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.
This press release was issued by the Suffolk Coastal Local
Strategic
Partnership