliament for Waveney, Peter Aldous, words and visuals from local historian Christopher Brooks and an address from the Mayor of Lowestoft, Councillor Alan Green.
Read more on Holocaust Memorial Day Commemorative Virtual Event
A pesticide identified as being harmful to bees has been authorised for farmers to use on sugar beet crops in England, the decision allowing emergency use of thiamethoxam on these crops. The pesticide is applied using a process called ‘seed dressing’, with only 5% of the pesticide reaching where it is targeted.
The Wildlife Trusts strongly oppose this decision, urging for it to be reversed by the Government and to continue with their vision for tackling the biodiversity crisis. To sign the formed petition or for further details, visit The Wildlife Trusts website: https://action.wildlifetrusts.org/page/74049/data/1?ea.tracking.id=AFI
Unfortunately, due to the current government restrictions, Lowestoft Town Council is unable to organise the annual commemorative event. However, a virtual event will be available to stream on the Town Council’s YouTube channel, Facebook and website at 10:00 AM on this day, marking the commemorative event and detailing Lowestoft’s unique history. December last year marked 82 years since the Kindertransport train arrived at Lowestoft Station, transporting mainly Jewish refugee children escaping persecution. The video developed by Joshua Freemantle (Life of Lowestoft) will feature a reading from Member of Parliament for Waveney, Peter Aldous, words and visuals from local historian Christopher Brooks and an address from the Mayor of Lowestoft, Councillor Alan Green.
Read more on Holocaust Memorial Day on Wednesday 27th January
People aged 70 and over and the clinically extremely vulnerable to begin receiving invitations for vaccinations from today, Monday 18th January 2021.
Vaccinating the first 2 groups will remain the priority, but vaccination sites which have enough supply and capacity for vaccinating further people are allowed to offer vaccinations to the next 2 cohorts – those aged 70 and over and clinically extremely vulnerable people.
Help stop the spread of Covid-19 and continue to follow the national lockdown restrictions.
Stay at home, as much as you can, protect frontline workers and the NHS, and save lives.
