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Last chance to have your say on local pharmacy services

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Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

Residents have until tomorrow to share their views on local pharmaceutical services as the county-wide consultation draws to a close.

Why it matters: The feedback will help shape the future of pharmacy services across Suffolk, influencing decisions about new pharmacy locations and service improvements.

The big picture: The three-yearly review examines whether current pharmaceutical services meet community needs, covering:

  • Local chemists and pharmacy counters

  • Supermarket pharmacies

  • Online pharmacy services

  • Specialist medical appliance contractors

A pharmacy shelf
Residents have until tomorrow to complete the online survey

What they're saying: "It is essential that we regularly assess these services to ensure that they are meeting the needs of our residents and are accessible to everyone," said Councillor Steve Wiles, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Protection.

How to take part:

  • Complete the online survey at https://bit.ly/4f4PUYC

  • The deadline is tomorrow (8 November)

  • The survey helps inform the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA)

Why now: This review helps the Suffolk Health and Wellbeing Board, NHS England, and Integrated Care Boards plan future pharmacy services across the county.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Ed Sheeran surprised more than 200 Ipswich students with an impromptu performance at The Baths

Browse upcoming gigs

Check out upcoming BTC events across their three brilliant venues

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