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Ipswich Borough Council bins free garden waste collections

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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

Ipswich Borough Council is introducing a £50 charge for brown bin collections in April, making it the last Suffolk council to do so.

Why it matters: Households that don't subscribe to the new £50 annual service will see their garden waste collections end after March 2025.

A brown garden waste bin
Ipswich Borough Council will charge £50 for brown bin collections from AprilOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details:

  • The council will provide fortnightly collections over 50 weeks of the year for subscribers

  • Households must sign up by Friday, 14 March, to ensure uninterrupted service from 1 April

  • Subscribers will receive a permit sticker within 14 days of registration

  • Anyone signing up after 14 March may face up to two weeks' delay in receiving their permit

What they're saying: "The decision to charge for garden waste collections has not been taken lightly, and like so many other local authorities, the Council has been hit by significant cost increases outside of its control," says Councillor Phil Smart, Ipswich Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport.

For context: Ipswich Borough Council says it is implementing one of Suffolk's lowest garden waste collection fees.

What's next: The council is writing to all households with brown bins about the changes. Residents can sign up at www.ipswich.gov.uk/gardenwaste

The bottom line: Households wanting to maintain garden waste collections must subscribe to the new service or face losing collections after March.

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

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Double victory for St Joseph's as young debaters shine

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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St Joseph's College students demonstrated exceptional public speaking prowess, claiming victory in both intermediate and senior categories at a prestigious local debate competition.

Why it matters: The double win at the Ipswich East Rotary Club 'Youth Speaks' competition secures both teams places in the Norwich debating chamber finals next month, showcasing local talent on a regional stage.

The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant
The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevantSt Joseph's College

The details:

  • The college hosted the competition on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.

  • The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society.

  • The senior team, comprising Ben (Captain), Alex (Proposition) and Ademide (Opposition), tackled whether science and logic make religion and superstition irrelevant.

What they're saying: "Working with these students and developing their oracy and public speaking skills through debating is such a joy!" said Dr Briege Rice, Stretch and Challenge Coordinator and History and Politics teacher at St Joseph's College.

"These skills are vital in every field, fostering confidence, clear communication and critical thinking. The standard of debating was very high, and we are very proud of this extraordinary achievement of our students," she added.

The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human society
The intermediate team of Megan (Captain), Clara (Proposition) and Holly (Opposition) debated whether artificial intelligence helps or hinders human societySt Joseph's College

The bottom line: The competition, supported by the Rotary Club, continues to foster key communication skills amongst young people through its Youth Speaks initiative, with St Joseph's teams now preparing to showcase their talents in February's finals.

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

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