Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

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

Ipswich shop owners invited to apply for £5,000 improvement grants

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Independent businesses in Ipswich's shopping parades can now apply for up to £5,000 in grant funding to improve their shopfronts and accessibility as part of a scheme to enhance the appearance of neighbourhood shopping areas.

Why it matters: The Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme, funded through the Towns Fund deal for Ipswich, could help revitalise local shopping parades and make them more attractive to residents and visitors.

Shopping parade on Woodbridge Road East, Ipswich
Woodbridge Road East shopping parade in IpswichIpswich Borough Council

Key details:

  • Grants of up to £5,000 are available per business

  • 27 shopping parades across Ipswich are eligible

  • Improvements can include new windows, doors, signage, lighting, and accessibility upgrades

  • Applications will be reviewed monthly

  • The closing date is 7 October 2024

Who's eligible: Independent owners and leaseholders with at least five years left on their lease within the designated shopping parades. National retailers, chains with more than three locations, national charities, betting shops and pawnbrokers are not eligible.

What they're saying: Councillor Bryony Rudkin, Deputy Leader of Ipswich Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy and Transformation, said: "The scheme is a fantastic opportunity for independent business owners to make improvements to their business, with the aim of encouraging more of our residents and visitors to visit our shopping parades and explore what they have to offer."

How to apply: Interested businesses can apply online at www.ipswich.gov.uk/shopfrontgrantscheme

The bottom line: This initiative could provide a much-needed boost to Ipswich's local shopping areas, improving their appearance and accessibility while supporting independent businesses.

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

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

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

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

Load next article