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Hollywells Park splash pad closed due to mechanical issues

News

The popular splash pad at Hollywells Park in Ipswich has been temporarily closed, disappointing families during a heatwave.

The big picture: Ipswich Borough Council shut down the facility on Wednesday morning due to unspecified mechanical problems. This closure comes just days after another local paddling pool reopened following its shutdown.

Hollywells splash pod
A splash park in IpswichIpswich Borough Council   

Why it matters: With temperatures in East Anglia reaching 32C and the hot weather expected to continue all week, the splash park will be greatly missed by parents looking to keep kids occupied and cool during the summer holiday without breaking the bank.

Key details:

  • The council has apologised for the inconvenience and promised updates on reopening as soon as possible.

  • Bourne Park's paddling pool, which closed last Thursday due to circumstances "beyond its control," has since reopened.

  • Both closures coincide with high temperatures in the region.

What's next: Residents are advised to check the council's website and social media channels for the latest updates on when the Hollywells Park splash pad will reopen.

The bottom line: While frustrating for families seeking relief from the heat, the council must prioritise residents' safety while addressing the mechanical issues promptly.

Former Ipswich Town striker charged in £600k cannabis smuggling case

News

Former Ipswich Town striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been charged with attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through a UK airport.

The big picture: The 33-year-old, who spent two seasons at Portman Road from 2011 to 2013, was arrested by National Crime Agency officers in Scotland following the seizure of approximately 60kg of the drug at Stansted airport.

Jay Emmanuel Thomas playing for Ipswich Town
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas playing for TownAlamy

Key details:

  • Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, was arrested Wednesday in Gourock, Inverclyde.

  • He's accused of attempting to smuggle £600,000 worth of cannabis through Stansted airport.

  • Border Force officers found approximately 60kg of the drug in two suitcases from Bangkok.

  • Emmanuel-Thomas is set to appear at Carlisle magistrates court Thursday, charged with importing class B drugs.

60kg of cannabis
60kg of cannabis was seizedNCA

JET's Ipswich career: The journeyman joined Ipswich in 2011 for £1.1m from Arsenal, scoring nine goals in 75 appearances for the Tractor Boys. He left Ipswich in 2013 in a swap deal with Bristol City. He most recently played with Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship.

The bottom line: The NCA warns that cannabis smuggling into the UK carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence, contradicting misinformation some couriers receive about facing only fines.

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