At least 30 residents have objected to plans to expand a recycling yard in Great Blakenham that has experienced three serious fires.
The big picture: Sackers recycling centre has submitted a planning application to Suffolk County Council to extend its site, aiming to reduce fire risks. However, more than 30 local residents have objected to the plans.
Why it matters: The facility has seen multiple large-scale fires, including a recent blaze caused by a discarded battery.
The most recent fire on August 8th needed 80 firefighters to bring it under controlOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk
The proposal: Sackers have submitted an application to extend the site. The application states the expansion would not increase the amount of materials stored, rather create smaller heaps of stored materials in order to lower large fire risks.
The company had previously announced plans to make "further investment" in firefighting equipment on-site.
The objections: Objections from local residents centre around fears of increased noise and traffic, while some remain unconvinced that the proposed solution will be effective in reducing the fire risk at the site.
The bottom line: While Sackers aims to improve safety with its expansion plans, residents' objections highlight ongoing concerns around increased noise and traffic.
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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 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 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.
