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

Suffolk County Council aims to take libraries back in-house, Suffolk Libraries vows to fight

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

Suffolk County Council plans to take control of the county's 45 libraries from 1 June 2025, a decision that Suffolk Libraries calls "a bolt from the blue" and "a staggeringly short-sighted decision."

Why it matters: The announcement follows an abandoned procurement process for a new external provider and what the council describes as "unsuccessful negotiations" with the current provider, Suffolk Libraries, which had proposed reducing opening hours by 30%.

The big picture: The council plans to invest £200,000 in replacing Suffolk's ageing mobile libraries and a further £157,000 for new books and computer equipment, on top of the existing £6.6 million annual library budget, but Suffolk Libraries is vehemently opposed to the decision and has vowed to fight it.

County Library in Ipswich
County Library in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

What they're saying: "The future of Suffolk's 45 libraries will be in safe hands as part of our plans to protect and enhance the service," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for environment, communities and equality.

"With these proposals, there will be no library closures, no reduction in library opening hours, and certainty and security for our most important asset - library staff and volunteers," he added.

Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries, said the organisation intends to fight the decision, stating they were “incredibly shocked, disappointed and frustrated by the announcement by Suffolk County Council" and describing it as "a bolt from the blue" and "a staggeringly short-sighted decision."

He continued:

“Suffolk Libraries has done an amazing job of running the library service in Suffolk for 12 and a half years under very challenging circumstances.  We have successfully steered the charity to become a recognised pioneer for change within the library sector and we are now regarded as a leading force within the industry. We currently have one of the best run library services in the country which has saved millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money, increased the impact and value of libraries and ultimately made Suffolk a better place to live by offering residents access to a groundbreaking and diverse range of services and support.

“Suffolk County Council’s decision will impact everyone in the county and indeed will send out worrying signals to the nation with regard to the future of libraries within the community. Even if you don’t use libraries, we believe the proposed change will be a very inefficient and costly process and the cost to the people of Suffolk is even higher.

“We intend to fight this decision and will comment further once we’ve had a chance to fully digest the details from today’s briefing.”

The details: Under the plan, library staff would transition to direct employment by the council following concerns about the viability of Suffolk Libraries as an organisation.

The council cited issues with the financial stability of Suffolk Libraries and concerns about their head office costs, which reportedly equate to 33% of annual staffing costs.

What's next: The proposal is subject to a formal Cabinet decision on 18 March 2025. If approved, the council will take over running the libraries from 1 June 2025.

For context: The council had initially attempted to secure an external provider for a new six-year contract but abandoned the process due to difficulties aligning submissions with service requirements and budgets.

Subsequent negotiations with Suffolk Libraries for a shorter-term contract failed when the organisation proposed terms that the council says would have breached procurement law.

The bottom line: Suffolk County Council believes that more of the library budget should be invested in frontline services rather than management costs, and promises that residents who rely on libraries for "education, access to information, support and, of course, books" will continue to have access to these services.

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