SUFFOLK'S top chief executive has today backed The Evening Star's new campaign to beat the economic blues.

SUFFOLK'S top chief executive has today backed The Evening Star's new campaign to beat the economic blues.

In a bid to turn the spotlight on good news, the Star is highlighting the many reasons to be optimistic and backing businesses and institutions.

Andrea Hill, chief executive at Suffolk County Council, has given her backing to the campaign, pointing out the importance of spreading the word about encouraging stories.

She said: As the largest employer in the county, I believe it is important for us to spread the word about positive initiatives that help to improve the effects of the economic situation and I very much support The Evening Star's campaign and commit to helping spread the positive messages.

“As the economic recession continues and its impact is felt in many homes and businesses across the county, Suffolk County Council is monitoring the situation very closely.

“We are acutely aware of just how difficult a time this is for many people.

“In December we held an economic summit involving a broad range of partner agencies to enable us to identify what collective support could be given. As a result of the summit we are targeting areas of greatest need.

"At the council we know the importance of providing value for money for local taxpayers. We know many people are currently struggling to pay their bills and we have been introducing more efficiencies to keep council tax down.

“As a result the council will set its lowest ever council tax increase. At the same time we are investing an extra �3.8m into services that protect vulnerable children which will create 50 new jobs for social workers in Suffolk.

"I very much believe that Suffolk is well placed to face the economic downturn and it's certainly not all doom and gloom. There has been real expansion in some areas bringing new jobs into the county.

“A real success story is the energy sector which is looking very bright.”

Her views were backed up by borough chief executive James Hehir who said this part of the country was well-placed to ride out the recession.

He said: “When you look at all that is still happening in and around Ipswich we have to be optimistic about the future. People across the country recognise we are one of the best-placed areas to emerge from the economic problems.”

Tell us your recession-defying stories - write to Fightback, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk

Suffolk based organisations are benefiting to the tune of several millions of European funding to develop the renewable energy sector, Lowestoft will be at the centre of this activity.

Under the Suffolk Rural Economy Scheme, rural pubs can benefit from fully funded business support and a grant of up to a maximum of �5,000 to help them diversify their business to include services such as a grocery and newsagent shop in order to better serve their local community.

Lazydaisy (Tacket Street)

Glasswells (Orwell Retail Park)

Arlingtons Brasserie (Museum Street)

Pie Shop (food outlet next to Tesco Express on Duke Street)

The Brewery Tap (reopened)

Tesco Express (St Matthews Street)

Asda Stoke Park commenced construction

Savills, 40 Princes Street