You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience the Suffolk City Council unanimously approved the $2 billion 2026-2035 Community Improvement Plan which includes demolishing Driver Elementary School According to Finance Director Charles Meek but the 9,000-square-foot gymnasium will be saved The CIP was adopted with an amendment to include the project in Fiscal Year 2026 utilizing $620,000 from the construction reserve fund An additional $30,000 is also being used to demolish or remove trailers and equipment currently exposed on the site using Fiscal Year 2025 capital contingency funds In addition to the school, the council approved updating the CIP document to reflect the Bernhowe Manor turn lane as part of the Route 17 widening project I’m happy about that,” said Councilwoman Ebony Wright “And then Bernhowe Manor also was a big safety issue for the members of that community.” Meek presented the entire plan in February and the council scheduled the March 5 public hearing No one from the public spoke at the hearing The entire CIP will include more than $534 million worth of projects over the next five years The majority of the $241 million in local spending will go towards public schools ($96 million) The largest expenditures included in the plan are the following: Replacement of Elephants Fork Elementary School ($61.1 million): This will replace the current school and modernize it while the new school would hold 800 students The $61.1 million will be spent between FY 27 through FY 29 Northern Shores Elementary will receive $14.3 million in renovations including the construction of an additional two-story wing The additions will increase capacity and eliminate the need for mobile units at Northern Shores Water system projects ($41.8 million): The $41.8 million will be expended on expanding the water treatment plant rehabilitation of the Reids Ferry Well and water source development changes $28.7 million will replace aging water meters and water service lines and find and fix repairs across Cedar Lakes Route 460 improvements from King Fork’s Road to the bypass ($32.2 million): These improvements include median construction State funding ($30.1) will pay for most of the work with developer contributions ($2.2 million) responsible for the remaining funding An additional $77.9 million is anticipated from state funding for construction in FY 2030 Shoulders Hill Road widening ($22.6 million): Shoulders Hill Road will be widened from Laycock Lane to Pughsville Road through a combination of local The improvements include a four-lane divided roadway with a multi-use path Additional roadway projects include widening Route 17 ($12.8 million) and widening a 1.5-mile section of Godwin Blvd from Kings Fork Road to the Suffolk Bypass ($9.7 million) Fire apparatus replacements ($19.1 million): This will replace fire engines fire rescue trucks and aerial ladder trucks that have exceeded their useful life $6.8 million will be used to replace ambulances that have exceeded their useful life Fire Station 4 (Lake Kilby) will also be replaced utilizing $3.5 million in FY 26 and $9.5 million in FY 27 Station 9 (Kings Highway) will be upgraded for $1.4 million in FY 27 and Station 10 (Bennett’s Pasture) will receive $2.5 million in renovations Sanitary sewer system upgrades ($18.7 million): This will pay for maintenance to protect against sewer overflows upgrades to the pump station and sewer system improvements Stormwater projects ($17.3 million): The projects include citywide drainage improvements ($500K) Murphy’s Mill culvert improvements ($1.9 million) Oakland drainage improvements ($5.2 million) Woodrow South Suffolk drainage improvements ($1.5 million) and Olde Towne drainage improvements ($2 million) “I think that the distribution of resources is equitable equitably distributed across our city,” said Mayor Mike Duman “We’ve got some great projects in there.” The city’s capital improvement plans are listed on its website at https://www.suffolkva.us/751/Capital-Improvements-Plan There are four games on the college basketball schedule on Monday that feature MEAC squads 10-2 MEAC) are traveling to face the North Carolina Central Eagles (12-17 The Miami Heat (28-31) are at home in Southeast Division action against the Washington Wizards (11-48) on Monday,… The Washington Capitals’ Dylan Strome and the Ottawa Senators’ Tim Stutzle are two of the best players to… The Norfolk State Spartans (25-4) will look to continue a 14-game winning stretch when visiting the North Carolina… Shani Clark of the Suffolk South All-Stars celebrates a basket at the Suffolk PAL All-Star Senior Basketball Tournament on Saturday at Patchogue-Medford Whether she was sinking a three-pointer from the logo or yelling at an opponent to contest a shot while fixing her hair Bay Shore’s Shani Clark made one thing clear; she was having fun Clark smiled and laughed her way to a game-high 25 points in Suffolk’s 2025 Police Athletic League All-Star Senior Basketball Tournament leading Suffolk South to a 75-59 win over Suffolk North in the championship game at Patchogue-Medford High School Saturday which saw Suffolk West defeat Suffolk East on the boys side featured four teams filled with some of Suffolk’s best seniors being a senior and everything,” Clark said “I just went out there to have fun and do what I do best along with Bay Shore teammate Khaleis London (10 points) and Amityville’s Alana Henry (eight points) formed an imposing offense with North Babylon point guard Jasmine McKay running the show McKay scored 13 points and logged seven assists highlighted by a pull-up jumper off the dribble to beat the buzzer at the end of the first quarter because everyone’s here for a reason,” said McKay “I use my passing ability to get everyone else involved.” Huntington’s Lauren Donaghy led Suffolk North in scoring with 17 points including a deep three-pointer that had a spectator in the stands muttering “That’s a far shot,” before the ball swished in Clark and McKay both shared their appreciation for the intensity the event provided but without the animosity that can come with competitive sports because there wasn’t a lot of pressure,” Clark said “It wasn’t like we had to win; I got to pass the ball around and laugh and joke Rocky Point boys basketball star Casmere Morrow echoed that sentiment earning MVP honors on the boys side as he led Suffolk East past Suffolk West in the championship Morrow scored a game-high 16 points as his team battled back after trailing 34-27 at halftime “With all these great players here and out of all of them “It felt really nice to throw a lob and just have fun on the court.” The game featured no shortage of alley-oop attempts the best of which came off a pass from North Babylon’s Kameron Quinn to Jayden Mack-Currie as the Wyandanch senior slammed home a two-handed dunk for Suffolk West while slapping the backboard on his way back down to Earth Rocky Point’s Max Wignall added to the festivities for Suffolk East with a nasty block off the glass in the second quarter later slamming in another dunk in the third quarter to tie the score at 40 Westhampton’s Jorden Bennett helped close out the win scoring three of his 11 points along with a block steal and rebound inside the game’s final 55 seconds said his Suffolk West team embraced the chance to represent their schools one final time in a game filled with the skills of varsity sports and the spirit of pick-up basketball so it was good to put names to faces and form friendships on the court,” Eljamali said “It just overall feels good to be back on the court in a high school game with high school players.” Michael Sicoli covers high school sports for Newsday He graduated from Quinnipiac in 2022 and left with a master’s degree in sports journalism in 2023 The Newsday app makes it easier to access content without having to log in Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months — A Suffolk resident is celebrating becoming a homeowner thanks to Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads Timmeisha Jones and her three daughters were living with 11 other family members on a blow up mattress on the living room floor over the last 18 months through help of the nonprofit lots of hard work and the support of her family Watch related coverage: Norfolk man went from homeless to hopeful thanks to The Salvation Army Timmeisha said settling into her new home is especially exciting during the holiday season "I'm just looking forward to actually being in here," she said "Whether we cook a meal on Thanksgiving or not just being in here will make me grateful looking forward to being in the holiday season with my family with my children." Timmeisha says she was able to make the home her own "Everything is literally my design and they just built it for me," she said Watch related coverage: Reflecting on Rosalynn Carter's impact on Habitat for Humanity She said she was given the opportunity after working hard on her credit and making sure she was saving money "I had to attend classes and complete 200 sweat equity hours," Timmeisha explained "You're actually coming out to build on your own home or help build on other homes in the program and you also get your sweat equity hours by attending your classes submitting your paperwork on time and things of that nature." Timmeisha shared the following advice for others who may be considering applying for a Habitat house: "Definitely do your research Make sure that the program is fit for you because everything is not for everyone Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads thanks all of their donors and volunteers for making this possible TrendingResidentialSouth FloridaAMovers & Shakers: Suffolk taps new South Florida VPPlus: Blanca CRE promotes VP In the latest roundup of South Florida hiring news Suffolk Construction one of the nation’s largest construction firms tapped Nick Schwieger as vice president and project executive for South Florida Schwieger was previously a vice president in the firm’s San Francisco office for almost two years Last year, the Trump Group fired Suffolk as the general contractor for its under-construction Estates at Acqualina project in Sunny Isles Beach The dismissal followed a yearslong legal battle between the two firms over delays at the two-tower development Blanca Commercial Real Estate promoted Christie Grays Chambers to vice president and lead of its health care practice Grays Chambers joined the firm in 2021 and has expanded the firm’s medical sector holdings to 1.6 million square feet across 25 buildings She also serves as Blanca’s lead of culture and inclusion Harvey Hernandez’s Newgard Development Group hired two people for its construction and development teams Kenny Tharrington joins the firm as a development manager and Oscar Rincon Jasso joins as a construction manager Newgard has been on a hiring spree in recent months. In March, the firm brought in Ivan Heredia as vice president of development Serhant added two agents in its South Florida offices Anna Kuzminova jumped from Coldwell Banker Realty to Serhant’s Delray Beach office She has sold more than $66 million in the last five years Jupiter agent Ronnie DeChambeau is also joining the brokerage from Realty One Group Engage Greater Smithtown coverage is funded in part by Keith Dawson of The Dawson Team of Signature Premier Properties. Click here to view current listings Commack will be home to the largest South Asian grocery store in Suffolk County Sanjha Bazaar is opening in the former Ace Hardware location at 2160 Jericho Turnpike catering to a community that currently has to travel farther west for these items The endeavor is led by Long Island entrepreneur Mohinder Pal Singh who owns 17 Dunkin’ and two Pizza Hut locations on the Island “The South Asian grocery store business has been on my mind for many many years — specifically in Suffolk County because currently most of these kinds of stores are in Nassau County,” said Singh While the store previously advertised it would open in “early October,” it now plans to open its doors toward the end of the month A large channel letter sign was added to the storefront in recent weeks taking the place of a “coming soon” banner Raza Dastgir, a Dix Hills resident, has already toured the soon-to-open grocery store. Dastgir is the co-founder and CEO of “The Halal Guide,” an online community that boasts over 110,000 followers on Instagram Dastgir said the store’s offerings seem comparable to large South Asian grocers in Hicksville, like Maharaja Farmer’s Market He noted seeing fresh juice machines as well as small restaurant-style takeout options during his visit “It’s the little things that they’re adding in there that are going to make it a one-stop shop and very convenient for the community here,” Dastgir said Commack was chosen as the store’s location due to its presence in the “center” of Suffolk County Sanjha Bazaar fits neatly between major roads Jericho Turnpike and Veteran’s Memorial Highway Although there are some South Asian grocery options in Suffolk — particularly in Selden — they are far and in between Sanjha Bazaar stands out among them in size “And sometimes it’s not because I want to – sometimes it’s because I have to.” Singh had leased the property early this year joining the existing co-tenants PetSmart and Applebee’s While he did not provide a fixed date for the store’s opening Singh said he is “working on opening as soon as possible.” Singh emphasized that Sanjha Bazaar will welcome communities from across Long Island and beyond “Our goal is to give the communities a very new and unique experience in South Asian foods and keep the needs of all people in mind,” Singh said — Hamza Khan is a freelance journalist based on Long Island He previously worked as a multimedia journalist for Binghamton’s WICZ FOX 40 Top photo: Exterior of the new Sanjha Bazaar coming to Commack Tap here to see what’s happening Ayden DesLauriers #7 of Eastport-South Manor and teammates celebrate after their straight sets win over East Islip in the Suffolk County Division II boys volleyball championship at Longwood High School on Tuesday The Loyola Chicago commit was a freshman libero when Eastport-South Manor won a boys volleyball state title in 2021 DesLauriers is ready to lead the Sharks back to the state tournament 17 digs and a block in top-seeded Eastport-South Manor’s 25-13 3 East Islip in the Suffolk Division II final Tuesday at Longwood High School It’s the Sharks’ first county title since 2021 and comes after two straight losses in the county final including a four-set loss to eventual state runner-up Westhampton last year but we didn’t really stay on the gas and ended up losing the next three,” DesLauriers said We’ve got to do everything we can to get all these points and get hype for every point.’” DesLauriers and the Sharks kept the pedal down in the second which ended on a 7-0 service run by James Talamini Andrew Dragos helped the Sharks pull away with four kills and a block (Coach Bill) Kropp has us doing tip drills every day Talamini had three aces and Ralph Betner had 39 assists Teague Nolan had 10 kills for East Islip (11-6) Eastport-South Manor (16-0) will face the Nassau representative in the Long Island championship game/Southeast Regional Final at 4:30 p.m one LIC and one state final,” DesLauriers said “I was super bummed the last couple years that I couldn’t take this team there I’m glad that we’ve had some other guys step up We’ve been playing a lot better this year.” let’s start by explaining the colloquial use of the term “South Shore” here on Long Island — in this case Suffolk County If someone in Suffolk says they’re from the South Shore they’re referring to the dozens of communities that run along the coastline — from Amityville to Eastport — mostly straddling Sunrise Highway And that’s an entirely different animal No one from Southampton is from the South Shore this 40-mile stretch is home to some of the most diverse communities on Long Island And it’s all underscored by a string of renowned which is one of just 10 national seashores managed by the U.S and just experience on Suffolk County’s South Shore If you’re going out on the South Shore heading to one of its many downtowns is the move because you can skip from place to place without getting back in a car as well as DIY spots and date night options with a few less bars but more finer dining options than Patchogue Lindenhurst is our choice for craft beer lovers with four breweries within walking distance on Wellwood Avenue and two more in nearby Copiague and Amityville because the LIRR station runs right through the downtown with plenty of drinking and dining options Sayville and Center Moriches each offer more of a quaint downtown dining experience This is a huge problem for Suffolk County’s South Shore and we hope elected officials will make it a priority to help facilitate the building of more hotels and start thinking more outside the box when it comes to zoning and permitting for bed and breakfasts especially for guests coming in for weddings as there are dozens of catering halls on and near the water (All that said, a Tempo by Hilton hotel is currently in the works for downtown Patchogue.) There are some existing hotels around the airport to the north but along the coastline and Sunrise Highway you’ll find few we could recommend road-trip era motels utilized by Social Services Boutique options are limited and small, but really nice, and include Bellport Inn and Temperance Hall, which are both in Bellport, as well as the Ocean Bay House There’s a range of performance venues in the region, from those offering professional shows to really great community theaters and arts centers. Two of Long Island’s three professional theaters are located on the South Shore: The Argyle Theatre in Babylon and The Gateway in Bellport Joseph’s University Long Island Campus in Patchogue Tap the links for show schedules and tickets The best villages and hamlets (as we call unincorporated communities here on Long Island) for waterfront dining is absolutely Patchogue but almost every village and hamlet offers options Fire Island offers plenty of waterfront dining options, but there’s only that’s directly on the dunes of the Atlantic Ocean (as opposed to facing the bay), and that’s Casino Café at Davis Park (from Patchogue) offer food and alcoholic beverages at designated “beach bars,” with the biggest being Salt Shack at Cedar Beach often with live music playin into the night during the summer months Robert Moses State Park is a gem and is actually located on the westernmost tip of Fire Island It’s accessible by car travel over the breathtaking Robert Moses Causeway (pictured) Smith Point is also accessible by car over the Smith Point Bridge, and is similar to Robert Moses in many ways, except you can camp out on the campgrounds facing the bay, and take your 4×4 on the eastern portion of what’s called Outer Beach. The one caveat for taking your truck or SUV on the beach is you need a permit. Click here for details And remember to deflate those tires or you will get stuck What’s colloquially referred to as Fire Island (even though it includes Robert Moses and Smiths Point) is only accessible for visitors via ferry The South Shore has some wonderful federal county and town parks and facilities for hiking experiencing history or just gathering with friends and relatives Many former MLB players have played for the Ducks Long Island’s lone major professional sports team, the New York Islanders but UBS Arena is pretty easily accessible by car or Long Island Rail Road Friends don’t let friends pick them up at JFK or LaGuardia airports in Queens because the entire experience is harrowing and nerve-wracking as those are the only airports in the United States where you pull up and immediately start getting hollered and screamed at by police officers and airport workers Not to mention the traffic getting back through Queens and Nassau and out to Suffolk County Note: We would rather transfer twice to end up at MacArthur The LIRR will take you from NYC all the way to Montauk (through the Hamptons) via the Babylon, then Montauk lines. The local trains stop at every town on the South Shore, so you could tour the region from your window seat! (It might take awhile.) But, fares just went up This is the busiest commuter railroad in North America You might think all that volume would make it one of the cheapest This is the preferred way to bop around the South Shore Heavy traffic typically loosens up after you get through Nassau County There are no traffic lights on Sunrise Highway after Lindenhurst so it’s pretty smooth sailing from “Lindy” on east Just don’t call it The Sunrise Highway; you don’t want to look like a tourist Southern State Parkway runs mostly along Sunrise Highway but ends in East Islip was built in the late-1920s to bring summer travelers out from the city to enjoy Long Island’s state park system Now it’s a sort of track for 20-somethings in cheap cars with sound-makers to chase each other around This is a curvy road that was built for pleasure The ferries from the South Shore have one destination and one destination only: Fire Island There are three areas from which to set sail (from west to east) Fire Island Ferries provides ferry service between Bay Shore and the Fire Island communities of Kismet Just a few more items worth noting: You can’t bring bikes on the ferries but dogs are allowed (though some communities don’t allow dogs on the beaches.) There are no bathrooms on the boats do not miss the last boat off Fire Island at night Sayville Ferry Service has been taking beachgoers across the Great South Bay to Fire Island since 1894 And still ushers residents and visitors from Sayville to Fire Island’s legendary LGBT communities of Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines Water Island and the Sunken Forest at Sailors Haven The ferries operate out of a marina on Browns River in Sayville There are two ferry terminals on Patchogue River. The Davis Park Ferry Co. runs all boats back and forth between Patchogue and the community Davis Park, as well as the Watch Hill wilderness The address for the Patchogue-Davis Park Ferry Terminal is 80 Brightwood Street in Patchogue, at the town’s Sandspit Marina. Tap here for the ferry schedules to Davis Park and it’s discounted for Brookhaven Town residents Don’t even bother looking for on-street parking The Patchogue-Watch Hill Ferry Terminal is operated by the National Park Service and is located at 150 West Avenue in Patchogue seasonal passenger ferry service is provided to Watch Hill by Davis Park Ferry Co. The South Suffolk Show will take place at Ampton point-to-point racecourse Show president for this year’s 136th South Suffolk Show is Rose Turner whose family have hosted the South Suffolk Show at the beautiful venue of Ampton Point-to-Point Racecourse since 1986 A horse lover who fondly remembers her father’s heavy horses whilst growing up on her family farm in Norfolk Rose has collaborated with the Suffolk Horse Society to create a ‘Suffolk Spectacular’ with a selection of Suffolk Heavy Horses invited into the Grand Ring to demonstrate how these beautiful beasts have become icons of the Suffolk county The show organisers say it is an honour to have Rose take up the reins as show president this year chairman of The South Suffolk Agricultural Association Ltd advises: “We are delighted that the steps taken last year to improve traffic flow into the show ground were successful this year the organising committee have taken steps to reduce queues at the public bar We hope that our visitors enjoy both the bigger bar in the picnic area as well as a second bar complete with viewing platform in Eat Street.” The famousImps Motorcycle Display – the “world’s premier” military style display team – will be performing in the Grand Ring with a disciplined drill of precision and skill on motorbikes while 4 Strides Equestrian UK Ltd will be showcasing the speed agility and athletic ability of rodeo with barrel racing As always there will be plenty to see and do outside the grand ring including farriers in the forge and tricks on wheels from the 3 Sixty Bicycle Stunt Team. Not to mention the Lifestyle Marquee packed with unique creations cattle and horses all competing for rosettes amongst trade stands galore and carefully selected food vendors Even canine companions will be catered for with a fun dog show run by Pooch’s Yard of Thetford taking entries on the day and offering rosettes for the waggiest tail and shiniest coat to keep those young (or old!) daredevils happy Tickets are available on the gate from 8:30am at £20 per adult a family ticket for two adults and up to three children will be available for purchase at £45 And ‘early bird’ reduced ticket offers are available through selected ticket retailers and online at www.southsuffolkshow.co.uk until 7pm on Sunday 4th May. Car parking is free.  The event promised to be a fun-filled day in the great outdoors with something for everyone The South Suffolk Agricultural Association is offering a free family ticket worth £45 admitting two adults and up to three children We will accept multiple entries as long as a different person is tagged each time The lucky winner will be drawn from everyone who completes the entry Closing date for entries is 4th April 2025 Find more events in our shows and events hub Business and Rural news from the UK’s favourite monthly farming magazine We’ve now moved to our new office in Stowmarket If you wish to contact us please use our new address: The rezoning would change the designation of 6.557 acres of land from B-2 (General Business) to RU-12 (Conditional) The request also includes rezoning approximately half an acre from B-2 to B-2 (Conditional) for future commercial use at the intersection of White Marsh Road and Davis Blvd the developer has committed to constructing no more than 78 condos with a minimum heated living space of 1,000 square feet on a crawl space or raised/elevated slab foundation who represented Coastal Virginia Properties the estimated sale price of the condos will be $300,000 per unit In his supporting statements for the rezoning and construction of the condos Palmer told the commission he felt the development would improve property values and benefit the tax base versus leaving the shopping center as it is and not benefiting the surrounding communities many people that live around the shopping center will see a benefit from this,” Palmer said almost vacant shopping center with no prospects and the only prospect being a derelict building I think living around that certainly shows up in people’s property taxes …” Commissioner Johnnie Edwards expressed concerns about the best use of the property Citing a 2022 rezoning of 35 acres approved by the city council during its Aug meeting in the same corridor to build 170 homes Edwards said the argument at that time was that building those homes would revitalize this shopping center “Now I’m confused,” Edwards said the argument that was made during that presentation was we do these 170 because it’s going to bring life back to the shopping center and the argument now is abandon the shopping center representing the applicant for the rezoning Bob Arnette and South Suffolk Development Group LLC. responded to resident Robin Whitley’s concern that the area was already a food desert said bringing more housing could make the shopping center viable again “We feel that our development is going to be a good development for that side of town,” said Ferguson during the Aug “Some rooftops are needed on that side of town If you go look at the White Marsh Shopping Center I think more good housing on that side would bring a place like White Marsh Shopping Center back We need some rooftops to get the commercial people interested on that side of town again.” Palmer said he was unsure what the rationale behind the statement was He told Edwards that based on the conditional use permit requests “I think we have four tenants in the building that I don’t believe pay rent,” Palmer said and we got too much commercial at this particular location.” The council will hear a resolution on the rezoning during the July 17 meeting Powered by Bury Free Press, Suffolk Free Press, Newmarket Journal & Haverhill Echo Powered by Bury Free Press, Suffolk Free Press, Newmarket Journal and Haverhill Echo Home   Sudbury   News   Article An annual fair to help connect employers with young people and jobseekers in the Sudbury area is set to take place tomorrow The South Suffolk Employment and Careers Fair – organised by local Member of Parliament James Cartlidge – will return to Sudbury Arts Centre on Friday Businesses from industries such as manufacturing Attendees will be able to speak with each exhibitor about their current and upcoming vacancies apprenticeships and work experience placements there will also be representatives on hand from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the local Job Centre to provide wider support having previously been held in Great Cornard and Hadleigh before last year’s event in Sudbury welcomed more than 900 visitors Mr Cartlidge revealed that past events had generated a number of “real life success stories” including one attendee who found their “dream job” in the NHS it has always been one of my top priorities to promote the opportunity to find work locally,” he said “We have lots of brilliant companies in our area and getting on the train to the big smoke is far from the only choice a big issue cited by local firms is recruitment and retention organised this fair to bring businesses and training providers together to showcase the opportunities available on our doorstep “I would encourage all south Suffolk residents to attend who are looking for a new job; at school or college and starting to think about their future; or currently out of work or considering returning to the workplace after a period of absence.” For further information about the South Suffolk Employment and Careers Fair contact Mr Cartlidge’s office on 020 7219 4875 Home   Bury St Edmunds   News   Article Three Suffolk MPs have joined forces to make the case for extra powers to be given to town and parish councils as part of devolution. Nick Timothy, who represents West Suffolk, Patrick Spencer, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich and James Cartlidge, for South Suffolk, sent a letter on April 13 to Suffolk County Council over the shake-up of local authorities. The letter to Cllr Matthew Hicks, county council leader, and Cllr Richard Rout, cabinet member for local government reform, outlines the Conservative MPs’ proposals to ensure local communities have greater control over the challenges and opportunities which affect towns and villages. Devolution would see Suffolk’s county, district and borough councils replaced with one or more unitary authorities. The letter summarises the MPs’ joint view that 'it is vital that any money saved through local government reform must remain in Suffolk'. The letter adds: "We believe we need clear and binding commitments about the powers and budgets of parish and town councils." The areas which they asked for clarity over included road safety, encompassing decisions on speed limits, enforcement and traffic-calming and planning to make sure parish and town councils are fully supported in their development of neighbourhood plans. Other areas were flood prevention, with responsibility for drain maintenance and clearing ditches, and the use of community assets, so valued spaces such as village halls, common greens and pubs can stay accessible to residents. Mr Timothy said: “Decision-making by councils and central government on important things like road safety and flood prevention often feels too distant, whether it is in Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich or London. “We should use the opportunity of local government reform to change this and amplify the voices of residents, with an increase in the power of parish and town councils to improve things for the better.” Mr Cartlidge said: “In the issues we’ve identified — including speeding and community assets — I know my constituents would welcome the chance for a greater say, where their parish or town is affected.” Mr Spencer added: “My number one priority is to make sure devolution works for my constituents across Central Suffolk and North Ipswich. “That means better quality public services, value for money and ensuring local communities are at the heart of the council’s decision making.” Labour have made major inroads into Tory territory in Suffolk taking four seats from the previously all-blue county - including that of a former deputy prime minister They won in Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket dispatching Tory grandee Therese Coffey in the latter There was also a notable success for the Greens in the cross-county Waveney Valley seat where co-leader Adrian Ramsay won a 6,000-vote majority Follow our results for each constituency below and explore our interactive map above which will be updated as the results for each seat are announced You can read more about the boundary changes and the thinking behind them here Bury St Edmunds & Stowmarket: LABOUR GAIN Central Suffolk and North Ipswich: CONSERVATIVE HOLD Full results from the 2024 General Election in Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket: Richard Baker-Howard - Rejoin EU - 350 (0.69%) Will Tanner - Conservatives - 15,293 (30.05%) Constituency profile: Conservative Jo Churchill won the Bury St Edmunds & Stowmarket seat with a 2019 majority of 24,988 (40.3%) which has a slightly increased notional majority of 22,085 (42.1%) due to boundary changes It is the 64th safest Tory seat nationally out of 372 Bury St Edmunds has returned a Tory MP in every election since 1885 though just 368 votes separated Labour from victory in the Tony Blair-led landslide in 1997 The constituency's economy is based on agriculture and related industries with Bury St Edmunds hosting the country's largest sugar beet factory and the Greene King brewery Result: CONSERVATIVE HOLD - majority 4,290 Who is standing in the 2024 General Election in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich Charlie Caiger - Independent - 366 (0.79%) Brett Mickelburgh - Lib Dems - 5,407 (11.65%) Patrick Spencer - Conservatives - 15,144 (32.62%) Constituency profile: The Conservative Party won the Central Suffolk and North Ipswich seat through Dan Poulter with a 2019 majority of 23,391 (41.6%) reduced to a notional majority of 20,213 (40.1%) due to boundary changes citing a loss of faith with the Tories' management of the NHS this seat is the 85th safest Tory seat nationally out of 372 The constituency features undulating farmland and towns such as Framlingham and Needham Market and historical sites including Framlingham Castle Full result in the 2024 General Election in Ipswich: Terence Charles - Heritage Party - 151 (0.34%) Tom Hunt - Conservatives - 11,696 (26.54%) Constituency profile: Conservative Tom Hunt won the Ipswich seat with a 2019 majority of 5,479 (11.1%) and there are no changes to this majority due to boundary adjustments being the 68th most marginal Tory seat nationally out of 372 and the fifth most marginal in the Anglia region Labour's Sandy Martin beat Tory minister Ben Gummer in 2017 though Ipswich Borough Council has been Labour-controlled since 2011 The constituency covers the urban area of Suffolk's county town including the River Orwell estuary and surrounding suburbs This will be the first time there has been a Lowestoft seat since 1983 with the town previously having been covered by the Waveney seat won by Peter Aldous in 2019 which through boundary changes has been notionally reduced to 14,850 (32.7%) it is the 150th safest Tory seat nationally out of 372 with Labour requiring a 16.4% swing to win Lowestoft is the most easterly seat in Britain including the town of Beccles and the landmark Ness Point Full results in the 2024 General Election in Lowestoft: Peter Aldous - Conservatives - 12,448 (29.76%) June Mummery - Reform UK - 10,328 (24.69%) Result: CONSERVATIVES HOLD - majority 3,047 Who is standing in the 2024 General Election in South Suffolk James Cartlidge - Conservatives - 16,082 (32.95%) Constituency profile: The Conservatives' James Cartlidge won the South Suffolk seat in 2019 with a majority of 22,897 (42.8%) with a relatively unchanged notional majority of 21,473 (42.9%) due to boundary changes It is the 53rd safest Tory seat nationally out of 372 and includes picturesque villages of "Constable Country" that attract commuters to Ipswich The Conservatives won the Suffolk Coastal seat when Therese Coffey won a 2019 majority of 20,533 (35.2%) which has a reduced notional majority of 18,355 (35.1%) due to boundary changes ranked as the 127th safest Tory seat nationally out of 372 When Therese Coffey won in Suffolk Coastal in 2010 The constituency spans Suffolk's coast from Wrentham to Felixstowe Full results for the 2024 General Election in Suffolk Coastal: Therese Coffey - Conservatives - 14,602 (29.53%) Matthew Paul Jackson - Reform UK - 7,850 (15.87%) Jenny Riddell-Carpenter - Labour - 15,672 (31.69%) Full result for the 2024 General Election in Waveney Valley: Richard Rout - Conservatives - 14,873 (30.3%) the newly-created Waveney Valley seat is a notional Conservative majority of 22,364 (43.6%) It takes portions from five existing seats but 40% of it is from the old South Norfolk constituency This new seat is the 46th safest Tory seat nationally out of 372 though it is one of the Greens' top targets nationally Result: CONSERVATIVE HOLD - majority 3,247 Held by former Health Secretary Matt Hancock since 2010 the seat has technically been independent since he lost the whip for taking part in the reality show I'm A Celebrity he won a 23,194 (45.1%) majority for the Conservatives which has been slightly reduced to a notional majority of 20,797 (42.2%) due to boundary changes It is the 62nd safest Tory seat nationally out of 372 The constituency includes prosperous provincial towns and rural communities Who is standing in the 2024 General Election in West Suffolk Richard David Bull - Reform UK - 9,623 (20.85%) Rebecca Denness - Labour - 12,567 (27.22%) Luke Thomas O'Brien - Independent - 345 (0.75%) Nick Timothy - Conservatives - 15,814 (34.26%) For live updates on results for the East of England, click here You can also follow live coverage led by Tom Bradby through the night on ITV1 or stream it on ITVX Subscribe free to our Election Briefing newsletter here for exclusive and original campaign coverage from ITV News The county’s most senior MP has spoken about what it’s like to be in opposition for the first time and his priorities moving forward. First elected to represent the South Suffolk constituency in 2015, James Cartlidge held several posts in Government, including most recently as minister for defence procurement. Last month, as the Conservatives geared for what became a landslide defeat, he became Suffolk’s only reelected MP, defeating the Labour candidate, Emma Bishton by 3,047 votes. Mr Cartlidge said he felt ‘fortunate and privileged’ to hold on to the constituency and that his role hadn’t changed despite now being in opposition for the first time. He added: “I still have the same duty to the constituency and I still have the same constitutional duty as a legislator. “I was minister for defence procurement in a very busy time and I’m very proud of my time in office — I think I helped to reform defence procurement. “[The new role] is a massive duty because I have a duty to hold the government to account for how it defends this country at a time of increased conflict.” Since being reelected, Mr Cartlidge has submitted more questions than any other Suffolk MP, mainly about his new role in Rishi Sunak’s shadow cabinet. He said his questioning was mainly due to fears the new Government would make huge cuts to the Ministry of Defence, which could have been prevented with the Conservative agenda. Locally, Mr Cartlidge said he wanted to ensure the delivery of the new West Suffolk hospital and Ormiston Sudbury Academy, both pledges he made during the election period. He also added he would look to work with the new Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket MP, Dr Peter Prinsley, to deliver the hospital. “We still have to campaign for the new hospital but it does sound like the Government understands the urgency of the RAAC issue. “This is not a luxury, we have to rebuild it, and we have to do it urgently, that’s the message I have been communicating repeatedly to ministers and that’s what I will continue to do.” Despite recent confirmation that the plans for the new hospital would still go ahead as other schemes are under review, he said lots of outstanding questions remained, some of which he has tabled for when Parliament reconvenes. Until then, Mr Carlidge said he would continue his work within the constituency and enjoy the break period to be with his family. The Greens' co-leader Adrian Ramsay wins the new seat of Waveney Valley Former deputy prime minister Therese Coffey loses her Suffolk Coastal seat to Labour's Jenny Riddell-Carpenter Jess Asato takes the new seat of Lowestoft for Labour Peter Prinsley wins Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket for Labour Jack Abbott takes Ipswich back from the Tories for Labour Nick Timothy wins West Suffolk for the Conservatives but sees their majority fall to just 3,247 Patrick Spencer wins Central Suffolk and North Ipswich for the Tories with a majority of 15,144 Conservative James Cartlidge retains South Suffolk with a reduced majority But stay with us throughout the day on our BBC Suffolk page as we bring you the latest updates and analysis For the latest on what's happened nationally, you can follow live coverage here Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingCartlidge - 'I'll be a strong voice for Suffolk'published at 07:22 British Summer Time 5 July 202407:22 BST 5 July 2024Jon WrightBBC Radio Suffolk James Cartlidge held his South Suffolk seat for the Tories but with a much reduced majority he said: “I must say there is relief to know that I can return to the House of Commons and continue doing what I been doing which is speaking up for people here locally because it's a wonderful place to live "This is where my home is; where my children go to school And so it just feels an immense honour and I'm very grateful to everyone in South Suffolk who's voted for me "That is my job; to be that strong voice for Suffolk” Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingDevastation for the Conservatives on a historic night for Labourpublished at 07:10 British Summer Time 5 July 202407:10 BST 5 July 2024Ben ParkerBBC Suffolk political reporter The political landscape of Suffolk has totally changed this morning They would have expected to take Ipswich and Lowestoft but Suffolk Coastal and Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket are shocks The polls suggested it could happen but in seats with huge majorities from 2019 Those MPs who did hold on to their seats will have to sit It's been a massive night for the Green Party in Suffolk as well Waveney Valley was a seat they were desperate to win standing their co-leader Adrian Ramsay there and pouring resources into the campaign It's a tough challenge for the new MP with his seat straddling the border with Norfolk Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingFrom one Green to another...published at 07:05 British Summer Time 5 July 202407:05 BST 5 July 2024George KingBBC reporter Richard Rout has a spot of gardening on his mind You'd have thought he'd had enough of anything Green but Tory candidate Richard Rout has a spot of gardening on his mind after losing out to Adrian Ramsay in Waveney Valley “We knew we were up against it and the national tide was against us," he conceded it is a disappointing result but the party needs to pause “I think there are many seats we were contesting and the Greens just four so they were able to put all of their resources into those four could not do that – so it’s not a case of feeling let down and now is not the time for me to cast the finger of blame.” Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRamsay 'honoured' to win Waveney Valley seatpublished at 06:25 British Summer Time 5 July 202406:25 BST 5 July 2024Adrian Ramsay the Green Party co-leader who has just won the new constituency of Waveney Valley with 20,467 votes He said: “I have been doing it a long time and I never take any election for granted but it has felt incredibly positive right through this campaign “People were ready for change and they have seen the Green Party rising and rising in this region and now they have a Green representative in Westminster “I feel overwhelmed by the support and the enthusiasm with which people were voting Green right throughout Waveney Valley and East Anglia was humbling “It has been a long journey but I just feel honoured by the support and I will do my best to represent people right across the constituency." Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingVictorious Tory candidate makes a quick exitpublished at 06:20 British Summer Time 5 July 202406:20 BST 5 July 2024George KingBBC Suffolk reporter Conservative candidate for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich hadn't been keen to speak to the press before the declaration - and clearly wasn't that keen to do so after The speed in which he left the venue after giving his victory speech would have made anyone believe he'd actually lost Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingAdrian Ramsay wins with comfortable majoritypublished at 05:54 British Summer Time 5 July 202405:54 BST 5 July 2024The Conservative candidate in Waveney Valley told us earlier in the night that the Green Party campaign had been "staggering" - and that effort by Adrian Ramsay and his team has paid off The Greens' co-leader is the first MP for the new seat with a majority of 5,494 over the second-place Tories with Mr Ramsay being the first Green MP in East Anglia He joins fellow co-leader Carla Denyer in Parliament Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingGreen Party have first MP in East Angliapublished at 05:52 British Summer Time 5 July 202405:52 BST 5 July 2024Ben ParkerBBC political reporter Adrian Ramsay has won Waveney Valley for the Green Party It's a new constituency that covers both Suffolk and Norfolk who had poured resources and effort into the seat becomes MP for the new Waveney Valley seat in Norfolk and Suffolk Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingConservatives hold South Suffolkpublished at 05:27 British Summer Time 5 July 202405:27 BST 5 July 2024BreakingBen ParkerBBC Suffolk political reporter has retained his South Suffolk seat by about 3,000 votes He had a majority of around 22,000 in 2019 In what has been a grim election night for the Conservatives in Suffolk Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingAnalysis: Suffolk Coastal win huge for Labourpublished at 05:09 British Summer Time 5 July 202405:09 BST 5 July 2024Ben ParkerBBC Suffolk political reporter In what is turning out to be an excellent night for Labour in Suffolk they probably didn't expect to win this seat Therese Coffey has been the MP in Suffolk Coastal since 2010 She declined to be interviewed after the result was announced Election issues in the seat included the NHS and planned energy projects Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingCounting still taking place in South Suffolkpublished at 05:08 British Summer Time 5 July 202405:08 BST 5 July 2024Jon WrightBBC Radio Suffolk There are still a few more piles of ballot papers here at the South Suffolk count Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingTime for cake?published at 05:07 British Summer Time 5 July 202405:07 BST 5 July 2024George KingBBC Suffolk reporter Results have been coming in thick and fast across Suffolk We’re being told it could still be some time… so I’ve given up trying to resist any longer and decided give the lemon drizzle cake a try Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingTom Hunt: 'This is an incredibly difficult result for the Conservative Party'published at 04:59 British Summer Time 5 July 202404:59 BST 5 July 2024Helena GriffithsReporter Former Ipswich MP Tom Hunt has been reflecting on his defeat to Labour's Jack Abbott He added he wished "nothing but the best for my successor" Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingJack Abbott: 'We will bring Ipswich together'published at 04:57 British Summer Time 5 July 202404:57 BST 5 July 2024Helena Griffiths Victorious Labour candidate Jack Abbott is celebrating becoming MP for Ipswich he said: "From the bottom of my heart "I'll be getting to work immediately Together we will build a new future for Ipswich." Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingTory expecting 'difficult night' in Waveney Valleypublished at 04:55 British Summer Time 5 July 202404:55 BST 5 July 2024Richard Rout who is standing in Waveney Valley for the Conservatives despite the new seat straddling the Tory heartlands of rural Norfolk and Suffolk “I’ve never seen so much money thrown at a campaign Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingCelebrations as Labour take historic win in Suffolk Coastalpublished at 04:42 British Summer Time 5 July 202404:42 BST 5 July 2024Labour supporters are celebrating Jenny Riddell-Carpenter's victory over the Conservatives' Therese Coffey in Suffolk Coastal Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingGreen Party 'breaking ground' in Central Suffolk and North Ipswichpublished at 04:36 British Summer Time 5 July 202404:36 BST 5 July 2024Dan Pratt Green Party candidate for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich believes the party is “definitely breaking ground” “When you compare what it is looking like tonight compared to 2019 I am confident we are going to do far better and that is progress for our party,” he said Commenting on the chances of Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay taking Waveney Valley Mr Pratt believes his colleague could just about nick it He said: “It does look close but I think we do have a small but significant margin on [Richard Rout].” And to what extent did Kevin Craig - the suspended Labour candidate - dent his chances of taking Central Suffolk and North Ipswich after being found to have placed a bet on himself losing “Many Green Party voters may have voted tactically before that news broke out in favour of Labour but following the news we may have gained some of those voters back,” said Mr Pratt “I heard on the grapevine a lot of people who would have voted Green said they were going to vote for Labour before the news broke of the political bets I have a tendency to believe people may have come back to us “There is still very strong support for Labour in North Ipswich and the Green Party have a lot of work to do to gain the confidence of voters in North Ipswich.” The leader of a support group for people living with Parkinson’s disease has been recognised as a community champion in an annual awards scheme was named 2024 South Suffolk community champion at Alpheton Village Hall the award aims to ‘recognise the unsung heroes who do so much for the area’ Those short-listed this year included charity fund-raisers community transport operators and good neighbourhood schemes Mr Lane was nominated for his work with Sudbury Independent Parkinson's Group which he set up in 2023 following the closure of the local Parkinson’s UK group in 2020 he said: “I was overwhelmed when I heard about the hard relentless work done by all the other nominees “I did not know I had been nominated until a week before the ceremony “We want more people affected by Parkinson's to come to us so they know they don't have to hide away in embarrassment because of their symptoms “My late wife Martine would have been very proud we got the group going again “My thanks to James and his team for thinking of us.” Mr Cartlidge said there had been many deserving nominees this year paying tribute to those who gave their up time to ‘help others and make our communities a better place to live’ “I have chosen John to be my 2024 community champion for his tireless hard work reinstating a support group to enhance the lives of local people affected by Parkinson’s in a supportive and social way “I wholeheartedly back his mantra of ‘if it only helps one person then it’s all worthwhile’.” The MP for South Suffolk is demanding an explanation over costs after National Grid announced it would not be running underground cables along part of a major infrastructure project The energy giant confirmed it is to install overhead lines through the Waveney Valley as part of its Norwich to Tilbury project as it had pledged in a previous consultation It has been slammed as a ‘contemptible’ and ‘disgraceful’ by council leaders amid fears it will ‘decimate’ the particular uniqueness of the East Anglian countryside Conservative MP James Cartlidge said: “I was very disappointed to learn that National Grid has already decided not to underground any of the proposed pylons through the Waveney Valley my overall position is that the entire Norwich to Tilbury route should be undergrounded using HVDC (a method of transmitting largeamounts of electricity over long distances) “The detailed study into the East Anglia transmission options confirmed that underground HVDC is cheaper than pylons when using a 2034 delivery date “I was also particularly concerned to read National Grid’s latest community newsletter which includes what appears to be a very inaccurate statement on cost comparison between pylons and underground HVDC – stating that underground HVDC will cost five to 10 times more than overhead lines “This is way out of kilter with the above-mentioned study which is the only investigation into cost comparison of transmission options in East Anglia I have written to National Grid seeking an explanation.” The news that National Grid will not lay underground cables also follows last year’s Valued Landscape Assessment a report jointly commissioned by Norfolk County Council and Suffolk County Council The report concluded that the length of the Waveney Valley expresses ‘many special qualities and is a valued landscape’ With a general election right around the corner here are the issues residents in South Suffolk care about with boundaries now matching the district of Babergh the constituency has only been represented by two Conservative MPs since its creation in 1983 have gone on to land central roles in their respective governments as ministers for the environment and defence procurement respectively I took to the streets of Sudbury and Hadleigh to ask residents what their top three concerns were ahead of polling day next Thursday the NHS was by far the biggest concern topping voters’ list 11 of which referred to long waiting times as a primary problem and another seven spoke about the lack of dentists A further five people expressed the need for a new hospital to serve the constituency with one saying ‘it wouldn’t be asking much to have a hospital that’s not falling apart’ voters shared several concerns relating to financial pressures including concerns over the affordability of social care (5) The topic of roads in the district was also brought up by 10 residents with six calling for more to be done about potholes and four were worried about congestion within the town centre Some issues coming up ever so often included the need for investment into education particularly schools not fit for purpose (6) and the need for controlled immigration (4) Cropping up more sparingly was the need for investment into town centres (3) and the impact of the Norwich to Tilbury pylon project (1) also came a split between those who had already decided with 14 saying they had their mind set on a candidate Although those who spoke to me were not representative of the constituency as a whole and candidates might have had a different experience on the doorstep their responses gave a flavour of what’s on voters’ minds ahead of the ballots said restoring honesty and hope in politics her work would include long-term fixes for public services such as reforming and funding the NHS to make sure residents can get appointments with doctors and dentists Ms Bishton also said she would work to protect the environment and tackle climate change without putting undue burdens on businesses and taxpayers who represents Sudbury at both county and district levels as a councillor is taking the Green mantle for the constituency She said her top priorities included not only addressing issues surrounding the NHS and dentistry but also the financial pressures still being felt by residents Ms Carter also said she would push for more attention to be paid to education and addressing unaffordable tuition fees for university students Having represented South Suffolk since 2015 James Cartlidge will be looking for a fourth consecutive term He said he would achieve better health outcomes and drive educational standards by campaigning to rebuild West Suffolk Hospital and Ormiston Sudbury Academy Mr Cartlidge also said having a local say in new housing developments was part of his key priorities after residents shared worries about untrammelled development in the area said she would focus on controlling legal and illegal immigration as a way of tackling issues with public services such as waiting times for doctors and dentists She also said she would also focus on the cost of living by ensuring only those who pay into the system receive benefits making sure people see value for money for their taxes Mrs England’s third priority would be in relation to education after voters shared worries about what is being taught to young children said three issues were by far the most raised while canvassing: the NHS He said he would call for all elderly and disabled care to be free — funded through reverse tax cuts on big banks — and create a South Suffolk Healthcare Summit for professionals and local authorities to meet with MPs and other stakeholders Mr Bartleet also said he would push for business rates to be scrapped and replaced by a commercial landowner levy to support local businesses as well as ease border delays and make sure energy suppliers paid their fair share in tax to address cost of living pressures — Police in Suffolk said they were investigating after a fatal crash early Sunday Officers said they were on the scene of a single-vehicle crash at around 4:00 a.m The driver was identified as Montrell Anthony Bailey Police said the crash happened in the 7100 block of westbound South Quay Rd. Police said they closed the section of roadway while they were investigating