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Council agrees emergency £35,000 street sign contract

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Ipswich Borough Council has approved an emergency contract worth £35,000 for new street name plates after its previous supplier went into administration. The first signs are expected to be installed by the end of November.

Why it matters: The council has a statutory duty to maintain readable street signs across the town and must replace street name plates when they become illegible. This emergency contract helps ensure the council can continue meeting its legal obligations.

The big picture: The contract was awarded to G&G Signs Ltd without the usual competitive bidding process after the council's previous contractor ceased trading. Officials say there wasn't enough time to run a full procurement exercise while maintaining their statutory obligations.

St Nicholas Street sign in Ipswich
The council has a statutory duty to maintain readable street signs across the town and must replace street name plates when they become illegibleOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • £35,000: The maximum value of the emergency contract

  • 12: The number of Ipswich wards that will receive new signs

  • 5 months: The duration of the contract, covering the remainder of the 2024/2025 financial year

What's next: The council plans to:

  • Receive the first batch of street name plates by late November

  • Begin installations immediately after delivery

  • Run a fully competitive procurement process for a long-term supplier

Between the lines: While the council has bypassed its usual Contract Standing Orders, officials stress that proper consultations were undertaken and the necessary endorsements received from senior officers.

The bottom line: This emergency contract ensures Ipswich's street signs will continue to be maintained despite the unexpected loss of the previous supplier. While the council has fast-tracked the process, the £35,000 contract is within existing budgets and follows necessary governance procedures.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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