Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

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

Council awards Stowmarket dog rehoming centre £180,000 contract for stray dog services

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Ipswich Borough Council has awarded a five-year contract worth £180,000 to West End Rehoming Limited to handle stray dogs in the town. The Stowmarket-based company will provide collection and kennelling services from October 2024.

The big picture: The contract fulfils the council's legal duty under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to handle stray dogs within the borough.

Why it matters: The service is essential for public safety and animal welfare. West End Rehoming also operates a rescue unit that tries to find new homes for unclaimed strays. Without such services, many stray dogs would face being put down.

A stray dog
Stray dogs in Ipswich will be re-homed by West End Rehoming near StowmarketBogdan KuryloGetty Images

The details:

  • Contract runs from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2029

  • West End Rehoming was the only bidder for the specialist service

  • Company is based in Buxhall, Suffolk

  • They already provide similar services to other Suffolk councils

  • All dogs taken in receive flea treatment, worming and microchipping

What they're saying: A council officer noted that "this is a specialist service and only provided by a limited number of suppliers, very few of which are within reasonable proximity of Ipswich."

The bottom line: The £180,000 cost will be met from the council's existing annual core service budget, with no additional funding required.

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

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

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

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

Load next article