COUNCIL chiefs say there is renewed “hope” that Lowestoft will not be split away from Suffolk and put under Norfolk control.

Mark Lord

COUNCIL chiefs say there is renewed “hope” that Lowestoft will not be split away from Suffolk and put under Norfolk control.

Suffolk County Council leader Jeremy Pembroke has reiterated his desire for the town to remain in the county.

It echoes the comments of Waveney District Council leader Mark Bee, who announced last week that he would lead a public protest on September 1 against Boundary Committee proposals which could see the Suffolk seaside resort governed by a new Norfolk unitary council.

Mr Pembroke said those opposing the proposal have been given some hope that their concerns are being listened to as they put forward alternative solutions.

He said: “The Boundary Committee has now asked us to include Lowestoft in both of the financial cases. This is incredibly positive news. It gives us the opportunity to show how keeping Lowestoft in Suffolk is not just economically sensible it is the best overall option for the future of the county and particularly for the people of Lowestoft.”

Mr Pembroke added: “The residents of Lowestoft, including Waveney District Council and many local businesses, have been vocal in expressing their wish to remain in Suffolk. We strongly support them in this. We have been working closely with Waveney District Council and I would like to pay personal tribute to the very positive role played by Waveney's leader, Mark Bee.”

The Boundary Committee made its initial recommendations last month - a new unitary council covering Norfolk and Lowestoft, an Ipswich-Felixstowe unitary authority, and the remainder becoming “Suffolk rural”. It is also consulting on the possibility of a Suffolk county unitary.

Suffolk County Council and its partners say they have worked hard to help fulfil the aspirations of people living in Lowestoft.

Orbis Energy will become a national centre for renewable energy and regeneration; a new secondary school and sixth form centre will refocus educational achievement and attainment in the area; and a new state-of-the-art fire station is currently being built in the area.

In conjunction with Waveney council, the county has produced postcards bearing the call to action - “Love it or lose it - Lowestoft: Suffolk forever”.

The cards have been pre-printed with the Boundary Committee's address, so that people can simply say why they think Lowestoft should stay in Suffolk.

The postcards can be picked up from county council buildings, libraries and at various shops and businesses in Lowestoft.

People can still express their views on the proposals by logging onto www.electoralcommission.org.uk/boundary-reviews/all-reviews/eastern/Suffolk/Suffolk-structural-review or write to Review manager (Norfolk/Suffolk review), The Boundary Committee for England, Trevelyan House, Great Peter Street, London, SW1P 2HW or e-mail reviews@boundarycommittee.org.uk