Saxmundham has a very lively social scene catering for many sections of its population and neighbouring villages. All the latest news and upcoming events are published in the quarterly 'Saxmundham News' which is produced by the Town Council and distributed to all residents free of charge. A copy of the latest news is normally posted on this web site, as well as the latest news and comment from the Chairman of the town council. Most events in the town, including council meetings, are listed in the diary.

There are several significant annual events in the town such as St. Georges' Day Weekend celebrations, 'Saxmundham in Bloom', Saxmundham Arts Festival, and information about the 'Action Plan' which has improved the town over the past few years. There is also an ongoing plan to create a New Health Centre in Saxmundham, which so far has not been realised.

Site nomination for new nuclear build

At the end of January this year the Government published details of the process by which the nuclear industry can nominate sites for potential new nuclear power stations and the criteria against which potential sites will be assessed. It has set out how the nomination process will work. Site nominations must be submitted by 31 March 2009. We are expecting Government to publish the valid nominations received on 15 April and there will be a period of a month for the public to provide initial comments. The Government will then assess each site to decide if it meets a number of criteria.

Sites judged to be suitable will be listed on the draft Nuclear National Policy Statement. This will be published for consultation so that everyone can have their say on the draft list of sites. Parliament will also examine the proposals. Once the National Policy Statement is in place it will be up to developers to take forward any specific proposals to construct new nuclear power stations through the planning process. This process will involve further consultation.

No final decision has been made on possible sites and it is important that members of the public and local communities know when and how to have their say . Therefore, we have enclosed a leaflet issued by the Department of Energy and Climate Change which provides more information about how local people can have a say on how sites will be chosen for the National Policy Statement. We would request that you publish this information on your website for your residents, or alternatively they can log on to www.nuclearpowersiting.decc.gov.uk .

EDF Energy Nuclear New Build team