Shoppers and other visitors to Ipswich town centre had the chance to do more than their market-day shopping on Thursday – they were able to bend the ear of the county’s most senior local councillors.
Suffolk County Council held the latest of its “We are Listening” roadshows in the town centre at lunchtime, giving people the chance to raise concerns with senior figures – and give their views on what should happen in the future.
Council leader Colin Noble headed up Suffolk’s presence in Ipswich – and said he was impressed by the range of questions and other points raised by visitors.
Mr Noble said: “We did hear people concerned about the level of council tax and it is clear that is an issue for many people. But there were lots of other issues that were raised – things like children’s services and the state of the roads.
“I think it is very important to get out and meet people at events like this so they can see we are real people and we can hear first-hand what their concerns are.”
He was pleased that people from a wide area came up to councillors: “Some people we saw did come from Ipswich, but others came from across east Suffolk and were here for a half-term shopping trip. It’s good to see the town so busy.”
He was joined by deputy leader Jane Storey and cabinet member for Ipswich as well as opposition councillors Sandra Gage and Kathy Bole.
Labour group leader Ms Gage said: “We’ve certainly heard some interesting things from people who have come down to Ipswich today – there are concerns about several council services.
“We’ve heard from people who live on the Shotley peninsula who are worried about cuts to their council-supported bus services and after what happened last week there are concerns again about the Orwell Bridge.
“People do want to see something happen about a northern by-pass. And then there are concerns about social services from others – it really is good for all of us to hear what is worrying people.”
The Ipswich session was the latest in a series of events across the county before Suffolk’s budget-setting process starts next month.
The next is outside the Apex in Bury St Edmunds on November 8 between 11am and 1pm – just turn up to have your say.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here