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Sports centre users face price hike as council aims to break even

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

Users of Ransomes Sports Pavilion will see fees rise by up to 22% after Ipswich Borough Council approved increases to make the facility financially self-sufficient.

The big picture: The council announced changes to all pricing tiers at the centre, with most new charges taking effect from 1 November 2024.

Why it matters: The facility, which includes football and cricket pitches, a bowls green and pavilion, has been running at a financial loss despite growing popularity.

While the council has tried to minimise some increases – like the modest 20p rise for iCard holders – the changes will impact everyone from casual users to organised sports teams, with some fees rising by over 20%.

Ransomes Sports Pavilion in Ipswich
Ransomes Sports Pavilion in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • Pitch hiring will increase from £65.50 to £80.00 (from July 2025)

  • Pavilion hiring rises from £33.00 to £40.25

  • Casual user fees jump from £7.00 to £8.60

  • iCard holders face a modest rise from £20.00 to £20.20

Between the lines: The council bought the club in the 1990s and leased it to a management committee for 15 years. The decision comes as the centre has seen significant growth in usage, with occupancy rising from 18% in 2023 to a projected 27% in 2024.

The centre continues to expand its health and wellbeing programmes, including Feel Good Suffolk sessions, strength and balance classes, and Breathewell classes.

What's next: While most changes take effect from November, pitch hiring increases won't come into force until July 2025.

The bottom line: The price hike is one of several made by the council over the last few weeks as it looks to balance its books, but comes at a challenging time for residents already facing rising living costs. Local football and cricket clubs using the pitches will be particularly affected when prices increase in July 2025.

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

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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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

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