Saxmundham has a very lively social scene catering for many sections of its population and neighbouring villages. All the latest news and upcoming events are published in the quarterly 'Saxmundham News' which is produced by the Town Council and distributed to all residents free of charge. A copy of the latest news is normally posted on this web site, as well as the latest news and comment from the Chairman of the town council. Most events in the town, including council meetings, are listed in the diary.

There are several significant annual events in the town such as St. Georges' Day Weekend celebrations, 'Saxmundham in Bloom', Saxmundham Arts Festival, and information about the 'Action Plan' which has improved the town over the past few years. There is also an ongoing plan to create a New Health Centre in Saxmundham, which so far has not been realised.

NEWS FROM BOS (BUSINESSES OF SAXMUNDHAM)

A new committee was appointed at the Businesses of Saxmundham (BoS) Annual General Meeting this week, with Bob Foyers from Bistro at the Deli appointed as Chairman and Councillor Ken Howe from Felsham Garden Services supporting him in the role of Vice Chairman. Jackey Lennard of Jacky L Jewellers has taken on the role of Secretary and Hugh Cochrane continues in his valued position as Treasurer.
Chair Bob Foyers said “BOS is growing from strength to strength; I'd like to thank Ian Lennard, John Dean and Hugh for their hard work over the past year and I am looking forward to keeping that momentum going”

H.C.M.T.I. Project Coordinator Annette Mason-Gordon said “This is an exciting year of change, development and growth for Saxmundham with the completion of a new housing estate; substantial retail outlets and the probability of a Free School opening later in the year. Membership ensures that local businesses are fully informed, through the website and newsletters, of pportunities available and issues which influence the future of the town and their particular trade or industry. The increasing number of members also gives the Association more voice and weight in decisions made by SCDC and the Town Council.”

Participating and supporting community events is also a large part of the constitution; particularly in this historic year with the Olympic Torch passing through the town and The Queen's Diamond Jubilee which will both be memorable occasions.

As part of the Heritage Coast Market Towns Initiative (H.C.M.T.I.) members benefit from preferential rates on utilities and credit card commissions, training courses, networking events and a listing in the local directory, the Little Black Book, which encourages both residents and businesses in the wider community to 'shop local'.

Representatives from all businesses in Saxmundham and the IP17 area are invited to The Bell Hotel in Saxmundham on Monday 5th March to meet the committee and its members.

ELECTION ON 5th MAY 2011

STATEMENT OF PERSONS NOMINATED FOR ELECTION OF PARISH COUNCILLORS FOR THE SAXMUNDHAM PARISH

Marian Andrews

Peter Batho

Joe Cassels

Graham Cooke

Rose Damiral-White - resigned December 2012

John Fisher

Ken Howe

Glynn Moye

Stephen Palmer

Diana Sculley

Don Tricker

Cheleigh Trotter-Langlois

David Willett

Roger Plant co-opted onto Council 14th January 2013

STATEMENT OF PERSONS NOMINATED FOR ELECTION OF COUNCILLORS FOR THE SAXMUNDHAM WARD

Marian Andrews        Liberal Democrats

Peter Batho              Conservative

Joe Cassels              Green Party

Keith Dickerson        Liberal Democrats

Richard Smith          Conservative

Don Tricker              Independent

Site nomination for new nuclear build

At the end of January this year the Government published details of the process by which the nuclear industry can nominate sites for potential new nuclear power stations and the criteria against which potential sites will be assessed. It has set out how the nomination process will work. Site nominations must be submitted by 31 March 2009. We are expecting Government to publish the valid nominations received on 15 April and there will be a period of a month for the public to provide initial comments. The Government will then assess each site to decide if it meets a number of criteria.

Sites judged to be suitable will be listed on the draft Nuclear National Policy Statement. This will be published for consultation so that everyone can have their say on the draft list of sites. Parliament will also examine the proposals. Once the National Policy Statement is in place it will be up to developers to take forward any specific proposals to construct new nuclear power stations through the planning process. This process will involve further consultation.

No final decision has been made on possible sites and it is important that members of the public and local communities know when and how to have their say . Therefore, we have enclosed a leaflet issued by the Department of Energy and Climate Change which provides more information about how local people can have a say on how sites will be chosen for the National Policy Statement. We would request that you publish this information on your website for your residents, or alternatively they can log on to www.nuclearpowersiting.decc.gov.uk .

EDF Energy Nuclear New Build team