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Community awaits police update following rescue operation at Ipswich waterfront

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Residents are waiting for news after emergency services conducted a lengthy rescue operation at the town's waterfront on Wednesday.

Police at the scene of the incident at Ipswich waterfront
The rescue operation continued into darkness last nightOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The big picture: A multi-agency response was triggered after reports of a person falling into the River Orwell near Helena Road in the afternoon.

  • Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at 3:18pm, dispatching crews from Ipswich East, Princes Street and Bury St Edmunds.

  • Suffolk Police, East of England Ambulance Service and HM Coastguard joined the operation.

  • An air ambulance was seen at the scene during the rescue efforts.

  • Police and rescue teams were still present at the scene at 6:30pm.

What they're saying: As of Wednesday evening, officials had not released any information about the identity of the person who reportedly fell into the water or the outcome of the rescue operation.

What's next: We've reached out to Suffolk Constabulary for an update which we will publish in due course.

Rescue teams can be seen operating along the water edge
Rescue teams can be seen operating along the water edgeOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The bottom line: This incident reminds residents to exercise caution around waterways, even in familiar settings. In light of this event, local authorities may wish to review safety measures along the waterfront.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

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Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

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Suffolk to roll out 6,000 EV chargepoints from Summer 2025

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Suffolk County Council has partnered with operator Believ to deliver around 6,000 new public electric vehicle chargepoints across the county, starting next summer.

Why it matters: 25% of Suffolk households don't have a driveway and park on their street, creating a significant barrier for residents considering electric vehicle ownership.

The big picture: The rollout aims to provide residents without driveways access to a public chargepoint within a 5-10 minute walk.

Matthew Ling and Amy Rushton of Suffolk County Council, Charlie Allen and Steve Beer of Believ
Matthew Ling and Amy Rushton of Suffolk County Council, Charlie Allen and Steve Beer of BelievBeliev

By the numbers:

  • ÂŁ5.3 million secured from the government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund

  • An additional ÂŁ16 million provided by operator Believ

  • Nearly 140,000 tons of emissions forecast to be removed by late 2026

The details: The majority of new units will be bollard-style chargers at the kerbside, suitable for long-stay or overnight charging. Drivers will benefit from an overnight off-peak tariff and a dedicated resident's tariff with discounted charging at all times.

Public car parks will also see rapid and ultra-rapid chargepoint installations for quicker charging options.

What they're saying: "We are providing a solution by installing chargepoints on their street, or very nearby. Our ambition is to provide them with a public chargepoint within a 5-10 minute walk or wheel," said Councillor Philip Fairclough-Mutton, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Guy Bartlett, Believ CEO, said: "We're delighted to have been awarded the opportunity to rollout such a significant number of chargepoints across Suffolk. It will make a real difference to local EV drivers and give others the confidence to go electric, helping to support our mission to deliver cleaner air for all."

What's next: In advance of all on-street chargepoint installations, local residents will receive letters with details of the work due to take place, including information on timescales.

The bottom line: Suffolk County Council is the first local authority in England to both award their LEVI main funding tender and subsequently sign a contract with an operator, allowing installations to begin at pace to help meet the county's target of 5,400 public chargepoints by 2030.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

Browse upcoming gigs

Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

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