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Ipswich Museum's 'Mammoth Makeover' progresses

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Ipswich Museum's major £11.4m refurbishment is progressing, with contractors unveiling a giant 'Mammoth Makeover' banner on the scaffolding.

The big picture: The project will cost an estimated £11.4m (£2.7m more than originally budgeted) and aims to restore and modernise the 140-year-old building for future generations. It's the largest refresh in the museum's history, made possible by funding from Ipswich Borough Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Exterior renovation of Ipswich Museum
The 'Mammoth Makeover' banner is 8m by 6mIpswich Boroigh Council

Why it matters: The project will ensure the preservation of Ipswich's cultural heritage while creating a more engaging and accessible space for visitors.

What's happening:

  • Structural improvements to walls, floors, and façade

  • Installation of new environmentally-efficient systems

  • Protection of large exhibits, including Wool-I-Am the Mammoth

  • Raising of gallery floors to improve accessibility

  • External carpentry, masonry work, and cleaning

What they're saying: Councillor Carole Jones, Ipswich Borough Council's Portfolio Holder for Planning and Museums, said: "To ensure our treasured Museum can be enjoyed by visitors for years to come, essential repairs to structural components are being carefully carried out to preserve the incredible history of the building and its many Grade II* listed features."

Interior renovation progress at Ipswich Museum
Interior renovation progress at Ipswich MuseumIpswich Boroigh Council

What's next: The project will continue with internal and external renovations, aiming to rejuvenate the museum while preserving its Victorian character.

The bottom line: This once-in-a-generation project seeks to balance preservation with modernisation, ensuring Ipswich Museum remains a beloved attraction for years to come.

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An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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Albanian drug dealer jailed after hiding cocaine in underwear

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Attwells Solicitors

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An Albanian man who concealed cocaine in his underwear and presented a fake driving licence to police has been jailed for 38 months.

Why it matters: The arrest led to the discovery of more than £20,000 worth of uncut cocaine at an Ipswich address. Regi Salillari, 28, from Albania, was stopped by officers from the West Area Sentinel team on 29 January while driving in Thorney Way, Stowmarket.

Albanian drug dealer Regi Salillari
Albanian drug dealer Regi SalillariSuffolk Constabulary

The details: When approached by police, Salillari attempted to deceive officers by producing a counterfeit Italian driving licence.

Officers searched him and found:

  • Four bags of cocaine hidden in his underwear

  • More than £500 in cash

Following his arrest, a search of an address in Ipswich uncovered:

  • More than £20,000 worth of uncut cocaine

  • Over £1,000 in cash

Cash and cocaine was seized by police
Cash and cocaine was seized by policeSuffolk Constabulary

In court: Salillari appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on 26 March, where he pleaded guilty to:

  • Possession with intent to supply cocaine

  • Driving with no insurance

  • Possessing a fraudulent document with intent to deceive

What they're saying: PC Harry Tully from the West Sentinel team said: "Salillari came to Stowmarket with the sole intention of supplying Class A drugs in the town. When intercepted by officers he attempted to deceive them by proving false details and producing fake documents which he had clearly gone to some lengths to obtain."

"Fortunately, the tenacious officers quickly saw past this elaborate ruse and he was arrested. We will continue to proactively target those involved in organised crime wherever they might be in our county."

The bottom line: Salillari now begins a 38-month prison term, as Suffolk authorities maintain their stance of significant custodial sentences for Class A drug dealers operating in the county.

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An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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