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Ipswich pub donates double decker bus to homeless shelter

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The Duke Ipswich has donated its double-decker bus to The Ipswich Bus Shelter, a local organisation that supports the homeless community.

Why it matters: The bus, which helped the pub survive COVID-19 restrictions and hadn't been moved for over three years, will continue to benefit the community by providing shelter and support services for those in need.

A true community project: Hammond Recovery Motor Group transported the bus free of charge and The Duke plans to host fundraisers to help pay for bus renovations.

The bus being towed
Hammond Recovery facilitated the operationSally GoodgerSally Goodger

What they're saying:

  • Chris Mapey, Landlord of The Duke: "Our double decker bus was a lifeline for us and our patrons during some of the toughest times of the pandemic."

  • Sally and Roy Goodger, new managers of The Duke: "We are delighted to see this double decker repurposed to support The Bus Shelter Ipswich in their mission to aid the homeless community."

  • Gareth Brenland, Co-Founder of The Bus Shelter Ipswich CIC: "We are intending to use the bus to provide a lifeline to those facing a night on the street by offering a safe space/sleep along with other services to help the wider community."

  • George Hammond, Recovery Manager of Hammond Recovery Motor Group: "We are honoured to support The bus Shelter Ipswich and The Duke in this meaningful endeavour."

The bus being recovered from the Duke Ipswich
The recovery option was anything but simpleChris Mapey

What's next: The Bus Shelter Ipswich will incorporate the bus into its services, providing temporary accommodation and support to homeless individuals in Ipswich.

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

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Police appeal for witnesses after A14 collision at Claydon yesterday

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Suffolk Police are seeking witnesses and dash cam footage following a collision that injured a motorcyclist and temporarily closed the A14 westbound yesterday.

The details: The collision occurred at around 4.50pm on Monday 7th April, according to police.

  • The motorcyclist was taken to hospital, though the extent of their injuries has not been disclosed.

  • The road reopened just before 7pm after being closed for investigation work.

  • The incident caused significant disruption, with westbound traffic at Junction 52 halted for more than two hours.

What they're saying: Officers are particularly interested in dash cam footage showing "a van pulling a trailer at around 4.30pm."

The bottom line: Anyone with information can assist the inquiry by contacting Suffolk Police via their website (www.suffolk.police.uk/tell-us), email (SCIU@norfolk.police.uk) or by calling 101, quoting reference CAD 219 of 7th April.

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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