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£40,000 of equipment stolen from Stowupland Bowls Club

News

Police are investigating a high-value burglary at Stowupland Bowls Club where thieves stole approximately £40,000 worth of equipment. The incident is being linked to a similar burglary in Semer earlier this month.

The big picture: The break-in occurred between 14:30 on Tuesday 22 October and 09:00 on Wednesday 23 October. Thieves gained entry by breaking padlocks on the front gate and equipment shed.

  • The theft included lawn mowers, strimmers and other heavy machinery.

  • Evidence suggests the thieves used a wheelbarrow to transport equipment across the bowling green.

  • The club has a large membership who will be affected by the loss.

What they're saying: Sgt Chris Green from the Rural Crime and Wildlife Team said: "Our enquiries into the incident are ongoing and we'd appeal for anyone who saw or heard any suspicious behaviour in the area to get in touch with us."

"The bowls club has a large membership and I have no doubt that this is going to have a real impact on that community and the club members with much distress caused."

What's next: With darker evenings approaching as the clocks go back this weekend, police are urging business and residential property owners to review their security measures.

How to help: Anyone with information should contact Suffolk police, quoting crime reference 37/60454/24:

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Where have the boats gone? Ipswich Marina empties ahead of contentious £2m upgrade

News

Dozens of boats are disappearing from their long-term berths at Ipswich Marina as owners scramble to find new moorings within a two-week deadline. The relocations come as Associated British Ports (ABP) prepares to begin a £2m upgrade of the northern side pontoons.

Why it matters: The exodus of 39 vessels marks a significant change for the waterfront landscape, temporarily altering the character of one of Ipswich's most distinctive areas.

The big picture: ABP says the existing pontoons on the northern side have reached the end of their "usable life", necessitating urgent relocations ahead of the winter period. The company plans to create new pontoons in front of Coprolite Street and the main university building.

Port of Ipswich in Ipswich
The exodus of boats makes for strange viewing at the waterfrontOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • 39 boats need to relocate

  • £2m investment approved by ABP's board

  • 2 weeks given for vessels to move

  • 11 years some boat owners have been moored at the marina

What's happening: While some vessels will move to the opposite side of the wet dock, others may leave Ipswich entirely as the marina's established community faces disruption during the redevelopment.

Behind the scenes: The revised plans, submitted in July, followed compromises ABP says it made with boat owners. The company is now awaiting approval from Ipswich Borough Council, with a decision expected by the end of the year.

What they're saying: ABP's divisional port manager Paul Ager describes the £2m investment as a "strong vote of confidence" in the marina's future. The company says it has received "strong support" for upgrading the berthing facilities.

The bottom line: While the marina temporarily loses its familiar flotilla of vessels, ABP maintains the disruption is necessary for essential safety upgrades. The development marks the latest chapter in the ongoing transformation of Ipswich's waterfront.

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