A message from the Mayor - Cllr. Nigel Phipps

Woodbridge – the first days of the new Mayor

At the end of May, I had the honour of being elected Mayor by my fellow Councillors.  Two hours later, I was informed that the National Lottery Heritage Fund had rejected our bid for an initial grant towards the Shire Hall Regeneration Project. Fortunately, the door was left open for a re-submission that needed to include more detailed work on the costings of the project. This has been put in hand.

Then a week later, I led a small delegation from Woodbridge, to the market town of Doullens in Northern France. I signed a friendship agreement with the town that commits us to developing a full twinning arrangement by the end of 2026. We had a busy time which included laying a wreath at the British War Cemetery in Doullens and an outdoor lunch at the Citadel. A re-enactment of the Spanish slaughter of the residents of Doullens many centuries ago was in progress. Lots of noise and serious costumes. The friendship agreement had been developed by the Woodbridge Twinning Committee – a group of some 15 residents that I have chaired since it was established in January 2024.

While on my way to France, Suffolk County Council published their response to the consultation on the 2nd phase of Active Travel Woodbridge. https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/asset-library/ATW-Report-TC-Final-V3.pd This is an important project that will change the way we access the centre of Woodbridge. The work is now being finalised and we are engaged on this.

And then it was to my first Council meeting as chair. I want to flag two items relating to national priorities that will severely impact the residents of Woodbridge. We reviewed the work that Councillor Sanders is leading on the NSIPs (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects). Did you know that within the next 15 years, at least 30% of the UK’s electricity will be generated in, or transiting through, East Suffolk? The known projects can be seen at https://www.suffolkenergyactionsolutions.co.uk/cumulative-impact. Near term that is a lot of construction work that will put pressure on roads, rail, housing, accommodation and the availability of workers around town. It will also bring job opportunities for residents. Given the delayed funding for the road network, we are going to feel the pain. We are trying to make sure our residents’ voice is heard by the decision makers. Whilst our local area will become host to such strategically important infrastructure, is it not time that Government gives East Suffolk the roads and public transport to match?

The second item was to establish a working group on Local Government Reorganisation often referred to as Devolution. Within the next four to five years, the provision of local services will be changed beyond recognition. However, the funding environment will remain challenging and decisions are likely to be taken on many matters even further away from residents. We have begun the task of working out what services our residents value most and then to explore whether Woodbridge Town Council can play a part in protecting those services and even enhancing them. We do want decisions affecting local people to be taken as locally as possible.

On a lighter note, have you seen the two hares and 18 leverets that have appeared around the historic centres of Woodbridge. If not Hop-to-it. Our Youth Council, facilitated particularly by Councillors Sutton and Pegg, were behind the project in Woodbridge. Many of the leverets are painted by pupils and students from schools in the area. I did the trail with my 3 year-old granddaughter and her younger brother. She loved it. Her favourite was the leveret painted/decorated by Woodbridge Primary School. But then I had told her that it was the school her Mum went to……

I am looking forward to my year as Mayor. If you have an issue in town where you believe action is needed, do please get in touch. Or even better come to one of our town council meetings and take up one of the available 3-minute speaking slots to put your issue to the Council. We prefer to hear about issues that come with some initial ideas for resolving them and a time commitment from you to assist the council in resolving them. With joint action we can get things done.

Nigel Phipps

CouncillorPhipps@woodbridge-suffolk.gov.uk

27 June 2025