Chairman’s Communication Cllr John Last BEM

Welcome to the Spring edition of the Town Council Newsletter. Although Spring has started off a bit on the damp and cool side, by the time you read these notes, the weather will have improved a little, I hope. Of course signs of Spring have been evident all around the town, none more so, than the daffodils in the Community Orchard or the crocuses on Park Hill.

The Town Council has been working very hard over the last few weeks to ensure that on the Coronation weekend, the Town has a memorable occasion, I think from the details of the day, you will see that is very much the plan. The event on 7th May will also include the Official Opening of the extended and refurbished skatepark. A lot of work over the last couple of years has gone into the project and I thank all those that have been involved including skatepark users, the Town Council who funded the project and the contractors. The Local Council Elections will soon be with us (Polling Day is on 4th May) and the end of the current Terms of Office. I just want to say a big thank you to all the Town Councillors, who have worked so incredibly hard over the last four years for the benefit of Leiston and Sizewell. I know they have strived for the best for this town.

As I write these notes we are about to have the Local Council Elections. In respect of the Town Council Elections, the number of Nominations and Candidates, was below the 15 seats and therefore no Election will be required.

I am aware that District Councillor Russ Rainger will not be standing for re-election to the District Council, and I want to thank Russ for the work carried out by him on behalf of Leiston-cum-Sizewell at East Suffolk Council. It has been an honour working with Russ and I wish him well for the future and I am sure we will still see Russ in his other roles around the town.

On 31st March, I held the Chairman’s Reception, an event I always feel is an opportunity to thank some of those that make a big contribution to our community in all that they do. I appreciate also, there are many who quietly go about their business, who we never get to hear about ,but do some fantastic work in our town. It was with pleasure that on the evening of the reception, I was able to present the Chairman’s Cup to Sonny Cracknell. I think you will agree the amount of work Sonny does around the town, including Leiston Events, Christmas Street Lights and Tree, Flagpoles, as well as being an On-Call Firefighter and a Good Sam App responder, deserved recognition.

On the evening I also presented a Freedom of the Town Certificate to Colin Ginger for his 35 years given to Public Service as a Town Councillor, and awards to long standing retiring members of the Leiston Film Theatre Support Club. I also presented a Certificate of Recognition for the service given by Councillor Phil Harle to the Town Council following his sudden passing in November. I was pleased that Sandra and Emily, Phil’s wife and daughter were able to attend to receive the Certificate.

Barnabas Home, Southwold, on the occasion of former Leiston resident Hilda Woodhead’s 100th Birthday, where I presented Hilda with a card and flowers on behalf of the Town Council.

Hilda had a lovely day, spent with family, a visit from local school children and two Alpacas. It was a pleasure for me to be part of the celebrations.

It was a great achievement for Leiston to be recognised at East Suffolk Council awards in February, by winning the High Street category for the Church Square project. It was an honour to be at the awards at Snape Maltings, to see Leiston as winners, and I congratulate the Community Land Trust, partners and all involved, including the Town Council. It just proves what can be done by working together for our community.

The Town Centre Regeneration Masterplan has now been approved by East Suffolk Council Cabinet and now is the time to look forward to further improvements in the future.

A Litter Pick event in the town is planned for 13th May, in memory of Phil, and if any resident would like to be involved, please see further on in the Newsletter for details, or look out for information on the Town Council’s Website or Facebook page.

You will have noticed on the Town Council Facebook page, that I recently visited St.

Now is the time to enjoy the longer days, and I hope you are able to spend some quality time over the coming weeks and warmer weather.

All the very best.

John Last BEM - Chairman Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council