Samford Division – Parish Newsletter Summary (February 2026)
Young People Lead Public Health Report
This year’s Annual Public Health Report was shaped directly by young people across
Suffolk, who brought forward their own lived experiences, concerns and priorities. Through
a series of youth-led workshops, interviews and hack-style collaboration events, young
people highlighted the importance of belonging, safe spaces, mental health support,
accessible transport and opportunities to influence decisions in their communities. Their
voices have helped shape the report’s recommendations, which call for greater youth
empowerment, more consistent engagement with decision-makers, and long-term
commitment from services across Suffolk.
Suffolk Business Board – Applications Open
Suffolk County Council is inviting influential business leaders to join the Suffolk Business
Board. The Board plays a major role in shaping economic strategy, supporting local
business growth, overseeing investment programmes and ensuring Suffolk’s economy
remains competitive and future-focused. Members meet six times a year and work closely
with education and industry partners. Applications are welcomed from leaders across
agrifood, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, visitor economy and other key growth
sectors.
Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
Suffolk continues to lead national best practice through its comprehensive Violence Against
Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy. The county now has over 1,600 trained Domestic Abuse
Champions drawn from everyday workplaces, including shops, schools, salons and
community groups. The strategy emphasises early intervention, trauma-informed support,
and prevention work with young people to challenge harmful attitudes. Suffolk’s
strengthened safe accommodation offer ensures those fleeing abuse can access immediate,
tailored support.
ADASTRA Autonomous Shuttle Trials
Residents will soon be able to experience Suffolk’s first autonomous shuttle, ADASTRA, at
public trial events in Mildenhall and Lowestoft. The trial aims to explore how autonomous
vehicles could complement existing transport networks—particularly in rural areas—by
linking residential areas with mobility hubs, public transport corridors and essential
services. People attending can ride the shuttle, ask questions, and share views that will help
shape future transport planning.
Chief Executive to Step Down
Nicola Beach, Chief Executive for the past eight years, will step down in March 2026. During
her tenure, she oversaw major transformation programmes, strengthened emergency
planning, led Suffolk’s pandemic response, improved adult social care and children’s

services, and delivered major infrastructure projects such as the Gull Wing bridge.
Recruitment for her successor will begin shortly.
Norwich–Tilbury Pylon Objections
Suffolk County Council has reiterated its strong objections to National Grid’s current
Norwich–Tilbury pylon proposals. Concerns include environmental damage, the loss of
trees, impacts on Dedham Vale’s nationally protected landscape, insufficient justification for
the proposed connection date, and lack of alternative options such as offshore routing. The
Examination process is now underway and expected to last up to six months.
Newmarket Sports Hub
Suffolk County Council remains committed to the proposed Newmarket sports facility at the
former St Felix site, despite West Suffolk Council recently deeming the location unsuitable.
SCC has pledged a £2m contribution and prepared the site to support the eventual
construction of a community sports hub. Local councillors emphasise that residents have
waited nearly a decade for improved sports provision and that work should continue in
partnership.
2026/27 Budget
Suffolk County Council has agreed an £850m budget for 2026/27. With rising demand in
adult and children’s social care, 77% of spending will go directly to people-focused services
including social care and public health. To balance finances, the council has approved
£46.5m in savings through efficiencies, service improvements and reduced pension
contributions. A 4.99% Council Tax rise was also agreed to protect frontline services.
Romance Fraud Case
A Harwich man has pleaded guilty to laundering more than £9,000 from a Suffolk victim as
part of a romance fraud. The case highlights the dangers of online relationships where
financial requests are made. Suffolk Trading Standards urges residents to stay vigilant, seek
advice from trusted friends or family before transferring money, and report any suspected
scams to Citizens Advice Consumer Service.
Beyond Labels Disability Exhibition
Suffolk Archives has opened “Beyond Labels,” a major exhibition celebrating the lives,
experiences and contributions of disabled people in Suffolk past and present. The
exhibition, co-created with over 30 community groups, features personal stories, historical
archives and a large-scale artwork titled “Unlabelled,” made up of 150 decorated wooden
labels. The exhibition runs at The Hold, Ipswich, from 27 February to 30 May.
New SEND School in Bury St Edmunds
A new 90-place SEND school for 14–19-year-olds will be built in Bury St Edmunds,
alongside a pioneering centre of excellence to support mainstream schools countywide. The
school, run by Eastern Education Group, will share a site with the new Chalk Hill School.

This development forms part of Suffolk’s wider SEND sufficiency plans, which also include a
new school in Saxmundham announced last week.
Vehicle Removal Trial for Roadworks
From March 2026, Suffolk County Council will trial removing vehicles that block scheduled
road resurfacing works. Persistent issues with parked cars have led to costly cancellations,
with each aborted job costing up to £15,000. Offending vehicles may be moved to a nearby
safe location or a secure compound, with fixed penalty notices applied. The first trial
location will be Allington Walk, Haverhill.
Joint Chief Executives Proposed
Suffolk County Council has recommended appointing two joint Chief Executives—Mark Ash
and Andrew Cook—who currently hold senior director roles. The dual structure will save
up to £92,000 annually by removing the need to recruit replacements for their current
posts. They will lead the council through local government reorganisation, devolution,
financial pressures and service delivery from April 2026.
LionLink Objections
Suffolk County Council has submitted a detailed objection to National Grid’s LionLink
project, raising concerns about landscape impacts, the choice of Walberswick as a landing
site, unsuitable transport routes, and lack of coordination with the Sea Link scheme. The
public consultation is open until 10 March 2026 and residents are encouraged to have their
say.
£500,000 Culture Fund Awards
Suffolk County Council has awarded funding to 37 cultural and community projects through
the £500,000 Culture Project Fund. Supported initiatives include youth arts programmes,
accessible heritage projects, community theatre, wellbeing workshops and more. The fund
aims to strengthen local arts participation, support creativity and enrich cultural life across
Suffolk.