Members of the newly formed Southwold Coastal Community Team (CCT) have visited two key sites where wildlife spaces could be created.
The team met earlier this month to celebrate the town's new Coastal Community status and showcase some of the projects agreed within the CCT's Economic Plan.
The plan, which identifies the main issues which will affect the town's future economic success, highlights preservation and promotion of Southwold's natural environment as a key priority. One of the projects included under this priority is support for the Southwold Millennium Foundation with the creation of a wildlife garden and visitors centre on the site of the Millennium car park on Mights Road.
In addition, it is hoped to create new havens for wildlife beside the Boating Lake with links between other key open space areas, such as the new wildlife garden, the common and the wider estuary and harbour areas.
Members of the CCT were taken on a tour of both the sites, escorted by chairman of the CCT and Waveney District Council's cabinet member for economic development and tourism, Michael Ladd.
Mr Ladd said: 'We are delighted to have been awarded Coastal Community status and the team are already looking at projects and opportunities which will help Southwold and Reydon to build a vibrant and sustainable future.
'We are fortunate to be surrounded by diverse natural spaces; it is essential that these are properly managed and enhanced for the benefit of the community, visitors and future generations.'
Southwold was awarded Coastal Community status in January by the Department of Communities and Local Government, with an initial grant of £10,000 to support the development of the Economic Plan.
The CCT comprises representatives from Waveney District Council, Southwold Town Council, Reydon Parish Council, the Southwold and Reydon Society, Southwold Chamber of Trade and other key business and community groups. They are working together to help co-ordinate regeneration projects in the Southwold and Reydon area.
The priorities identified by the CCT are mirrored by the council's East Suffolk Business Plan which stresses the importance of protecting and enhancing the natural environment whilst maximising opportunities for growth.
For more information about the CCT visit http://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/southwold-coastal-community-team
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