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Hospital parking charges to rise by up to 54% at Ipswich Hospital

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Patients and visitors to Ipswich Hospital face significant increases in parking charges from November, with some fees rising by more than 50%. The highest increase will see the cost of parking for up to 8 hours jump from £6.50 to £10.

The changes will affect thousands of patients and visitors who rely on car parking at the hospital.

By the numbers:

  • 1 hour parking rises from £2.20 to £3

  • 2 hours increases from £3.30 to £4

  • 4 hours goes up from £4.50 to £5

  • 5 hours rises from £5.50 to £7

  • 8 hours increases from £6.50 to £10

  • Weekly tickets jump from £14 to £20

Welcome to Ipswich Hospital sign
Parking at Ipswich Hospital is usually difficult, sometimes impossibleOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Free parking remains for:

  • Disabled drivers

  • Cancer and radiotherapy patients

  • Frequent outpatients (3+ visits monthly for 3+ months)

  • Parents of children staying overnight

  • 30-minute drop-offs and pick-ups

The bigger picture: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) says the increases will help fund more parking spaces and maintain existing facilities.

Recent building work has reduced available parking spaces, and Nick Hulme, ESNEFT Chief Executive, points to these recent investments as the reason for price increases: “Our multi-million-pound investment programme, including the Dame Clare Marx Building in Colchester and our new Urgent and Emergency Care Centre in Ipswich, will significantly improve healthcare for local people.

“However, we know that the number of car parking spaces on each hospital site has reduced because of these and other new buildings, causing anxiety and upset due to the time it can take to find a parking space."

A push for alternative transport: New travel options leaflets are being sent with appointment letters as the trust tries to encourage alternatives to driving:

  • Park and ride services are being promoted

  • Work is underway with First Bus to launch discounted travel for Ipswich patients

What they're saying: "We need to make some changes and provide our communities with a stress-free experience," says Nick Hulme, ESNEFT Chief Executive. He acknowledges that "at peak times it is unlikely that you will find a parking space."

What's next: The changes take effect from Monday, 11 November 2024.

The bottom line: While the trust says the new charges are in line with other hospitals in the east of England, they represent significant increases for regular hospital visitors during a period of wider cost-of-living pressures.

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Three more jailed after £100,000 in cash, watches and cocaine seized

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Three more drug dealers have been jailed for over 24 years, bringing the total number of convictions in a single Ipswich drugs case to eight.

Why it matters: The sentences are part of a wider crackdown on drug supply networks operating between London and Ipswich, with police seizing substantial assets including £50,000 in cash, Rolex watches worth £25,000, and cocaine valued at around £10,000.

The trio were sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Monday 3 March after earlier pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine:

  • Azem Ferizolli, 24, of Woodward Road, Dagenham: jailed for eight years and six months

  • Halit Ferizolli, 34, of Woodrush Way, Romford: jailed for nine years

  • Genart Loca, 23, of Valence Circus, Dagenham: jailed for seven years

Drug dealers Azem Ferizolli, Halit Ferizolli and Genart Loca
Drug dealers Azem Ferizolli, Halit Ferizolli and Genart LocaSuffolk Constabulary

The bigger picture: In 2023, five other men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine between December 2020 and July 2022 in relation to the same case:

  • Avenis Dida, 22, of no fixed address: jailed for 32 months

  • Hayg Boduryan, 33, of Freehold Road, Ipswich: jailed for four years

  • Kastriot Rexha, 24, of no fixed address: jailed for 32 months

  • Arxhend Bera, 18, of Ipswich Street, Stowmarket: jailed for 30 months

  • Artan Kastrati, 33, of Hanworth Road, Hounslow: jailed for 38 months

The details: The warrants were executed at addresses in Ipswich, including Freehold Road, and in the London area in July 2022. The operation was part of a joint Norfolk and Suffolk serious and organised crime operation supported by colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Service. Immigration officials and staff from the GLAA (Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority) were also in attendance.

Officers recovered:

  • At least £50,000 in cash

  • Two Rolex watches worth £25,000

  • Designer clothing, footwear and handbags totalling £10,000

  • A Toyota Prius valued at around £7,000

  • Approximately £10,000 worth of suspected cocaine

  • A suspected fake passport

Cash seized by police in a drugs bust
Cash seized by police in a drugs bustSuffolk Constabulary

What they're saying: DC Chris Townrow from the Serious Organised Crime Unit said: "This was an extensive proactive operation between ourselves and the Met which has led to the successful prosecution of three other members of this network. I hope this result sends a clear message that we will continue to pursue gangs in this way, wherever in the UK they are operating. The harm that drugs cause communities across the UK will not be tolerated."

"This proactive work with the Metropolitan Police to disrupt and hold to account individuals involved in the organisation and supply of drugs will continue. The convictions show how police forces working together can make a difference."

"This case highlights that the people higher up in the supply chain, who may think they are untouchable from their remote bases in bigger cities, are not above the law. We can, and will, find you and ensure that you are brought to justice, as well as the people you send out to peddle your drugs."

The bottom line: Police are urging the public to report suspicious activity, saying: "If you suspect drug dealing is taking place in your area or see anything suspicious or out of place, please tell us. You don't have to be certain, just concerned."

Call police on 101, or alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers to report anonymously – either online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.

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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