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Council awards urgent £60k water hygiene contract for homeless housing unit

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Ipswich Borough Council has approved a £59,978 contract to implement new water piping at East Villa, its 45-room temporary housing facility for homeless families on Sidegate Lane, Ipswich.

The big picture: The council is moving quickly to replace old piping and maintain water hygiene standards at the site, which houses vulnerable residents, including children.

  • The contract was awarded to Ingleton Wood without the usual market testing process due to urgency.

  • Work will include designing new hot and cold water supplies based on specialist advice.

  • The project aims to mitigate safety risks and potential financial losses from delays.

East Villa
East Villa is a 45-room temporary housing facility for homeless families on Sidegate Lane, Ipswich.Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Why it matters: East Villa provides critical temporary housing for homeless families in Ipswich, with 80% of rooms designated for those with children.

  • The facility opened in August 2019 and is staffed 24/7.

  • It includes communal areas, laundry facilities and an enclosed garden.

  • Maintaining proper water hygiene is essential for residents' health and safety.

Between the lines: The council consulted water hygiene specialist Nemco, who advised that completely re-piping the water supply was the only viable solution.

What's next: Ingleton Wood will carry out the design work in four stages:

  1. Options appraisal

  2. Design and specification

  3. Procurement support

  4. Contract management

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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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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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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