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Suffolk residents asked to shape future of local pharmacy services

News

Suffolk County Council wants to hear residents' views on local pharmacies and chemists as part of a major review that will help shape future healthcare services in the county.

Why it matters: The feedback will help local authorities make key decisions about pharmaceutical services, including potential new pharmacy locations.

The big picture: The review, called a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA), happens every three years and looks at whether current services meet community needs.

  • The assessment covers all community pharmacies, including those in supermarkets.

  • It also examines online pharmacies and specialist medical appliance contractors.

  • These services often act as the first point of contact for health concerns.

A pharmacy shelf
The assessment covers all community pharmacies, including those in supermarkets

What they're saying: "Pharmaceutical services play a vital role in the health and well-being of our communities," said Councillor Steve Wiles, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Protection.

"By completing this survey, people can have a real say in the future of their local healthcare services, and we encourage as many people as possible to get involved."

How to take part: Residents can complete the survey online. The deadline for submissions is 8 November. The survey can be found here: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/consultations-petitions-and-elections/consultations/suffolk-pharmaceutical-needs-assessment-public-questionnaire

Serial waste offender faces High Court action after decades of illegal dumping

News

A man previously convicted of allowing cocaine production on his land has been ordered to stop illegal waste disposal activities at the same site, following multiple failed prosecutions over 20 years.

Why it matters: The case highlights how persistent offenders can continue environmental crimes despite repeated prosecutions, forcing councils to pursue expensive High Court action, often at the taxpayer's expense.

The big picture: Paul Arthur Fenton, 59, of Hadleigh, has been prosecuted four times since 2001 for illegal waste activities at Flowton Pit. Despite these convictions, the illegal dumping continued, leading Suffolk County Council to seek a High Court injunction.

Illegal waste dumped at the site in Flowton, near Ipswich
Paul Fenton has been ordered to stop illegal waste disposal activities at the site in Flowton, near IpswichSuffolk County Council

Details:

  • The High Court has now ordered Fenton to cease all waste disposal at the Flowton Road site

  • He must remove all waste materials within three months, by 27 November 2024

  • Fenton did not respond to pre-action letters or attend the court hearing

  • The site has previously been linked to criminal activity, with Fenton convicted of allowing it to be used for cocaine production

What they're saying: "We will not stand for the actions of people like Mr Fenton, whose behaviour is wholly selfish with no regard for others," said Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, Planning and Waste.

Illegal waste dumped at the site in Flowton, near Ipswich
The High Court has now ordered Fenton to cease all waste disposal at the Flowton Road siteSuffolk County Council

Impact on community:

  • Local businesses affected by unfair competition from illegal disposal

  • Environmental damage, including possible destruction of badger setts

  • Disruption to rural and residential areas

  • Impact on local access routes

The bottom line: Despite two decades of enforcement action, it took a High Court injunction to finally force action at this problematic waste site, highlighting the challenges authorities face in stopping persistent environmental offenders.

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